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Minimum IELTS score to work in the UK and get PR in 2023

As the UK is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, heritage of good schools and an international business environment, people from all over the world strive to live and work there.

Are you planning to study, work and live in the UK? If so, you must be fluent in English as it is the country’s official language after all.

In order to qualify for UK PR and work visas, you’ll have to prove your proficiency in English by taking a specific type of IELTS test known as the IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration).

The IELTS for UKVI is a Secure English Language Test approved by the UK home office for visa applications to the UK.

The format of the test is the same as the regular IELTS test. However, the test report form will be slightly different and there are extra security protocols to ensure the test taker’s authenticity.

Read on to learn more about the UK IELTS requirements.

IELTS test formats and types for the UK

There are various IELTS test formats that you need to be aware of when applying to work and obtain PR in the UK.

The IELTS for UKVI Academic is the test you’ll need to sit if you are looking to obtain a student visa in your journey to get a graduate visa.

The IELTS for UKVI General Training is the test you’ll have to take for all other categories of visa application.

IELTS Life Skills is a test of your speaking and listening abilities and is needed in your PR application.

Minimum IELTS score requirement

1. IELTS scores for Skilled Worker visa (general work visa)

The Skilled Worker visa allows you to stay and work in the UK with an approved employer. This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.

In order to qualify for the Skilled Worker visa, you will need to prove your English language proficiency.

You will have to obtain a level B1 on the CEFR scale. The CEFR stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, an international standard for describing language ability.

This is equivalent to an IELTS overall score of 4.0. This includes a 4.0 overall score as well as in each of the four skills.

2. IELTS scores for Health and Care Worker visa

The Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to work and stay in the UK. They will have to work with the NHS (National Health Service), an NHS supplier or in adult social care.

The NHS is the public healthcare system in the United Kingdom.

The visa will allow the holder to stay for up to 5 years before any extension is necessary. In fact, after 5 years, you will be able to apply for PR in the UK.

In order to qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa, you will have to obtain a level B1 on the CEFR scale.

This is equivalent to an IELTS overall score of 4.0. This includes a 4.0 overall score as well as in each of the four skills.

3. IELTS scores for Graduate visa

The Graduate visa gives you permission to work and stay in the UK for up to 3 years after you successfully complete your degree.

To qualify for the Graduate visa, you’ll need to obtain your Student visa which will require you to attain a minimum IELTS score for the English requirement of your course. You can learn more in this article here.

For example, for most bachelor's degrees, you will have to obtain an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in all skills.

4. IELTS scores for Innovator visa

The Innovator visa is perfect if you are looking to set up and run an innovative business in the UK, which must be endorsed by an approved body.

With the visa, you’ll be able to stay for 3 years.

In order to qualify, you’ll need to prove your knowledge of the English language at a higher level.

You will have to obtain a level B2 on the CEFR scale.

This is equivalent to an IELTS overall score of 5.5. This includes a 5.5 overall score as well as in each of the four skills.

5. Getting PR

In order to successfully migrate to the UK, there are two routes you can take.

The first is applying for indefinite leave to remain (PR).

You will have to obtain an IELTS score of 4.0 in the speaking and listening portions. You will also need to obtain a passing grade in the IELTS Life Skills at B1 test.

The second is applying for a ‘family of a settled person’ visa.

You will have to obtain an IELTS score of 4.0 in the speaking and listening portions. You will also need to obtain a passing grade in the IELTS Life Skills at A1 test.