What is IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)?

If you are looking to work or study in UK, you may need to apply for a UK Visa and demonstrate that you have met the required level of English by taking a Home Office approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), such as IELTS for UKVI (Academic and General Training) or IELTS Life Skills.

IELTS Update
The United Kingdom’s Visa and Immigration Office has approved the Eiken Foundation of Japan to conduct paper-based IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills A1 and B1 in Japan.Japan will welcome test-takers to their test sessions for UKVI IELTS test sessions in Osaka and Tokyo from 1April 2021. Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI will continue to be delivered by the British Council at our Iidabashi office in Tokyo.We hope it will enable you to realise your dreams in the UK!

History
The British Council started IELTS in Japan in 1997. We have been conducting IELTS as Secure English Language Testing for the UK’s visa application globally since 2015 when the UK Government launched a new visa policy. The British Council in Japan started IELTS for UKVI on Computer in Tokyo in 2015 and regularly conducts this test in Tokyo.The Eiken Foundation of Japan has partnered with the British Council since 2009 and has delivered IELTS since 2010.

IELTS for UKVI on Paper

https://www.eiken.or.jp/ielts/ukvi/index-en.html

IELTS for UKVI on Computer

https://www.britishcouncil.jp/en/exam/ielts/which-test/uk-visas-immigration

Is there a difference in test format between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI?

IELTS and IELTS for UKVI are the same in terms of format, content, scoring and level of difficulty. However, the Test Report Form which contains your results is slightly different to show that you have taken the test at an official IELTS for UKVI location, which is approved by the UK Home Office. 

Which test format should I take?

If you are a student, please check with your university / college / school which test you need before booking.

If you are applying for a Student Visa (Tier 4) at a higher education institution to enter directly onto a bachelor or postgraduate degree at a university that is a Tier 4 Sponsor, you must meet the English language level set by the institution. All British universities and colleges accept IELTS Academic results This means you may not need to take an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test but can submit an IELTS Academic result.

If you are NOT a student,  please check which test format you need with the organisations you are applying to before booking the test.

We offer IELTS for UKVI in Osaka and Tokyo in Japan 

Test Description Fee
IELTS for UKVI Academic and General Training on Computer Take Academic test if the university or organisation you are applying to has requested that you take the IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test. Take General Training test if you want to migrate to the UK or want to train or study below degree level.  These tess willl be conducted on Computer. 31,500 JPY
IELTS for UKVI Academic and General Training on Paper Take Academic test if the university or organisation you are applying to has requested that you take the IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test. Take General Training test if you want to migrate to the UK or want to train or study below degree level.  These tess willl be conducted on Paper.  29,400 JPY
IELTS Life Skills A1 Take this test if you need to prove your English Speaking and Listening skills as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration for 'family of a settled person' visas. 20,500 JPY
IELTS Life Skills B1 Take this test if you need to prove your English Speaking and Listening skills as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship. 20,500 JPY

What does the fee include? Our IELTS test fee includes exclusive preparation materials, free practice tests and much more

Taking IELTS for UKVI with the British Council

IELTS for UKVI (Academic and General Training) tests and IELTS Life Skills are taken at a UKVI approved test centre. British Council has UKVI approved venues across the world. You can choose between paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI when you book your test.

Book with the British Council and you will receive:

  • Our special offer which will give you free access to our brand new IELTS for UKVI preparation materials: ‘GEL IELTS Prep' , which includes personalised, smart support that works with you and your learning needs to help you reach your required IELTS for UKVI score, and includes mock tests and practice resource for all four skills.
  • Free access to a last minute preparation course ‘Road to IELTS’, which includes nine videos with advice and tutorials, 100 interactive activities and two practice tests for each of the four skills.
  • Free practice tests and preparation materials: practise IELTS with the British Council for free online or with a copy of the IELTS Practice book which contains sample tests for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
  • Five extra Test Report Forms for free: we send these free of charge to institutions you’re applying to (e.g. immigration offices, universities, etc.). Click here for details.

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