Find Out Latest IELTS UKVI Test Dates 2024

In 2023, the UK government issued 3,057,654 visitor/work/study visas, a 90% hike from the previous year, highlighting the popularity of the country as a work and study destination. 

If you are also planning to move to the UK, you will need to demonstrate your English proficiency by attempting the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) IELTS test. In this article, we will look into the specifics of the exam, such as UKVI test dates, fees, and more.

What is IELTS for UKVI

The UK government has designated the IELTS for UKVI as a Secure English Language Test (SELT) and has officially approved it for visa and immigration purposes. The test follows the same format and difficulty level as the other IELTS categories. 

However, it has been designed per the strict administrative requirements laid down by the UK Home Office. 

The IELTS for UKVI comes in various forms, each for a unique purpose:

IELTS for UKVI (Academic): 

This is for people who want to study in the UK at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. The test is also beneficial for those seeking professional registration in the UK.

IELTS for UKVI (General Training): 

This test is for individuals who wish to migrate, train, or study below degree level in the UK. It shows English language skills on a practical level, both in work and daily social scenarios. 

Besides IELTS UKVI, the UK government also accepts IELTS Life Skills for visa and immigration purposes. 

This test has the following variants:

• A1: Individuals seeking a 'family of a settled person' visa, a ‘sportsperson’ visa, or a ‘representative of an overseas business’ visa can attempt this test to demonstrate their English listening and speaking skills. 
• A2: This test can be attempted by people seeking an extension of a 'family of a settled person' visa. 
• B1: Those applying for the UK Visas and Immigration visa for Settlement or Citizenship can take this test to show their English listening and speaking skills. 

IELTS for UKVI Test Dates

IELTS UKVI test aspirants have the flexibility of 48 annual test dates across India, with online registration offering added convenience. Checking the official website for availability at the nearest test center is recommended to book a suitable test date. 

Here are some key details about IELTS UKVI test dates in India:

• IELTS UKVI paper-based test dates vary by test location, but tests are generally available up to 4 times per month, totaling 48 test dates annually across India.
• It is advisable to book the IELTS UKVI test 4-5 days in advance due to limited slots on each test date.
• IELTS on the computer is now available for UKVI in major cities, allowing test takers to choose from multiple test dates and get results faster in 3 to 5 days.

Upcoming UKVI test dates 2024

Note: These dates are indicative and subject to availability 

IELTS Test Fee

Aspirants can refer to the following table to understand the payable fees for the IELTS for UKVI:

IELTS cancellation (five weeks before the test date): 

You will receive a refund minus a 25% administrative fee. 

If you are unable to attend the exam due to ill health, you can furnish a medical certificate within five days of your test to be eligible for reimbursement minus the local administration fee. 

IELTS cancellation (Less than five weeks before the test date): 

No refund.

On missing the test: 

Generally, no refund is provided. However, a refund is possible with a medical certificate within five days of the test date.

Difference Between IELTS and IELTS UKVI Test

The IELTS for UKVI is similar to other versions of the IELTS test, including the same content, format, scoring, and difficulty level. 

The difference lies in the customer journey on the test day and the Test Report Forms, which will be slightly different to show that the test was taken at a test center approved by IELTS UKVI.

Advantages of IELTS for UKVI

The IELTS UKVI offers several perks: 

1.Accepted by the UK government: 

The UK Home Office has officially approved the IELTS UKVI for visa and immigration paperwork. Thus, it is accepted by all UK organizations and government departments that need an English language test for visa applications.  

2.Easy access worldwide: 

There are more than 4,000 test centers to take the IELTS UKVI test worldwide. This ensures convenience and flexibility for test takers.

3.Smoother visa application process: 

Since the test is specifically designed for visa purposes, attempting this test can streamline the visa application process as it provides proof of English proficiency in a recognized and accepted format. 

4.Secure test format: 

The IELTS UKVI test follows a secure test format. This ensures the integrity and reliability of the test results. This is crucial for visa and immigration purposes. 

5.Comprehensive assessment: 

The test evaluates all the important aspects of English language proficiency, including Listening, Speaking, Writing, and Reading. Thus, providing an accurate assessment of an individual’s English skills to the concerned authorities. 

Now that you know the UKVI test dates, you can kick-start your preparation for the IELTS exam. It is important to practice well and have a solid strategy in place to crack the exam.

Read More:

• IELTS Exam Resources
• IELTS Preparation Online