IELTS for UK visas
IELTS for UKVI in Pakistan
Applying for a UK work or student visa? You may need IELTS for UKVI – the same IELTS test, taken at a Home Office-approved centre. Here are the scores the UK asks for, what it costs in Pakistan and where you can take it. Checked against GOV.UK and the providers on 19 October 2026.
At a glance
- Skilled Worker (new)
- 5.5 each
- Student, below degree
- 4.0 each
- Fee in Pakistan
- from PKR 72,000
- Cities
- 12
IELTS for UKVI scores for each level
A1
- Test
- IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1
- Score needed
- Pass (Speaking and Listening)
A2
- Test
- IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2
- Score needed
- Pass – only available in the UK
B1
- Test
- IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1
- Score needed
- Pass (Speaking and Listening)
B1
- Test
- IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training)
- Score needed
- 4.0 in each skill
B2
- Test
- IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training)
- Score needed
- 5.5 in each skill
C1
- Test
- IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training)
- Score needed
- 7.0 in each skill
| CEFR level | Test | Score needed |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 | Pass (Speaking and Listening) |
| A2 | IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 | Pass – only available in the UK |
| B1 | IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 | Pass (Speaking and Listening) |
| B1 | IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training) | 4.0 in each skill |
| B2 | IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training) | 5.5 in each skill |
| C1 | IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training) | 7.0 in each skill |
Sources: British Council – IELTS for UKVI scores and GOV.UK – Secure English language tests (SELT). Checked on 19 October 2026.
Which UK visas need it
Skilled Worker (new applicants from 8 January 2026)
- Level
- B2
- IELTS
- IELTS for UKVI – 5.5 in each skill
Skilled Worker (held the visa before 8 January 2026, extending)
- Level
- B1
- IELTS
- No new test needed
Student – degree level or above
- Level
- B2 equivalent
- IELTS
- Your university decides – often standard IELTS Academic
Student – below degree level
- Level
- B1
- IELTS
- IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 in each skill
| Visa | Level | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (new applicants from 8 January 2026) | B2 | IELTS for UKVI – 5.5 in each skill |
| Skilled Worker (held the visa before 8 January 2026, extending) | B1 | No new test needed |
| Student – degree level or above | B2 equivalent | Your university decides – often standard IELTS Academic |
| Student – below degree level | B1 | IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 in each skill |
Sources: GOV.UK – Skilled Worker visa: knowledge of English and GOV.UK – Student visa: knowledge of English. Checked on 19 October 2026.
Family, settlement and citizenship applications test Speaking and Listening only, with IELTS for UKVI Life Skills. Rules differ by route and can change – always check the GOV.UK page for your visa.
IELTS for UKVI fee in Pakistan
IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training)
- British Council
- PKR 72,000
- IDP (AEO)
- PKR 78,820
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills
- British Council
- PKR 50,000
- IDP (AEO)
- PKR 53,000
One Skill Retake (UKVI)
- British Council
- Check with the British Council
- IDP (AEO)
- PKR 48,000
| Test | British Council | IDP (AEO) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training) | PKR 72,000 | PKR 78,820 |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills | PKR 50,000 | PKR 53,000 |
| One Skill Retake (UKVI) | Check with the British Council | PKR 48,000 |
Sources: British Council Pakistan – book your IELTS test and AEO Pakistan (IDP) – IELTS fee. Checked on 19 October 2026.
See the full IELTS fee in Pakistan for every test and city. AEO doesn’t accept credit cards for UKVI bookings.
Where to take IELTS for UKVI in Pakistan
IELTS for UKVI is offered in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Hyderabad, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Mirpur. Life Skills is offered in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Mirpur. See IELTS test centres in Pakistan for which provider runs tests in each city.
Before you book
- Book the right testThe test must say “IELTS for UKVI” – a standard IELTS result is not a SELT and won’t be accepted where a SELT is required.
- Academic or General Training?Choose UKVI Academic for degree-level study and UKVI General Training for work or study below degree level – check what your sponsor asks for.
- Use your passport detailsBook with exactly the name and details on your passport, and bring the same original document on test day.
- Mind the 2-year limitYour result must be less than 2 years old on the date you apply for your visa – don’t take it too early.
IELTS for UKVI has the same questions and format as IELTS on computer. Practise with Band.pk’s full mock test and aim comfortably above 5.5 in every skill – Writing and Speaking are usually the hardest to push up.
IELTS for UKVI in Pakistan – FAQ
What is IELTS for UKVI?
IELTS for UKVI is the IELTS test approved by the UK Home Office as a Secure English Language Test (SELT). The questions, format and scoring are the same as standard IELTS Academic or General Training, but you take it at a UKVI-approved centre with extra security, and your Test Report Form shows the details UK Visas and Immigration need.
Do I need IELTS for UKVI or normal IELTS?
If you are proving your English for a UK visa with a test, it must be a SELT such as IELTS for UKVI. For degree-level study, your university can assess your English itself and may accept standard IELTS Academic – check with your university before you book.
What IELTS score do I need for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
From 8 January 2026, new Skilled Worker applicants need English at CEFR B2 – in IELTS for UKVI that means at least 5.5 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. If you held the visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending it, you need B1 and don’t have to prove your English again.
What IELTS score do I need for a UK Student visa?
Below degree level you need CEFR B1 – 4.0 in each skill in IELTS for UKVI. At degree level or above you need the equivalent of B2, and your university can assess this itself, so it may set its own IELTS requirement.
What is the IELTS for UKVI fee in Pakistan?
The British Council’s fee table lists IELTS for UKVI at PKR 72,000; IDP (AEO Pakistan) lists it at PKR 78,820. IELTS Life Skills is PKR 50,000 at the British Council and PKR 53,000 at IDP.
Where can I take IELTS for UKVI in Pakistan?
IELTS for UKVI is offered in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Hyderabad, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Mirpur. IELTS Life Skills is offered in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Mirpur.
How long is an IELTS for UKVI result valid for a visa?
For a UK visa, your test must have been awarded within the 2 years before the date of your application.
What ID do I need for IELTS for UKVI?
A current, original passport is the safest choice – the details you book with must match the document exactly. GOV.UK also accepts a valid photo ID card issued by the country where you take the test.
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