The UK Visa Guide: IELTS UKVI & Life Skills 2026
Your roadmap to living, working, and settling in the United Kingdom.
STOP! Which Test Do You Need?
The UK Home Office is strict. You must take a SELT (Secure English Language Test). There are two main categories:
1. IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training)
- For: Students (Tier 4), Skilled Workers, and Professionals (Doctors/Nurses).
- The Test: This is identical in format, content, difficulty, and scoring to the standard IELTS.
- The Difference: It is taken at a specific “UKVI approved” test center with extra video security. You receive a specific Test Report Form (TRF) aimed at the UK Home Office.
2. IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, B1)
- For: Family members, Spouse visas, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and Citizenship.
- The Test: A simplified test of Speaking and Listening only.
- The Result: No band score. You get a Pass or Fail.
IELTS Life Skills: The Format
This test is unique because you take it with another candidate. It focuses on your ability to communicate in everyday English. During the test there will be another person taking the same test at the same time, and you may need to talk or work with him or her. An examiner will listen and assess how well you communicate.
Level A1 (16-18 Minutes)
- Visa: Family of a settled person (Spouse/Partner Visa).
- Task: You listen to a recording and answer questions. You also discuss simple topics (weather, transport, hobbies) with the other candidate.
Level A2 (20 Minutes)
- Visa: Family Visa Extension (Applying within the UK).
- Task: Similar to A1 but requires slightly more detail. You must show you can participate in a discussion.
Level B1 (22 Minutes)
- Visa: Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) or British Citizenship.
- Task: You plan an activity with the other candidate and answer questions about a short story played on a CD.
Fast Facts: UKVI & Life Skills
| Feature | IELTS for UKVI (Academic/GT) | IELTS Life Skills (A1/B1) |
| Skills Tested | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Speaking & Listening ONLY |
| Format | Individual | Paired (You + Another Candidate + Examiner) |
| Result | Band Score (0-9) | Pass / Fail |
| Duration | ~2 hours 45 mins | 16-22 minutes |
| Security | High (CCTV & Video recording) | High (CCTV & Video recording) |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a standard IELTS result for a UK Visa?
A: Usually, no. If the visa application requires a SELT number (Secure English Language Test), you must take the “IELTS for UKVI” version. Even though the questions are the same, the certificate is different. Always check your specific visa requirements on the GOV.UK website.
Q: Is IELTS for UKVI harder than regular IELTS?
A: No. The test questions are exactly the same. The only difference is the administrative security at the test center.
Q: Who is the “other candidate” in Life Skills?
A: It is a random person taking the test on the same day. You do not know them. You are assessed on your own performance, not theirs. If they perform badly, it does not affect your result (unless you stay silent!).
Q: What happens if I fail Life Skills?
A: You can retake the test as many times as you like, but you must pay the fee each time. Typically, you must wait 7 days before retaking.
Tips & Strategies for Success
1. Don’t Dominate (Life Skills)
The examiner wants to see interaction.
- Don’t talk over your partner.
- Do ask your partner questions (“What do you think about that?”, “Do you agree?”).
- Strategy: If your partner is shy, help them! Asking them a simple question shows the examiner you are a good communicator.
2. Confirm Understanding (Life Skills)
It is okay to ask for clarification.
- If you didn’t hear the recording clearly, say: “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.”
- If you don’t understand your partner, say: “Could you please repeat that?”This shows you have the language skills to manage a conversation.
3. Bring the Right ID (All UKVI Tests)
The UKVI security checks are extremely strict.
- You must bring the exact same passport/ID document you used to register.
- If the ID does not match, you will not be allowed to take the test and you will lose your fee.
4. Focus on “Wh-” Questions (Life Skills A1/B1)
In the Q & A phase, practice asking simple questions starting with:
- Where do you go…?
- When do you usually…?
- Who do you go with…?
- How do you travel…?
5. Know the “Planning” Task (Life Skills B1)
For the Citizenship (B1) test, you have to plan an event with your partner (e.g., a party or a trip).
- Suggest: “Why don’t we go to the park?”
- Disagree politely: “That’s a good idea, but it might rain. How about the museum instead?”
- Agree: “That sounds perfect.”
Advice for UK Applicants
The UK visa process is stressful, but the English test doesn’t have to be. Identify exactly which “Tier” or visa type you are applying for, book the correct “SELT” test, and relax—you are one step closer to your new life in the UK.
Disclaimer: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify the latest requirements on the official GOV.UK website.