United Kingdom · Visa and migration
IELTS Life Skills level for the UK family visa (partner or spouse)
A first partner or spouse visa application needs at least CEFR A1 in speaking and listening, for example a pass in IELTS Life Skills A1. Extending after 2.5 years needs A2, and settlement after 5 years currently needs B1.
Set by UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office). Checked against the official source on 23 October 2026.
Scores required
Test: IELTS Life Skills (speaking and listening)
Level: CEFR A1 for a first application; A2 to extend after 2.5 years; B1 for settlement after 5 years
Scores are minimums: the score in each skill must be at least the figure shown.
What else to know
- The test must be an approved SELT in speaking and listening, such as IELTS Life Skills A1, A2 or B1, which are graded pass or fail.
- If you passed A2 or higher for your first visa, you can reuse that result for the extension as long as the test has not been withdrawn.
- If you pass B1 or higher for your first visa, you can reuse it when you apply for settlement after 5 years, provided the test is still on the approved list.
- A UK degree or a degree taught in English and confirmed by Ecctis also counts. Nationals of the listed majority English-speaking countries are exempt.
Recent and announced changes
From 26 March 2027 the level for settlement on this route rises from B1 to B2 (statement of changes HC 1691). The A1 and A2 levels for the first application and extension are unchanged.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: Family visa, knowledge of Englishwww.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/knowledge-of-english
- GOV.UK: Family visa, knowledge of Englishwww.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/knowledge-of-english
- GOV.UK: Explanatory memorandum to HC 1691www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1619-5-march-2026/explanatory-memorandum-to-the-statement-of-changes-in-the-immigration-rules-hc-1691-5-march-2026-accessible
Figures confirmed by hand on 23 October 2026; sources last checked automatically on 23 October 2026. Requirements change: the official source always decides.
Preparing for this score
Only speaking and listening count for this requirement. Practise everyday conversations, answering follow-up questions and following spoken instructions. If you take IELTS Life Skills, the test is a short face-to-face conversation with an examiner and another candidate.
See how close you are to the score you need
Take a timed mock test and get estimated band scores for each skill, with the errors that are costing you marks.
Try a mock testOther requirements in United Kingdom
- NMC (nurses, midwives and nursing associates)Listening 7.0, reading 7.0, writing 6.5, speaking 7.0
- GMC (doctors)Overall 7.5; 7.0 in each skill
- HCPC (allied health professions)Overall 7.0; 6.5 in each skill
- GPhC (pharmacists and pharmacy technicians)Overall 7.0; 7.0 in each skill
- Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas5.5 in each skill; CEFR B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening
- Student visaCEFR B2 for degree-level study; CEFR B1 below degree level
This page summarises a published requirement. It is not immigration or legal advice, and we cannot advise on individual cases: for that, use the official body or a regulated adviser. IELTS is a registered trademark. IELTS Prep Studio is not affiliated with or endorsed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, or Cambridge Assessment English.