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. |
| Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
4.0 overall, and for each of the four components. |
| Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
4.0 overall, and for each of the four components. |
|
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa |
B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
4.0 overall, and for each of the four components. |
| Tier 2 (General) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
4.0 overall, and for each of the four components. |
| Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa | A1 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
4.0 overall, and for each of the four components. |
|
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa |
B2 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
5.5 overall, and for each of the four components. |
|
Student visa - below degree level *only when required |
B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
4.0 overall, and for each of the four components. |
|
Student visa - degree level and above *only when required |
B2 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
5.5 overall, and for each of the four components. |
| Family, Spouse or Partner visa | A1 | Speaking and Listening |
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills at A1-Pass. |
|
Citizenship / Settlement visa |
B1 | Speaking and Listening |
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills at B1-Pass. |
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.