Minimum IELTs Score For UK Work Visa
Minimum IELTS Score For UK Work Visa, If you’re seeking a professional UK visa, you’ll need to take the IELTS for UKVI exam. This exam is one of the Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) approved by the UK Home Office specifically for UK Visa and Immigration purposes. People from non-English speaking countries must take this exam in order to apply to UK universities, colleges, or jobs.
Unlike the regular IELTS exam, IELTS for UKVI has four sections focusing on Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking to assess test takers’ English proficiency. Each section has a different pattern, score, difficulty level, and content as well.
Applicants can use their IELTS for UKVI test scores as proof of their English proficiency for registration with UK Visa and Immigration.
Minimum IELTS Score For UK Work Visa
As part of the Points-based System (PBS), UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) evaluates the level of language proficiency of visa applicants by using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Five tiers of PBS allow migrants to apply to work or study in the UK. Applicants are required to prove that they are capable of writing and speaking English if they are applying under Tier 1 or 2. The IELTS English language test can serve as proof.
| Visa description | CEFR level required | Skills | IELTS test and score required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 – Entrepreneur visa | B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | An overall 4.0 and an individual 4.0 for each skill in the IELTS |
| Tier 1 – Graduate Entrepreneur visa |
B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | An overall 4.0 and an individual 4.0 for each skill in the IELTS |
| Tier 2 – General visa | B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | An overall 4.0 and an individual 4.0 for each skill in the IELTS |
| Tier 2 – Sportsperson visa |
A1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | An overall 4.0 and an individual 4.0 for each skill in the IELTS |
| Tier 2 – Minister of Religion visa |
B2 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | The overall score is 5.5, and the scores for each of the four skills are 5.5 |
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The Points-Based System For UK Work Visas
The Points-based System (PBS) is used by Immigration to manage applications by nationals of all nationalities who wish to enter the UK to work, train, study, or do any one of these things. The PBS features various employment routes that are available to foreign nationals –
Tier 1
Entrepreneur: Those highly skilled migrants who wish to establish or take over and be actively involved in a business in the UK can apply for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa. Achieve a CEFR level B1 in reading, writing, speaking and listening (IELTS overall band score of 4) on your English proficiency test. You can score 10 points for your English language proficiency.
Graduate Entrepreneur: Recent graduates who are considering starting a business in the UK can apply for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa. In order to obtain a score of 10 points for your English language proficiency, you will need at least a CEFR level B1 for reading, writing, speaking and listening (IELTS overall band score 4).
Tier 2
General: Students who are interested in working in the UK after finishing their studies should consider a Tier 2 General Visa. A Tier 2 visa is a skilled migrants’ entry visa with a job offer in the UK. As a result of achieving at least CEFR level B1 (an overall band score of 4) in speaking, reading, composing, and listening, you can achieve a score of 10 points on your English language proficiency.
Minister of Religion: As a member of a religious order, a minister of religion, or a missionary, you might be considered for the Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) UK visa if you have been offered a job in the UK by a faith community. If you are able to achieve at least CEFR level B2 (IELTS overall band score of 5.5) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, then you can score 10 points for your proficiency in English.
Sportsperson: There are a number of Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Visas available for elite athletes and coaches who will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest levels within the UK during their employment. In order to apply, applicants need to be internationally established in their chosen field at the highest level possible. If you attain at least CEFR level A1 (IELTS overall band score of 4), you will be able to earn 10 points for your English language proficiency.
Conclusion –
Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) such as IELTS are approved by UKVI. The general test consists of four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You must take your IELTS Life Skills test at a specific location certified by UKVI if you wish to migrate to the UK. The IELTS Life Skills test is a single test covering speaking and listening skills. The CEFR Levels A1, A2 or B1 speak and listen test is for people who need to prove their speaking and listening abilities.
