IELTS Score for UK Immigration
The IELTS band you need to immigrate to United Kingdom, scored against the CEFR levels (UK Visas & Immigration). Official thresholds, a full conversion table, and how to check your band before you book the test.
What IELTS score do I need for United Kingdom immigration?
Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas now require CEFR B2, which is IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each section. The older B1 level (4.0 in each section) applies only if you held the visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending it. Professional registration sits higher: the NMC (nursing) requires 7.0 with 6.5 in Writing, and the GMC (doctors) 7.5 overall.
The UK measures English against the CEFR scale. The Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Scale-up Worker and High Potential Individual visas require CEFR level B2, which is an IELTS for UKVI band of 5.5 in each of the four sections. The level was B1 until 8 January 2026, and people who held a Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker or Scale-up Worker visa before that date and are extending it stay on B1 (4.0 in each section) without having to prove their English again. If you use IELTS it must be IELTS for UKVI, taken at an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) centre, and not the standard test. Professional regulators set higher bars: the Nursing and Midwifery Council requires IELTS Academic 7.0 in Listening, Reading and Speaking with 6.5 in Writing, and the General Medical Council requires 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each section. Settlement and British citizenship require B1 in speaking and listening.
Which IELTS test: IELTS for UKVI (Secure English Language Test).
UK IELTS requirements by pathway
| Route | CEFR | IELTS requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker / Health and Care Worker visaB1 (4.0 in each section) if you held the visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending it. Must be taken at an approved SELT centre | B2 | IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each section |
| Scale-up Worker / High Potential Individual visa | B2 | IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each section |
| Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration | Set by the NMC | IELTS Academic 7.0 in Listening, Reading and Speaking, 6.5 in Writing |
| General Medical Council (GMC) registration | Set by the GMC | IELTS Academic 7.5 overall, at least 7.0 in each section |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain / citizenship | B1 | IELTS Life Skills B1 (speaking and listening), plus the Life in the UK test |
| Family visa (partner or spouse)A2 is needed to extend if you passed at A1 | A1 | IELTS Life Skills A1 (speaking and listening) |
| Student visaDegree-level courses are assessed directly by the university; below-degree courses use IELTS for UKVI | B1 or B2 | B2 at degree level, usually assessed by the university. B1 below degree level: IELTS for UKVI 4.0 in each section |
Requirements are set by UK Visas & Immigration and individual regulators. The IELTS for UKVI test differs from the standard IELTS, so confirm your route needs it on GOV.UK before booking.
Official source: GOV.UK
UK IELTS immigration requirements - common questions
What IELTS score do I need for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The Skilled Worker visa requires English at CEFR level B2. Until 8 January 2026 the level was B1, which is 4.0 in each section, and that older level still applies if you held the visa before that date and are extending or updating it. The test must be IELTS for UKVI, taken at an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) centre. The standard IELTS does not count for this route.
What are the Skilled Worker visa English requirements?
You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least CEFR level B2. You can do that with a UK school qualification such as a GCSE or A level, a degree that was taught in English, or an approved Secure English Language Test. If you use IELTS, that means IELTS for UKVI with 5.5 or higher in every section. Nationals of listed majority English-speaking countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, do not need to prove it.
Did the UK raise the Skilled Worker English requirement to B2?
Yes. New Skilled Worker applicants must meet CEFR level B2 instead of B1. GOV.UK states that if you had the visa before 8 January 2026 and are applying to extend or update it, you need level B1 and do not have to prove your English again. Switching into the route from a different visa needs B2.
What IELTS score do nurses and doctors need for the UK?
For professional registration the bar is much higher than the visa itself. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requires IELTS Academic 7.0 in Listening, Reading and Speaking and 6.5 in Writing. The General Medical Council (GMC) requires IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each section.
What is IELTS for UKVI and do I need it?
IELTS for UKVI is the same test as IELTS Academic or General Training but taken at a UK-government-approved SELT centre, so the result can be used for visa applications. You need it for most work and below-degree study routes; degree-level university courses are usually assessed by the institution directly.
What IELTS score do I need for a UK student visa?
For degree-level courses you need the equivalent of CEFR B2, and the university can assess your English itself, so the IELTS band on your CAS is the one the course publishes (commonly 6.0 to 7.0). For courses below degree level you need CEFR B1, which is IELTS for UKVI 4.0 in each section. Always confirm with your sponsoring institution.