What IELTS Band Is Required for a UK Work Visa?

To apply for a UK work visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa, you need to prove your English language ability. One of the accepted ways to do this is through the IELTS for UKVI test (IELTS – International English Language Testing System, specifically approved for UK Visas and Immigration).

Minimum IELTS Band Required for a UK Work Visa (Skilled Worker Visa):

• Overall IELTS Band Score: 4.0 (CEFR level B1)

• Minimum Score in Each Skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking): 4.0

Important Notes:

• You must take the IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training), not the regular IELTS test.

• The requirement might be higher depending on the job. For example:

o Healthcare professionals like nurses or doctors often need a higher IELTS score (e.g., 7.0 overall for NMC or GMC registration).

• If your job is on the Shortage Occupation List, you still need to meet the minimum B1 level, unless an exemption applies.

Exemptions:

You don’t need to prove your English language ability if:

• You’re from a majority English-speaking country (like USA, Canada, Australia, etc.).

• You’ve completed a degree taught in English (may require verification through UK NARIC/ECCTIS).