What IELTS score do I need for a UK Skilled Worker visa?

Since 8 January 2026 you need B2, which is IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking.

What IELTS do I need for UK settlement (ILR) or citizenship?

You need B1 in speaking and listening. With IELTS, that is a pass in IELTS Life Skills B1. Some qualifications, such as a degree taught in English, can also count.

How long are IELTS for UKVI results valid?

SELT results are valid for 2 years from the date the test is awarded.

IELTS score requirements for UK visas

Checked against official sources on 30 September 2026

UK visas set English levels on the CEFR scale (A1 to C2). To prove your level with IELTS, you must take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills at an approved test centre.

Test accepted: IELTS for UKVI or Life Skills
Skilled Worker: B2 since 8 Jan 2026
B2 in IELTS: 5.5 in each skill
Results valid: 2 years

English level by UK visa

Visa	CEFR level	IELTS SELT
Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker	B2 (all four skills)	IELTS for UKVI: 5.5 in each skill
Student (below degree level)	B1 (all four skills)	IELTS for UKVI: 4.0 in each skill
Family visa, first application	A1 (speaking and listening)	IELTS Life Skills A1: pass
Family visa, extension	A2 (speaking and listening)	IELTS Life Skills A2: pass
Settlement (ILR) and British citizenship	B1 (speaking and listening)	IELTS Life Skills B1: pass

The Skilled Worker change on 8 January 2026

Since 8 January 2026, Skilled Worker applicants must show English at level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. With IELTS for UKVI that means at least 5.5 in each of the four skills. The old requirement was B1, or 4.0 in each skill.

If you got your Skilled Worker visa before 8 January 2026 and are now extending or updating it, the UK government says you do not need to prove your English again.

Which IELTS test the UK accepts

Normal IELTS Academic or General Training taken for study or work abroad is not enough for most visas. You need IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training) or IELTS Life Skills, booked as a SELT at an approved centre. SELT results are valid for 2 years from the date they are awarded.

You may not need a test at all if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country, have a UK degree or school qualification, or have a degree taught in English that is confirmed by Ecctis.

Nurses and doctors

Nurses, midwives, doctors, dentists and vets who have already passed the English assessment of their UK professional body do not need to prove their English again for the Skilled Worker visa. For nurses, that is the NMC, which needs higher scores than the visa.

Questions

What IELTS score do I need for a UK Skilled Worker visa?: Since 8 January 2026 you need B2, which is IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Can I use normal IELTS for a UK visa?: For most visas, no. You need a Secure English Language Test (SELT), such as IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills, taken at an approved test centre.
What IELTS do I need for UK settlement (ILR) or citizenship?: You need B1 in speaking and listening. With IELTS, that is a pass in IELTS Life Skills B1. Some qualifications, such as a degree taught in English, can also count.
How long are IELTS for UKVI results valid?: SELT results are valid for 2 years from the date the test is awarded.

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Official sources

TestWise Prep is an independent practice site and is not affiliated with any government, regulator or IELTS. Requirements change, so always confirm on the official pages before you book a test or apply.