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United Kingdom · English test

IELTS Life Skills: A1, A2 and B1

IELTS Life Skills tests only speaking and listening, and you need a Pass. It’s a UK government-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), taken in person at an IELTS for UKVI centre. The level depends on your visa: A1 for a first Family visa, A2 to extend it, and B1 for British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Which level for which visa

LevelUsed for
A1A first Family visa application, International Sportsperson, Representative of an Overseas Business, and indefinite leave to remain on the Family route
A2Extending a Family visa
B1British citizenship, indefinite leave to remain, Ancestry, Global Talent, Domestic Workers, Hong Kong BNO and Private Life

This is how IELTS lists the routes, as of October 2026. The visa rules themselves are on GOV.UK, so check your route there before you book.

Life Skills or IELTS for UKVI?

Life Skills is the short one: speaking and listening only, pass or fail. IELTS for UKVI tests all four skills and gives band scores. UKVI asks for a minimum score in each section, not an overall average.

Work and study routes use IELTS for UKVI. Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker need 5.5 in each section (B2). A Student visa below degree level needs 4.0 in each (B1).

Price, booking and results

  • In October 2026, British Council London Central listed Life Skills A1 or B1 at £182. IDP India listed Life Skills A1 and B1 at INR 18,000.
  • Book at an approved IELTS for UKVI centre. A test taken anywhere else won’t count for your visa.
  • Bring the original, valid ID with your photo that you booked with.
  • Results come within 9 days.

Explore

Everything else, in one place

OverviewIELTSQuestions and pass markHow many questions are on IELTS, and what’s the pass mark?ScoringHow IELTS band scores workBook IELTSHow to book your IELTS test in the UKCostHow much does IELTS cost in the UK?What to bringWhat to bring to your IELTS testOnline testCan you take IELTS online?ResultsIELTS results: when they come out and how to check themWriting testIELTS Writing: Task 1 and Task 2Speaking testIELTS Speaking: the three parts and the cue cardListening testIELTS Listening: four parts, 40 questionsReading testIELTS Reading: Academic and General TrainingAcademic or General Training?IELTS Academic vs General TrainingIELTS for CanadaIELTS for Canada: CLB levels and Express EntryTest dates and centresIELTS test dates and test centresOne Skill RetakeIELTS One Skill Retake: resit just one sectionOfficial samplesOfficial IELTS sample test questionsPractice testIELTS practice testWhere to learnWhere to prepare for IELTSStudy plannerIELTS study planner
Sources: IELTS, GOV.UK, IDP India and 3 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.