You can use the table below as a guide:

Visa description CEFR level required Skills IELTS UKVI test and score required
Tier 1 (General) visa C1 Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening

7.0 overall, and for each of the four skills.

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Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa B1 Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening

4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills.

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Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa B1 Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening

4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills.

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Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa

B1 Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening

4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills.

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Tier 2 (General) visa B1 Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening

4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills.

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Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa A1 Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening

4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills.

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Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa

B2 Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening

5.5 overall, and for each of the four skills.

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Tier 4 (General) student visa - below degree level

*only when required

B1 Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening

4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills.

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Tier 4 (General) student visa - degree level and above

*only when required

B2 Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening

5.5 overall, and for each of the four skills.

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Family, Spouse or Partner visa A1 Speaking and Listening

Life Skills at A1-Pass.

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Citizenship / Settlement visa

B1 Speaking and Listening

Life Skills at B1-Pass.

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Please note: Those who are applying for a Tier 4 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.