IELTS Score for UK Visa 2026: Student Route, Skilled Worker, Spouse & Settlement Guide

The United Kingdom has one of the most complex IELTS requirements systems of any destination country. Different visa types require different IELTS versions (regular IELTS vs. IELTS for UKVI), different minimum scores, and different accepted formats. Getting this wrong can result in a visa refusal. This guide covers the exact IELTS score requirements for every UK visa category in 2026 — Student Route, Skilled Worker, Spouse/Partner, ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain), and Citizenship — along with the critical distinction between regular IELTS and IELTS for UKVI. All data is verified against gov.uk as of February 2026.

IELTS for UK — Which Visa Needs What Score

The UK uses a tiered language requirement system based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Different visa categories require different CEFR levels, which map to specific IELTS bands. The fundamental rule is: most UK visa applications processed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) require IELTS for UKVI — the special version taken at approved SELT (Secure English Language Test) centers. Regular IELTS is only accepted for university admission decisions, not for the visa itself. This distinction trips up many Indian students.

Student Route Visa — IELTS Academic Requirements

The UK Student Route visa (formerly Tier 4) requires you to meet the language requirement set by both UKVI and your chosen university. UKVI mandates a minimum CEFR B2 level for degree-level programs, which corresponds to approximately IELTS 5.5–6.0. However, individual universities set their own higher requirements. Most Russell Group universities require IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall with no section below 6.0. Medicine, law, and humanities programs often require 7.0–7.5. Business and engineering programs typically accept 6.0–6.5.

For the Student Route visa, universities can accept regular IELTS Academic (not necessarily UKVI) if the university is a licensed Student sponsor (which all legitimate UK universities are). However, if your university requires you to take a pre-sessional English course, the pre-sessional admission may require IELTS for UKVI. Additionally, if you are applying for a program below degree level (foundation year, pre-master's), UKVI requires the IELTS for UKVI version at CEFR B1 level (4.0+ in each skill). Always check your specific university's requirements on their website.

Skilled Worker Visa — IELTS for UKVI Requirements

The UK Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General) requires IELTS for UKVI at CEFR B1 level, which means a minimum of 4.0 in each of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). This is a relatively low threshold — most applicants with intermediate English will meet it. You can use either IELTS Academic or General Training for UKVI, as long as it is the UKVI version taken at a SELT-approved center. The test must have been taken within 2 years of your visa application date.

Some Skilled Worker applicants may be exempt from the English language requirement if they are a national of a majority English-speaking country or if they hold a degree taught in English (verifiable through ENIC/NARIC). However, Indian applicants must generally provide an IELTS for UKVI score. If you are planning to work in the UK after studying, note that the Graduate Route visa (2-year post-study work visa) does not have a separate language requirement — it is based on your student visa, which already required IELTS.

Spouse/Partner Visa — IELTS for UKVI A1

If you are joining your spouse or partner in the UK, you need IELTS for UKVI Life Skills at A1 level for initial entry. This is a shorter test that assesses only Speaking and Listening (no Reading or Writing). You need a minimum of 4.0 in both Speaking and Listening. The test lasts about 16–18 minutes and is conducted with a partner candidate. When extending your spouse visa after 2.5 years, you need IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2, which has the same format but at a slightly higher level. Note that IELTS Life Skills is different from regular IELTS — it is a separate test you must register for specifically.

ILR & Settlement — IELTS for UKVI B1

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as settlement, allows you to live and work in the UK permanently. The language requirement is IELTS for UKVI Life Skills at B1 level (4.0 in Speaking and Listening). Most applicants reach ILR after 5 years on a qualifying visa (Skilled Worker, Spouse, etc.). If you previously met the B1 requirement through a full IELTS for UKVI test (4.0+ in all skills), you can use that score for ILR as long as it is still within the 2-year validity period. Otherwise, you must take the IELTS Life Skills B1 test.

UK Citizenship — Language Requirements

UK citizenship (naturalization) requires the same language level as ILR: CEFR B1, demonstrated through IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 or a full IELTS for UKVI score of 4.0+ in each skill. You must also pass the Life in the UK test, which is a separate knowledge test about British history, culture, and government. If you already provided a B1-level score for your ILR application, you may be able to use the same test (if still valid) or provide a new one. For most Indian professionals who have lived in the UK for 5+ years, the B1 threshold is straightforward.

IELTS for UKVI vs Regular IELTS — What Is the Difference?

This is the most commonly confused aspect of UK IELTS requirements. The test content, format, difficulty, and scoring are identical between regular IELTS and IELTS for UKVI. The difference is entirely about security and administrative procedures. IELTS for UKVI is taken at SELT-approved centers with additional identity verification measures (biometric capture, CCTV recording, stricter document checks) that meet UKVI's security standards. The UKVI version costs slightly more (~₹17,000 vs. ₹16,250) and may have fewer available test dates. For a complete breakdown, see our dedicated IELTS for UKVI guide.

When do you need UKVI? For any visa application processed by UK Visas and Immigration (Skilled Worker, Spouse, ILR, below-degree Student Route). When is regular IELTS sufficient? For university admission decisions at degree level and above (the university, not UKVI, evaluates your score). Alternative to IELTS for UKVI: LanguageCert is another approved SELT for UK visas. Compare: IELTS vs PTE.

UK University IELTS Requirements (Top Universities)

UK universities set their own IELTS requirements, typically higher than the UKVI minimum. Requirements vary by university and by program. Below are indicative requirements for popular UK universities among Indian students. Always check the specific program page on the university website for the most current requirements.

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EEC provides integrated IELTS coaching and UK counseling for Indian students. At ₹7,500, you get full IELTS preparation (Classroom, Online Live, or Pre-recorded) covering both the Academic format (for university applications) and UKVI-specific guidance. Your counselor helps you determine whether you need regular IELTS or IELTS for UKVI based on your specific visa category, identifies your target score based on your shortlisted universities, and guides your application from SOP writing through visa documentation.

For UK-bound students, EEC's counseling covers: university shortlisting (including Russell Group and post-92 universities), program selection, SOP and reference letter guidance, CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) support, Student Route visa application, financial documentation, and pre-departure briefings. Whether you are targeting a top Russell Group university or looking for affordable options, EEC's 27+ years of UK placement experience ensures your application is competitive. Call +91 8758883889 or book a free consultation. Compare test options: IELTS vs PTE for UK.

“I was confused about UKVI vs regular IELTS. My EEC counselor explained that I only needed regular IELTS Academic for my Manchester admission, saving me the extra UKVI cost. Scored 7.0 and got accepted with a partial scholarship.”

— Nisha Bhatt, EEC Ahmedabad Student, UK Fall 2025

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