Now, when you are planning to study, work or migrate to the UK, you must have encountered two very similar names IELTS and IELTS for UKVI. On the one hand, the two tests appear to be identical as they are testing the same four skills of the English language, which are Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.They however have significant differences that any student or visa applicant should know before making a test reservation.

There is a big misconception that UKVI IELTS is more difficult or has absolutely different form, but this is not correct. The difference between the two should be based on the reason behind the exam and the security measures the UK government demands to visa application. 

Making the wrong selection may cause you to delay your visa process or acceptance into university. In case you wish to receive professional advice on how to select the appropriate test in regard to your study plans, then contact StudyLead Consultants today and receive a customized counsel on your study plans in the UK.

What Is IELTS?

IELTS is a procedure of testing the level of proficiency in English language that is highly accepted in the global arena. It is also designed to test the ability of a candidate to speak English (academic, professional and migration).

Thousands of universities, employers and immigration authorities all over the world accept the test. 

IELTS Academic is generally taken by the students when they apply to universities in a foreign country, whereas IELTS General Training is primarily applied when the student wants to migrate or work.

Key Features of IELTS

• Recognized by universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, and most of other countries.
• Evaluates four language areas, namely: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
• Presentation in Academic and General Training versions.
• Findings have two-year validity.

   

What Is UKVI IELTS?

IELTS UKVI is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) that is certified by the UK Visas and Immigration. It is directed to those people who need to prove that they command English language to seek an application with the UK visa and immigration.

The material, the level of difficulty, and the grading of the UKVI IELTS is identical to the normal IELTS. Nevertheless, the test is done on more stringent security conditions in the UKVI-approved test centers. Yet, candidates are given a Test Report Form (TRF) after they pass the test that it is endorsed as the purpose of a visa to the UK.

Key Features of UKVI IELTS

• Must have to get some UK visa types.
• Only undertaken in test centers that have been approved by UKVI.
• Incorporates further identity checks and security measures.
• Equal grading system and the level of difficulty as regular IELTS.

   

IELTS vs UKVI IELTS: Key Differences

The biggest misunderstanding of the students is that these two exams are dissimilar or not similar in terms of form or difficulty. The fact is that, they are nearly one and the same in the way they are organized, yet they have different purpose and the procedure of their administration.