IELTS for UKVI 2026: What Is It, When Do You Need It & How to Book

If you are planning to move to the UK in 2026 — whether for work, study, settlement, or joining your spouse — you have likely encountered the term IELTS for UKVI. Unlike standard IELTS, the UKVI version is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by UK Visas and Immigration. It is the exact same test as regular IELTS in terms of content, format, and difficulty, but administered under enhanced security conditions at SELT-approved test centres. This distinction sounds minor, but using the wrong IELTS version for your UK visa application can result in an outright visa refusal. At EEC, with 27+ years of UK visa expertise, 50,000+ students placed globally, and 26 centres across Gujarat, we ensure every UK-bound student and professional takes the correct IELTS version, at the right centre, for their specific visa type. This guide covers everything you need to know about IELTS for UKVI in 2026.

What Is IELTS for UKVI?

IELTS for UKVI stands for IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration. It is a version of the IELTS test that meets the Home Office's Secure English Language Test (SELT) requirements. The test itself — the questions, the timing, the scoring, the band descriptors — is completely identical to regular IELTS. You will sit the same Listening recording, the same Reading passages, write the same Writing tasks, and face the same Speaking interview format. The only difference is the testing environment: UKVI tests are administered at specially authorised SELT centres that implement additional security measures.

These security measures include biometric identity verification (fingerprint or palm vein scanning at check-in), CCTV recording of the entire test session, secure test rooms with monitored entry/exit, and a unique Test Report Form (TRF) number that UK Visas and Immigration can verify electronically. These measures exist because UK visa officers need confidence that the person who took the test is the same person applying for the visa. Regular IELTS centres do not provide this level of identity verification, which is why regular IELTS scores are not accepted for certain UK visa categories.

When Do You Need UKVI vs Regular IELTS?

This is the question that confuses Indian applicants the most — and getting it wrong has serious consequences. Here is the definitive breakdown:

The most important distinction for Indian students: if you are applying for a degree-level course (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) at a university that holds an A-rated Student Sponsor licence (which includes all major UK universities), you need regular IELTS Academic — not UKVI. This saves you money (~₹750) and gives you more test centre options. However, if your course is below degree level (foundation year, pre-sessional English, HND/HNC, diploma), you must take IELTS for UKVI Academic.

UKVI Fee: ₹17,000

IELTS for UKVI costs approximately £228 (~₹17,000) in India, compared to ₹16,250 for regular IELTS. The premium of approximately ₹750 covers the additional security infrastructure at SELT centres — biometric equipment, CCTV, and secure handling of test materials. While this fee is higher than regular IELTS, it is a one-time cost that is dwarfed by the overall UK visa and university expenditure.

Payment for IELTS UKVI must be made online at the time of registration. Accepted payment methods include credit card, debit card, and net banking. The fee is non-refundable once the test date is confirmed, though rescheduling is possible (with a fee) if done within the permitted window. EEC recommends booking UKVI at least 6–8 weeks before your intended visa application submission date, as SELT centre slots in popular cities fill up quickly.

Approved SELT Centres in India

IELTS for UKVI can only be taken at SELT-approved centres. In India, the British Council operates SELT centres in select cities. As of 2026, SELT-approved centres are available in:

For EEC students in Gujarat, Ahmedabad is the nearest SELT centre. Delhi and Mumbai offer the most frequent test dates and are the best options if Ahmedabad dates are full. Unlike regular IELTS (available in 50+ Indian cities through IDP and British Council), UKVI has limited centres, so early booking is essential. EEC's UK visa team can help you identify the earliest available UKVI slot that aligns with your visa timeline.

How to Book IELTS for UKVI

Booking IELTS for UKVI is slightly different from booking regular IELTS. You cannot book UKVI through the regular IELTS website or the IDP portal. Here is the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Visit the British Council's official IELTS for UKVI registration page (not the regular IELTS page). The URL is different from the standard IELTS booking site.
Step 2: Select “IELTS for UKVI” as your test type, then choose Academic or General Training based on your visa requirement.
Step 3: Choose your preferred SELT centre city and test date. Available dates are displayed in a calendar format.
Step 4: Complete your registration by entering your passport details (your passport must be valid on the test date and at the time of your visa application).
Step 5: Pay the fee online (£228 / ~₹17,000). You will receive a confirmation email with your test date, time, and centre address.
Step 6: On test day, bring your original valid passport (the same one used during registration). Biometric verification will be conducted at the centre.

IELTS Life Skills A1 & B1

IELTS Life Skills is a completely separate test from IELTS Academic/GT. It tests only Speaking and Listening skills at either A1 or B1 level on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) scale. The result is Pass or Fail — there are no band scores. Life Skills is designed for UK visa applicants who need to prove basic English communication ability but do not need a full four-skill IELTS test.

The Life Skills test is taken with another candidate (a paired format). You will engage in conversation with the other candidate and the examiner, discuss everyday topics, and demonstrate your ability to listen and respond appropriately. The A1 level is very basic — introducing yourself, talking about your home and family, understanding simple directions. The B1 level requires you to participate in longer conversations, express opinions, and discuss plans and experiences.

Who needs Life Skills A1? Applicants for the UK Spouse/Partner visa (Appendix FM), Fiancé(e) visa, and certain dependent visas. Who needs Life Skills B1? Applicants for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Settlement, and British Citizenship. If you are joining your spouse in the UK, Life Skills A1 is your first English language requirement. Later, when you apply for permanent settlement (ILR after 5 years), you will need Life Skills B1 or a full IELTS at B1 level.

Alternatives to IELTS for UKVI

IELTS is not the only SELT accepted by UK Visas and Immigration. Other approved SELTs include:

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT: An online, AI-proctored English test that can be taken from home (with live online proctoring). It is increasingly popular among Indian applicants because of its convenience and fast results (3–5 business days). LanguageCert is accepted for the same visa types as IELTS UKVI — Skilled Worker, Spouse, ILR, and below-degree-level Student Route. The fee is approximately £150–200 depending on the level.

Pearson PTE Academic UKVI: A computer-based English test accepted for UK student and work visas. PTE UKVI is particularly popular among applicants who prefer typing over handwriting and those who want AI-scored (less human subjectivity) results. The fee is approximately ₹15,900.

Trinity College London SELTs (GESE & ISE): Trinity's Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) and Integrated Skills in English (ISE) are accepted for various UK visa categories. However, Trinity's test centre availability in India is very limited compared to IELTS.

Despite these alternatives, IELTS for UKVI remains the most widely taken and universally recognised SELT in India. The vast majority of UK visa applicants from India choose IELTS because of its familiarity, the extensive preparation resources available, and the widespread coaching infrastructure (including EEC's programmes). If you are already preparing for IELTS, there is no compelling reason to switch to another SELT unless you have specific circumstances (such as needing an at-home test option, where LanguageCert would be the better choice).

EEC UKVI Preparation + UK Visa Help

EEC's IELTS coaching programme at ₹7,500 prepares you for both regular IELTS and IELTS for UKVI — because the test content is identical. Whether you need UKVI Academic for a below-degree programme, UKVI GT for a Skilled Worker visa, or regular IELTS Academic for university admission, EEC's trainers cover all formats with dedicated batch options. Our UK-specialist batches focus on the band scores required for specific UK visa types: B1 (4.0 per section) for Skilled Worker, B2 (5.5 per section) for Student Route, and Life Skills preparation for spouse/settlement applicants.

Beyond IELTS preparation, EEC provides comprehensive UK visa assistance. Our UK visa specialists handle CAS letter guidance, financial documentation review, Statement of Purpose (SOP) assistance, visa interview preparation, and end-to-end visa application support. For spouse visa applicants, EEC's team guides you through the complex financial requirement (minimum income threshold of £29,000 as of 2026), accommodation evidence, and relationship documentation.

EEC has placed thousands of students in top UK universities including the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, UCL, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, University of Warwick, and many more. Whether your goal is a UK degree, a Skilled Worker visa, or joining your family in the UK, EEC's 27+ years of experience and 26 branches across Gujarat ensure you have expert guidance at every step.

“The most common UKVI mistake we see: Indian students booking regular IELTS for their pre-sessional course when they need UKVI. That one booking error delays their entire visa timeline by weeks. We prevent these errors for every single EEC student.”

— UK Visa Advisory Team, EEC

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Explore more: IELTS complete guide 2026 | IELTS preparation tips | IELTS for Canada PR | IELTS for UK visa | IELTS for Australia PR | IELTS vs PTE comparison | PTE Academic guide | CELPIP guide | TOEFL guide | IELTS online coaching India | IELTS coaching Ahmedabad | IELTS coaching Surat | study abroad consultants Ahmedabad.