IELTS For UK Spouse Visa

IELTS For UK Spouse Visa

IELTS, an acronym for International English Language Testing Service, is a premier test assessing the English language proficiency of non-native speakers worldwide. Its widespread acceptance is evident, as it is a crucial requirement for admissions and migration to countries like the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. Today, over 10,000 organizations globally recognize this test, including 3,000 in the US alone. Developed by world-renowned English language experts three decades ago, IELTS’s popularity has grown. This test is meticulously designed to efficiently evaluate all the essential skills for English language proficiency. Whether you’re planning to study abroad or need to apply for a UK spouse visa, clearing the IELTS is a fundamental step towards achieving your goals. For those specifically looking to apply for a UK spouse visa or any other UK-related visa, understanding the nuances of IELTS for UKVI is crucial. This version of the test meets specific administrative requirements specified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Let’s explore how this particular test format can be your gateway to fulfilling your dreams of moving to the UK.

Wondering Who are the Owners of IELTS?

Here are the three giant organizations owning IELTS:

  • British Council
  • IDP: IELTS Australia
  • Cambridge Assessment of Australia

What are the Stages of IELTS?

The IELTS test comprises four stages, which means it tests you based on the following:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Listening
  • Speaking

Each stage is assessed individually, and the score is given in bands ranging from 0 to 9. Apart from this, one final collective score, in the form of bands, is also provided. Moreover, the band requirements depend on the type of visa that you are applying for. Almost all universities find it necessary to mention the number of bands they require as part of the eligibility criteria for securing admission to a particular university.

What are the Types of IELTS?

IELTS is your proof of command over the English language, the most widely spoken language worldwide. With this, you can apply for any desired job, immigration, and study at any educational institute. It is classified into the following four types:

  • IELTS Academic Test
  • IELTS General Training Test
  • IELTS for UKVI
  • IELTS Life Skills

Wondering What is the Difference between these Types?

The tests are the same in content, format, level of difficulty, and assessment. The only difference lies in the presentation of results according to your visa type.

IELTS Academic Test: As the name reveals, the IELTS academic test is your key to higher education in English-speaking countries. If you are ambitious to pursue your undergraduate or postgraduate studies, this test is for you. This is also applicable if you want to work for a professional institute in an English-speaking university.

IELTS General Training Test: this test is solely for proving your English skills in an English-speaking country. You should take this test if you want to study at a below-degree level in an English-speaking country or if you want to work in one.

Apart from that, it is also applicable if you wish to apply for emigration.

IELTS for UKVI: This test will prove your English language skills and UK visa and Immigration Application. The UK government developed this new test, which is also called SELT (Secured English Language Test). This is solely for immigration and visa purposes.

IELTS Life Skills: This test is specifically designed for those applying for a UK Visa or Immigration as a family of a settled person or broad family of the settled person or for an indefinite time and needs to prove their listening and speaking skills.

This is further divided into three types: A1, A2*, and B1, which are levels of language as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This test is approved as SELT by the UK government.

IELTS Life Skills A1: This is a specific test that comes as part and parcel of your application when applying for a UK Visa or Immigration as a family of a settled person in the UK. This is also used when you are applying for a spouse visa.

The persons applying as a family of a settled person need to prove their listening and speaking skills. This is mandatory to pass to get your desired visa or immigration. The test is usually 16 to 18 minutes long, and you need to score a minimum of 4 bands to pass it.

Posted in IELTS