Visa & immigration guide
Spouse / partner visa English Requirements — IELTS for UKVI United Kingdom
IELTS for UKVI scores for Spouse / partner visa in United Kingdom. English requirements for UK family routes — A1 entry, A2 extension, B1 settlement planning
UK spouse and partner routes may require SELT at A1 for initial entry, A2 for extension, and B1 for settlement—often via IELTS Life Skills or IELTS for UKVI at approved centres. English requirements for UK family routes — A1 entry, A2 extension, B1 settlement planning. Use the visa requirement checker on this page with your latest practice or official section scores before you book another test.
Accepted for
- Spouse or partner entry (where SELT required)
- Partner visa extension
- Settlement (ILR) preparation
Check your scores
Enter your practice or official test scores to see whether you appear to meet common requirements.
CEFR A1 — initial entry (where SELT required)
Scores appear below this threshold
Improve: listening, reading, writing, speaking (min IELTS Life Skills A1 or equivalent SELT).
Why score planning matters
Family visa applicants confuse Life Skills tests with full IELTS UKVI, or prepare for the wrong CEFR level (A1 vs B1). Missing the settlement English requirement by one band can delay ILR by years.
Score thresholds
| Requirement | Minimum | Per-skill targets |
|---|---|---|
CEFR A1 — initial entry (where SELT required) | IELTS Life Skills A1 or equivalent SELT | Listening 4+ Reading 4+ Writing 4+ Speaking 4+ |
CEFR B1 — extension / settlement | 4.0 each band | Listening 4+ Reading 4+ Writing 4+ Speaking 4+ |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking standard IELTS when IELTS for UKVI at an approved SELT centre is required.
- Using expired test results outside validity windows required by your visa subclass.
- Preparing only for an overall score when per-skill minimums determine eligibility.
- Assuming B1 is enough when your sponsor or occupation expects B2 communicative ability.
Your prep path
- Confirm your visa route requires IELTS for UKVI at an approved SELT centre—not standard IELTS.
- Identify whether your role needs CEFR B1 (4.0 each band) or B2 (5.5 each band) for planning.
- Check whether you need IELTS Life Skills (A1/A2) or full IELTS UKVI for your partner visa stage.
- Enter your latest section scores in the visa requirement checker linked on this page.
- Prioritize your weakest band with timed section practice before booking another UKVI test.
- Re-verify GOV.UK SELT guidance within 30 days of your visa application submission.
Trusted by 50,000+ learners
Prepare better—and skip the expensive retake
EnglishTestNow mirrors real exam timing and format, gives you instant AI feedback on what's holding your score back, and helps you focus practice where it counts—so you're ready the first time you sit the test.
- Exam-realistic mock tests & timed sections
- AI coaching that pinpoints weak spots
- Avoid $250+ retest fees
Optional coaching tools
Stack on deeper AI help when you need it
Writing coach, speaking coach, exam strategy expert, and spelling practice—premium add-ons layered on top of your membership.
Browse all add-ons →One plan. All exams. Full toolkit.
IELTS, TOEFL, CELPIP, and PTE—unlimited section practice, full mock tests, progress tracking, and access to every premium tool in one membership.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS for UKVI score do I need for Spouse / partner visa?
CEFR A1 — initial entry (where SELT required): IELTS Life Skills A1 or equivalent SELT; CEFR B1 — extension / settlement: 4.0 each band. These are planning references—confirm the current official requirement for your occupation and visa subclass before lodging an application.
Do higher English levels improve my points?
On Australian points-tested visas, Proficient and Superior English add bonus points. UK routes may require B1 or B2 SELT levels depending on the visa.
Which test variant should I book?
UK visa routes often require UKVI-approved SELT centres. Australian skilled migration accepts IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT when taken under the correct registration pathway.
How can I check my current scores against these thresholds?
Use the free visa requirement checker linked on this page. Enter your latest listening, reading, writing, and speaking results from practice or an official test to see per-skill gaps.
When do these requirements change?
Immigration departments update instrument rules, occupation lists, and accepted tests. Re-check the official government page within 30 days of submitting an application or booking a test.
Is this page official immigration advice?
No. This is a planning reference built from publicly cited thresholds. Always confirm current rules on official government immigration websites before applying or booking a test.
Planning reference only
Requirements change by program, faculty, and intake. Always confirm current rules with official immigration or admissions sources before applying.
Data version: uk-visa-2026-06-30