IELTS tests for UK Visas and Immigration
Please note:
The IELTS TEST PARTNERS* no longer offer IELTS for UKVI on Paper in Japan. Test takers can still take IELTS for UKVI on Computer in Japan. IELTS for UKVI on Computer offers results within 1-5 days and is available throughout the week, offering test-takers great availability. For the last test dates of IELTS for UKVI on Paper, please refer to below.
- Tokyo Test Centre: 26th October 2024 (test date)
- Osaka Test Centre: 19th September 2024 (test date)
* The IELTS test is jointly owned by British Council, IELTS Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 84 008 664 766), which is wholly owned by IDP Education Ltd (‘IDP: IELTS Australia’) and Cambridge University Press and Assessment English (part of the University of Cambridge), collectively referred to as the IELTS TEST PARTNERS or IELTS PARTNERS.
IELTS for UKVI tests are accepted by United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as proof of English if you want to live, work, or study in the UK.
The following tests are used by the UKVI:
| Test | Fee |
| IELTS for UKVI on computer | 29,400 JPY |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 and B1 | 20,500 JPY |
The UKVI will only accept tests taken in person at an official IELTS for UKVI test centre, as UKVI requires an additional layer of security when taking language tests.
In Japan, we offer IELTS for UKVI Tokyo and Osaka.
What score do I need for UKVI visa applications?
The score you will need for UKVI applications, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, will depend on the visa you are applying for.
(Visit GOV.UK for further guidance on proving your English language abilities.)
- For visas that require CEFR level A1, you need to achieve a Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 test (Listening and Speaking).
- For visas that require CEFR level A2, you need to achieve a Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 test (Listening and Speaking). This test is only available in the UK.
- For visas that require CEFR level B1, you need to achieve a Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 test (Listening and Speaking).
- For visas that require CEFR level B1, you need to get at least an IELTS score of 4.0 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
- For visas that require CEFR level B2 you need to get at least an IELTS score of 5.5 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
- For visas that require CEFR level C1 you need to get at least an IELTS score of 7.0 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
The UK government requires you to achieve the scores above in every component of your test. Understand your IELTS score and see how IELTS helps you to prepare.