What is IELTS UKVI? Difference between IELTS UKVI & regular IELTS

An English certificate used as a "passport" to study abroad is no longer a new form for many people who choose to pursue this path. However, for UK students, IELTS UKVI will be used to accept UK student visas. Let's find out the difference between regular IELTS and UKVI IELTS with DOL!

1. What is IELTS UKVI?

IELTS UKVI certificate of the UK Immigration Department

IELTS is the only qualification accepted by UK visas and immigration, known as IELTS UKVI. This is a different test from the regular IELTS, so there are new standards applied in this test.

UKVI IELTS has 4 forms: Academic (UKVI Academic), General (UKVI General Training), IELTS Life Skills Level A1, IELTS Life Skills Level B1. 

Regular IELTS in 2 formats Academic and General is only recognized in countries such as Australia, USA, Canada.

However, with this degree in hand, you not only have the opportunity to apply for a visa and study in the UK but also in other countries where you want to study. 

UKVI IELTS certificate is accepted in many countries

Candidates must take IELTS For UKVI to apply for any UK visa. IELTS General Training For UKVI or IELTS Academic For UKVI scores can both be used to apply for a visa to study, work or migrate globally

Let's find out information about the IELTS UKVI tests to see how they are specifically structured :

Exam Type	IELTS UKVI Academic	IELTS UKVI General	IELTS Life Skills Level A1	IELTS Life Skills Level B1
Exam structure	4 skills	4 skills	2 skills (listening, speaking)	2 skills (listening, speaking)
Contestants	Suitable for those who want to continue their university or high school and apply for a job in the UK.	Suitable for those who want to settle down and study high school, pre-university programs.	Suitable for individuals who wish to immigrate as a family such as spouses, parents,...	Suitable for those who intend to live permanently in the UK.
Exam registration fee	6,780,000 VND	6,780,000 VND	5,100,000 VND	5,100,000 VND

Information sheet about types of IELTS test

2. Difference between IELTS and IELTS UKVI

Difference between IELTS and UKVI IELTS

Compared to the normal IELTS test, IELTS UKVI has the following differences : 

Criteria	Recognized Area	Exam forms	Exam registration fee	Exam registration form	Location exam
Regular IELTS test	IELTS Academic and General are recognized in most English-speaking countries	On paper and computer	About 4,664,000 VND	Online or in person at the office	British Council or IDP
IELTS test UKVI	Recognized in the UK, used to apply for a UK student visa	On paper	About 7,155,950 VND	Online	Centers designated by the UK Immigration Service

Difference between IELTS UKVI and IELTS:

3. Should take IELTS or IELTS UKVI

Should you take IELTS or UKVI IELTS?

Some UK schools have specific rules on whether you should submit a regular IELTS or IELTS UKVI.

It should be remembered that a regular IELTS certificate can also be accepted in the UK, so if you wish you can register for the regular IELTS test without having to take the UKVI IELTS exam. 

If you do not intend to study in the UK, but have a long-term settlement plan, you need to consult the information of the organization to which you intend to apply before choosing the appropriate exam form. 

You can refer to what is IELTS for UKVI? here it is:

4. Types of IELTS UKVI

Let's find out what types of IELTS UKVI tests are available:

Exam Type	IELTS UKVI Academic	IELTS UKVI General	IELTS Life Skills Level A1	IELTS Life Skills Level B1
Exam structure	4 skills	4 skills	2 skills (listening, speaking)	2 skills (listening, speaking)
Contestants	Suitable for those who want to continue their university or high school and apply for a job in the UK.	Suitable for those who want to settle down and study high school, pre-university programs.	Suitable for individuals who wish to immigrate as a family such as spouses, parents,...	Suitable for those who intend to live permanently in the UK.
Exam fee	6,780,000 VND	6,780,000 VND	5,100,000 VND	5,100,000 VND

5. Is IELTS UKVI available in other countries?

Is IELTS UKVI used in another country?

Regular IELTS can be applied in the UK, so is IELTS UKVI applicable in other countries? The answer is yes to you. 

With this degree, you can apply to both universities in the UK but also schools in other countries such as the US, Canada, and New Zealand. 

6. Where can I register for the UKVI exam?

- How to register for IELTS UKVI online at IDP

• Step 1: Candidates access: https://ielts.idp.com/book/UKVI?countryId=227
• Step 2: Candidates check the available test dates and choose the exam date that suits their personal schedule.
• Step 3: Candidates need to fill in personal information and pay the exam fee.
• Step 4: After completing the procedures, candidates will receive a confirmation of successful registration by email within 3 working days.

- How to register for IELTS UKVI online in BC

• Step 1: Candidates visit: https://ieltsregistration.britishcouncil.org/orsnbc and create a personal information account.
• Step 2: Candidates choose the desired test (IELTS UKVI).
• Step 3: Candidates choose the country and test location.
• Step 4: Candidates choose the form and time of the exam
• Step 5: Choose the exam schedule
• Step 6: Create account registration page.
• Step 7: Check information
• Step 8: Pay the exam fee

- How to register for IELTS UKVI at DOL IELTS Dinh Luc

• Step 1: Candidates can go to DOL IELTS Dinh Luc campus 3/2 to register for IELTS UKVI
• Step 2: Candidates check the available test dates and choose the exam date that suits their personal schedule.
• Step 3: Candidates need to fill in personal information and pay the exam fee.
• Step 4: Candidates need to pay the exam fee to DOL for DOL to transfer the application through IDP or BC to register
• Step 5: After completing the procedures, candidates will receive a confirmation of successful registration by email within 3 working days.

Reference materials for IELTS UKVI 

7. Notes when registering for IELTS UKVI

Things to pay attention to when registering for IELTS UKVI

Similar to the regular IELTS test, for this test you also need to note some points when registering for the exam as follows:

• This exam is held very limited, so you need to carefully research the venues approved by the UK Immigration Department. 
• Due to the nature of the test, supervision will be very strict and the process of participating in the test will be recorded with about 20 candidates in an exam room.
• Regarding the exam schedule, this exam is held separately, not coincident with the time of regular IELTS exams, so if you plan to take this exam, you must check the exam schedule on the websites of the organizations. reputable institution to ensure an appropriate registration period.
• You will need to consult with the UK's Immigration and Visas Service to see what exams you need to complete before you can begin immigration procedures or apply for scholarships or visas in the UK.

Specifically:

Visa Description (UK Only)	CEFR . level	Skills	IELTS score on demand
Visa Type 1 (General)	C1	Listening speaking reading writing	IELTS – 7.0 comprehensive and per skill
Visa Category 1 (Special Talent)	B1	Listening speaking reading writing	IELTS – 4.0 comprehensive and per skill
Visa Category 1 (Business Owner)	B1	Listening speaking reading writing	IELTS – 4.0 comprehensive and per skill
Visa type 1 (Business owner is a recent university graduate)	B1	Listening speaking reading writing	IELTS – 4.0 comprehensive and per skill
Visa Type 2 (General)	B1	Listening speaking reading writing	IELTS – 4.0 comprehensive and per skill
Visa Category 2 (athletes)	A1	Listening speaking reading writing	IELTS – 4.0 comprehensive and per skill
Visa Category 2 (Clerical)	B2	Listening speaking reading writing	IELTS – 5.5 comprehensive and per skill
Student Visa Category 4 (General) – below diploma level(Please read important information about student visa category 4)	B1	Listening speaking reading writing	IELTS – 4.0 comprehensive and per skill
Student Visa Category 4 (General) – at or above diploma level(Please read important information about student visa category 4)	B2	Listening speaking reading writing	IELTS – 5.5 comprehensive and per skill
Family members of stable visa holders	A1	Heard	IELTS Life Skills Level A1 – Pass
Unlimited exit for retention (or stabilization) or naturalization	B1	Heard	IELTS Life Skills Level B1 – Pass

Overall, the IELTS UKVI test differs from the regular IELTS test in a number of ways, such as the test format, the skills required for the test, the fees, and the purpose of the test.

8. Frequently asked questions

How much is the IELTS UKVI tuition fee?

According to the official British Council IELTS site, it is necessary to pay around INR 18,500 UKVI IELTS fees.

Is IELTS UKVI required for Masters level?

With any education degree from the UK it will be necessary to take a separate language test called IELTS for UKVI. IELTS General will no longer be accepted at UK universities and colleges.

How long is IELTS UKVI valid for?

IELTS UKIV scores will only be valid for 2 years.

Hopefully, through the information about the IELTS UKVI exam shared and advised by DOL in the article, readers will no longer have questions about IELTS UKVI . Also understand the effect of this certificate. In addition, if you have any questions, please leave a comment below or contact DOL directly via hotline 1800 96 96 39. DOL English is always ready to advise and answer you!