You can use the table below as a guide:

Visa description CEFR level required Components IELTS for UKVI test and score required
Tier 1 (General) visa C1 Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening

7.0 overall, and for each of the four components.

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 Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa  B1  Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening  4.0 overall, and for each of the four components.

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 Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa  B1  Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening 

 4.0 overall, and for each of the four components.

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  Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa  B1  Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening  4.0 overall, and for each of the four components.

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 Tier 2 (General) visa  B1  Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening  4.0 overall, and for each of the four components.

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  Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa  A1   Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening  4.0 overall, and for each of the four components.

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 Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa   B2   Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening  5.5 overall, and for each of the four components.

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 Student visa - below degree level

*only when required

 B1  Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening   4.0 overall, and for each of the four components.

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Student visa - degree level and above  B2  Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening   5.5 overall, and for each of the four components.

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 Family, Spouse or Partner visa  A1  Speaking and Listening  IELTS for UKVI Life Skills at A1-Pass.

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Citizenship / Settlement visa  B1   Speaking and Listening 

IELTS for UKVI Life Skills at B1-Pass.

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Please note: Those who are applying for a student visa to a Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) to study a bachelor or postgraduate degree are required to meet the English language level set by the institution. All British universities and colleges accept IELTS results. This means you can apply with an IELTS result from any of the 1,000 IELTS test locations worldwide unless your institution has additional requirements. Please check with the official Register of Sponsors from the Home Office.

 

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