Which IELTS test do I need?

Visa descriptionMinimum CEFR level requiredSkillsIELTS test and minimum scores required
Innovator B2Listening, Reading, Writing and SpeakingIELTS for UKVI
5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills
Start-upB2Listening, Reading, Writing and SpeakingIELTS for UKVI
5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills
Skilled Worker (formerly known as Tier 2 General work visa)B1Listening, Reading, Writing and SpeakingIELTS for UKVI
4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Minister of Religion (T2)B2Listening, Reading, Writing and SpeakingIELTS for UKVI
5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills

Student (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa) - Degree level or above

If you’re studying at degree level or above, your Higher Education Provider (HEP) can assess your level of English themselves. This means they may ask you to do a different test. This must still be equivalent to a CEFR level B2.

Equivalent to B2Listening, Reading, Writing and SpeakingIELTS/IELTS for UKVI
5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills

Student (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa) - Below degree level 

B1Listening, Reading, Writing and SpeakingIELTS for UKVI
4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills

Sportsperson (T2)

A1Speaking and ListeningIELTS Life Skills A1 - Pass
IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening

Representative of an Overseas Business

A1Speaking and ListeningIELTS Life Skills A1 - Pass
IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening

Family Route; Spouse/partner; Fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner; Parent of a dependent

A1Speaking and ListeningIELTS Life Skills A1 - Pass
IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening

Family Route (extension); Spouse/partner; Parent of a dependent

A2Speaking and ListeningIELTS Life Skills A2 - Pass
IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening

Settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain)

B1 Speaking and ListeningIELTS Life Skills B1 - Pass
IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening