Looking to move to the UK? IELTS Life Skills is specifically designed for people who are required to prove their speaking and listening ability as part of their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) application. We can help you to achieve your goals.

Who is the test for?

IELTS Life Skills is an English test for people who need to prove their English speaking and listening ability as part of a UK Visa and Immigration application (UKVI):

  • if you want to remain with a relative, spouse or partner already living in the UK permanently
  • if you are already living in the UK and want to make it your permanent home
  • if you want to become a British citizen.

The test is included on the UK Home Office list of Secure English Language Tests (SELT) and is available to take both in the UK and internationally.

IELTS Life Skills test format

There are 3 Life Skills tests available:

  • IELTS Life Skills – A1 Speaking and Listening – Take IELTS Life Skills A1 if you need to prove your English proficiency as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration for visas that are for the ‘family of a settled person’.
  • IELTS Life Skills – A2 Speaking and Listening (Offered in the UK only) – Take IELTS Life Skills A2 if you need to prove your English proficiency as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration for a visa that is for ‘extension to a family, spouse or partner’.
  • IELTS Life Skills – B1 Speaking and Listening – Take IELTS Life Skills B1 if you need to prove your English proficiency as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration for ‘citizenship or indefinite leave to remain’.

Each test corresponds to Level A1, A2 or B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – the internally recognised guidelines for measuring language ability.

Life Skills tests have two main parts. In the first part of the test, you will be expected to ask and answer questions on familiar topics. The second part of the test is a combined Listening and Speaking task.

How long does the test take?

Life Skills tests are completed in one short session:

  • IELTS Life Skills – A1 Speaking and Listening: 16 –18 minutes
  • IELTS Life Skills – A2 Speaking and Listening: 20 minutes
  • IELTS Life Skills – B1 Speaking and Listening: 22 minutes.