Difference between IELTS Academic/General training VS IELTS UKVI

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and IELTS UKVI (IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration) are two variations of the same test, but they have some differences in terms of purpose and administration. Here are the key distinctions:

  1. Purpose:
    • IELTS: It is primarily used for academic and general purposes, such as university admissions, employment opportunities, and immigration to countries where IELTS is accepted as proof of English language proficiency.
    • IELTS UKVI: This version of the test is specifically designed for individuals who need to satisfy the English language requirements for a UK visa or immigration application.
  2. Test Format:
    • IELTS: It consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are the same for both academic and general training modules, while the Speaking section is conducted in the form of a face-to-face interview.
    • IELTS UKVI: The test format is identical to IELTS, with the same four sections and modules. However, the test scores and results are reported differently for UK visa and immigration purposes.
  3. Test Report Form (TRF):
    • IELTS: After completing the test, candidates receive a Test Report Form that includes their overall band score (ranging from 0 to 9) and scores for each section.
    • IELTS UKVI: For UK visa and immigration applications, candidates receive a separate Test Report Form (TRF) with an IELTS UKVI reference number. The format and information on the TRF are tailored to meet the specific requirements of the UK government.
  4. Recognized by UK Visas and Immigration:
    • IELTS: It is accepted by UK Visas and Immigration for certain visa categories, such as Tier 2 (General) work visas, Tier 4 student visas, and Tier 5 Temporary Worker visas.
    • IELTS UKVI: This version of the test is explicitly accepted by UK Visas and Immigration as proof of English language proficiency for visa and immigration applications.

It’s important to note that the content, difficulty level, and scoring criteria of both IELTS and IELTS UKVI are the same. The main difference lies in the purpose and administration of the tests, with IELTS UKVI being tailored specifically for UK visa and immigration purposes.

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