The new UKVI IELTS tests are Secure English Language Tests, approved by the UK Visas and Immigration department. The tests are only taken at approved testing centres in Singapore on certain dates and provide evidence of your level of English language proficiency by giving you a score for reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test is hosted by both the IDP and the British Council. The United Kingdom accepts UKVI IELTS test scores from both of these institutions. Read on to find out more about when and where the UKVI IELTS test is offered. The information mentioned below is useful if you are unsure about whether or not you should register for the UKVI IELTS exam.
Who Should take the UKVI IELTS Test?
The UKVI IELTS exam is only for those test takers who are applying for United Kingdom visas and immigration purposes. ‘IELTS for UKVI’ is a UK government-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). This means that the UKVI IELTS test can be used to prove your English language abilities in support of aUK Visa application.
The content, examiners, format, the level of difficulty, scoring, are exactly the same as the regular IELTS test. There are also different versions of the UKVI test such as the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests. These tests are designed to meet certain administrative requirements that are specified by the UK Home Office. The test report forms are slightly different and show that the test was taken at an IELTS UK visa session.
When Is The UK Visas And Immigration IELTS Test Held?
The UKVI IELTS Academic Listening, Reading and Writing tests are scheduled on 48 days per year, which is usually on a the on Thursdays or Saturdays, and the Speaking test is either on the same day or seven days before or after that. However, the IELTS General Training tests for UKVI are scheduled for only 24 days per year.
How Can You Choose A IELTS UKVI Test Date?
Once you have confirmed that you do in fact have to take the UKVI IELTS Test you can book the test either in person at the nearest IDP or British Council test centre or online on the official IELTS website. The website will provide a list of test centres and test dates for the UKVI IELTS tests in your chosen country. It is also important to note that there are fewer test locations and dates for the Computer-delivered UKVI IELTS exam than there are for the paper-based test.
Since the UKVI IELTS has the same format and level of difficulty as the regular IELTS exams, there are no special UKVI IELTS preparatory courses, and you can use ordinary IELTS resources and materials to prepare for the exams. Consider enrolling for coaching classes to maximise your chances of scoring well in a shorter amount of time.