New English Language Test

My wife is taking her test in Cebu on the 25th August; Life Skills A1.

Sorry to hear your news Christopher, what was the reason the test was not valid?

Basically the certificate has to be from one of the specific 'IELTS for UKVI' tests, and I'm only aware of two test centres approved by the UK to hold these.

These centres were approved after April 2015 so when applying for my wife's test I chose the newly approved centre in Manila, and on the application form 'immigration' to 'The U.K.' was selected as the reason for taking the IELTS 'General Training' test.

So, the official guidance given online to acquire an IELTS English language certificate from an approved centre was followed, but it now transpires this was the wrong test.

Nobody at the test centre saw fit to mention that the test couldn't be used for UK immigration purposes, and why this option was available to select on the application God only knows.

To clarify then for anyone who is about to book a test, it MUST be an "IELTS for UKVI" test, taken at an approved centre.
These are the same as the old tests, same scoring, just taken under stricter conditions.

When booking online, there is now the option to select 'IELTS for UKVI', and you're then able to select the test which is applicable for your particular visa type.

'Life Skills' is the one I selected for August which is just speaking and listening.

As most of us know, the U.K. Govt can't control immigration from the EU so they have constantly made immigration from non-EU countries as difficult and as expensive as possible, changing the goal-posts frequently, always with an increase in the cost.

Hi i would like to clarify which one is correct for spouse visa application. I will book my english test next month. Is it IELTS UKVI cost 16,090 or IELTS LIFE SKILLS cost 12,070 . Im confused help pls.

They are both acceptable. The other English test is the plain IELTS which currently costs only around PhP 9k - be careful when booking. Good luck

Ok thank you @Dav3&Ai5a noted

If the visa is for your wife/partner and you're applying for a 'Family of a Settled Person' Visa so she can move to the UK to be with you, the English Test designed specifically for this is the IELTS LIFE SKILLS version A1 (which is classified as an IELTS for UKVI test).

This link will confirm it for you: http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/ielts-ukvi/what-ielts-ukvi

To book you'll need your spouse's details (including passport/ID number) to register at this site:
https://ieltsukvisas.britishcouncil.org/?_ga=1.250913030.1880182237.1469382567#/

I registered for my wife, but gave her the email and password so she could log in and check/change any details.

Ok thank's for the info

I booked the 16k one, I guess it'll be a difficult one .. im scared.

Hello! I'm currently in the process of applying for a fiancee visa. I would like to ask how long will it take to get the result for an IELTS LIFE SKILLS A1 test? Also, are they going to conduct both speaking and listening tests on the same day?

I'm from Davao City and it's somewhat costly to go back and forth to Manila just to have these requirements completed. I also plan to do the TB test on the same day or maybe the day after the IELTS test. Is this possible? PS. I've got a job that I can't leave for long.

I suggest you hit two birds in one stone. Getting an appointment in TB Test Clinic is easy and the schedule you get could be soon as you wish.

I booked the 16k worth IELTS and it'll be conducted two different days (Aug 11 & 13).
If I remember it right, as I've read before, the result is released after two weeks.

Hi everyone,

The minimum requirement for English Language Test for spouse visa is Life Skills A1. However, if you have an IELTS General Training or Academic qualification, would that be also acceptable? I would think if you have IELTS General Training/Academic then that means that you have better english language qualification. Any application experiences from here that have gone to this route? Or even you have IELTS General Training/Academics qualification, you still need to get Life Skills A1? Appreciate your responses. Thanks

My fiancee has a degree in English Literature. Would that suffice?

Your missus could get her degree evaluated by UK NARIC, as part of that process she could get an exemption from the English Test by proving her degree was taught in English, one would like to think a degree in English Literature was taught in English

Check the UK NARIC website for details.

Ha. Yes, funny if it was taught in Tagalog. A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse would not have the same ring about it!

I took the Academic. If I remember it right you have to get at least 4.0 in each of the four tests.

Is IELTS that strict? I was able to book my exam in IDP Manila. However, they seem to be strict as the email indicated that no cellphone, purse, bag, etc allowed. What am I supposed to do? LOL. I can only think of one solution, staying in marco polo as this is the venue of the exam.

What was your experience? Can anyone suggest me something?

Can someone explain what is meant by having to achieve a 4.0 in each of the tests for level A1 please.

You may not bring anything but your ID with you in the testing room. However, you may leave all your belongings in their baggage counters before you get in the room.

Book an A1 Life skills - Speaking & Listening. Its only a PASS/FAIL result. Don't mind the numbers