| Updated On - Sep 5, 2025
UKVI IELTS Highlights:
- UKVI IELTS: The UKVI IELTS examination is undertaken to avail of the different types of UK visas. It is an approved ELP test by the UK government.
- Fees: The fee for UKVI IELTS is ₹18,250. IELTS Life Skills costs around ₹17,000.
- Types of UKVI IELTS: The types of UKVI IELTS examinations are IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, IELTS Life Skills A1, IELTS Life Skills A2.
- UKVI Test Results: UKVI test results are out in 2-7 days. However, you can check the results online.
IELTS UKVI, or IELTS UK Visas and Immigration, is a version of the popular IELTS exam approved by the UK government. It is specifically designed for those who want to live, work, or study in the UK. The UKVI IELTS is only conducted in person at a designated test center because it requires an additional layer of security. The different types of UKVI IELTS examination are as follows:
- IELTS for UKVI
- IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1
- IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2
- IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1
UK visas require the demonstration of a candidate's reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening skills. A minimum of 4.0 in the UKVI IELTS band score is required for the different types of UK visas.
IELTS for UKVI is the same as the regular IELTS in its test format, scoring, content, and difficulty level. However, due to the added security measures, the fee is slightly higher at ₹18,250. Apart from this, you also get a special Test Report Form (TRF) with an SELT Reference Number, which the UK government uses for visa processing.
Types of UKVI IELTS
The types of UKVI IELTS tests available include IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills (A1, A2, B1).
Given below are the details about the types:
| Type of UKVI IELTS | Purpose |
|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI | Student visa, Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care Worker visa, Innovator Founder visa, Minister of Religion visa |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 | International Sportsperson visa, Family route, Representative of an Overseas Business visa |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 | Family visa (extension) |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 | British citizenship, Indefinite leave to remain |
UKVI IELTS Exam Fee
The UKVI IELTS exam has slightly higher fees as compared to the regular IELTS exam. This is due to the stringent measures required for this exam. The table below gives the UKVI IELTS fees in India as of 2025 for the different types of the exam:
| UKVI IELTS Type | Fee in India in 2025 |
|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI computer-based | ₹18,250 |
| IELTS for UKVI | ₹18,250 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | ₹17,000 |
Note: The rechecking, rescheduling, and cancellation for the UKVI IELTS exam are the same as the regular IELTS. You can check these fees here: IELTS Exam Fees
UKVI IELTS Score Requirement for Different Types of Visas
The minimum score requirement in the UKVI IELTS for the different visa types depends on the CEFR level required for the same.
- For visas that require CEFR level A1: Pass in IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 (Listening and Speaking).
- For visas that require CEFR level A2: Pass in IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 (Listening and Speaking).
- For visas that require CEFR level B1:
- Pass in IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 (Listening and Speaking).
- Minimum 4.0 in each section
- For visas that require CEFR level B2: Minimum 5.5 in each section
- For visas that require CEFR level C1: Minimum 7.0 in each section
Check the table below to know which visas require what CEFR levels.
| Visa Purpose | CEFR Level Required |
|---|---|
| Family route, International Sportsperson visa | A1 |
| Family visa (extension) | A2 |
| Student Visa (below degree level), British citizenship, Indefinite leave to remain, Health and Care Worker visa, Skilled Worker visa | B1 |
| Student Visa (degree level or above), Minister of Religion visa, Innovator Founder visa | B2 |
UKVI IELTS Test Booking
The UKVI IELTS registration process is the same as the regular IELTS. Indian students applying for the UKVI IELTS test must visit the official IDP website. The exam dates are available every month. Make sure you take the test at a UK VI-approved test center. Given below is the UKVI IELTS application process:
- Go to the official IDP website.
- Click on “Book Now”.
- Choose the type of UKVI IELTS test (Academic, General, Life Skills, Paper-based, Computer-based).
- Check the availability of the test center and dates.
- Book your desired test center, test date, and slot.
- Fill in your personal and passport details.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport.
- Pay the UKVI IELTS cost of ₹18,250.
- After booking, you will receive a confirmation message about the test center and exam time.
Also Check: IELTS Registration
UKVI IELTS Test Centers in India
The UKVI IELTS exam is conducted only in approved test centers, which have additional security measures in place. In India, there are 42 locations where UKVI-approved test centers are present. These are mentioned in the table below.
| Test Center Location | Test Center Location | Test Center Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | Dehradun - Ballupur Chowk | Mumbai - Lower Parel |
| Amritsar | Goa - MG Road | Navi Mumbai - CBD Belapur |
| Anand - V V Nagar | Gurugram | New Delhi - Nehru Place |
| Bathinda | Hyderabad - Begumpet | New Delhi - Pitampura |
| Bengaluru - St. Marks Road | Hyderabad - Kukatpally | Noida |
| Bengaluru - Whitefield | Jaipur | Patiala - Leela Bhawan |
| Bhopal - MP Nagar | Jalandhar | Pune - Shivaji Nagar |
| Bhubaneswar - Kharvela Nagar | Karnal - Shyam Nagar | Rajkot - Nana Mauva Circle |
| Calicut - Malaparamba | Kochi | Surat |
| Chandigarh | Kolkata - Park Street | Thane |
| Chandigarh - Sec 34 | Lucknow - Aliganj | Trivandrum - Kumarapuram |
| Chennai | Ludhiana | Vadodara |
| Chennai - Adyar | Mehsana - Radhanpur Road | Vijayawada |
| Coimbatore - Avinashi Main Road | Mumbai | Visakhapatnam - Santhipuram |
UKVI IELTS vs IELTS
The UKVI IELTS only slightly differs from the regular IELTS. UKVI IELTS fees and test centers are different, owing to the additional and tight security measures required. The key differences between the two tests are mentioned in the table below.
| Parameters | IELTS | UKVI IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | On computer + paper | On computer + paper with added security |
| Fees | ₹18,000 | ₹18,250 |
| Who Can Take? | International candidates | International candidates who want to migrate to the UK |
| Minimum Score Required | 6.5 | 4.0 |
Advantages of UKVI IELTS
The UKVI IELTS has certain advantages over the regular IELTS examination, as mentioned below:
- Accepted for UK Visa and Immigration Purposes: IELTS UKVI is officially approved by the UK Home Office for visa applications. Regular IELTS is not valid for UK visa applications unless the sponsoring institution specifically states otherwise.
- Accepted by all UK Universities requiring SELT: Many UK universities are UKVI-approved sponsors and require a Secure English Language Test (SELT). IELTS UKVI meets this SELT requirement, ensuring your test result is valid not only for admission but also for visa processing.
IELTS UKVI is an important test for anyone who wants to study, work, or move to the UK. It is officially accepted by the UK government and meets all visa and immigration requirements. Make sure to choose the right test type based on your visa, and book your test early at an approved center to avoid any last-minute problems.
FAQs
Ques. Can I use my IELTS UKVI score for countries other than the UK?
Ans. Yes, you can. IELTS UKVI scores are accepted by other countries and institutions that recognize IELTS. However, it's primarily intended for UK visa applications, so confirm with your destination institution.
Ques. How long does it take to receive the UKVI IELTS results?
Ans. For computer-delivered tests, results are usually available within 3–5 days. For paper-based tests, results take around 13 days from the test date.
Ques. Can I request a re-evaluation of my UKVI IELTS scores?
Ans. Yes, you can apply for an Enquiry on Results (EOR) if you're not satisfied with your scores. You must apply within 6 weeks of the test date, and there's a fee which is refunded if your score improves.
Ques. What happens if I miss my UKVI IELTS test due to an emergency?
Ans. If you miss the test due to a medical or other serious emergency, you may be eligible for a partial refund or free rescheduling, provided you submit valid proof within the required timeframe.
Ques. Can I use the same IELTS UKVI TRF for multiple UK university applications?
Ans. Yes. You can send copies of your Test Report Form (TRF) to multiple UK universities. Some may also accept electronic delivery directly from the test center.
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