IELTS for UKVI is approved by the UK government as a proof of your English language abilities in support of a visa application, and is also accepted by the Canadian, Australian and New Zealand governments. If you are planning to study at non-higher education institutions, on pre-sessional or foundation courses (below degree level), IELTS for UKVI is required.
IELTS for UKVI (Academic and General Training)
If you’re applying for Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas to the UK, this is the test for you. The actual test taken is the same for both IELTS and IELTS for UKVI, with the same content, examiners, format, level of difficulty, scoring and so on. The only difference between the two is that IELTS for UKVI is a Secure English Language Test (SELT), administered in a test venue with video recording and CCTV facilities. Test Report Forms will be slightly different, to show that you have taken the test at an IELTS UK visa session.