IELTS for UK Spouse Visa 2026: A1, A2, B1 Requirements by Application Stage
IELTS requirements for UK spouse visa at each application stage: A1 (first application), A2 (extension after 2.5 years), B1 (Indefinite Leave to Remain). Includes approved test list, what's tested (Speaking and Listening only), and 6-week study plan for each level.
Band9Prep Team
IELTS Preparation Experts
If you are applying for a UK spouse visa, you need to prove your English ability at specific CEFR levels at each stage of the application. The test you take depends on which stage you are at: first application, extension, or settlement.
This guide shows the exact requirements at each stage, the approved tests, and how to prepare.
The 3 Stages of UK Spouse Visa
The UK spouse visa is a 5-year path to settlement. You apply in 3 stages:
| Stage | Application | Time | English Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First spouse visa | Apply from outside or inside UK | A1 (Speaking + Listening) |
| 2 | Extension | After 2.5 years | A2 (Speaking + Listening) |
| 3 | Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | After 5 years | B1 (all 4 skills) + Life in the UK |
Each stage has a different English requirement. The first two stages only test Speaking and Listening. The ILR stage tests all four skills.
Stage 1: First Spouse Visa — A1 English
What Is A1?
A1 is the lowest CEFR level. It tests basic communication in familiar everyday situations.
At A1, you should be able to:
- Introduce yourself and ask simple questions
- Understand slow, clear speech about familiar topics
- Use basic phrases and vocabulary
- Communicate in simple, routine tasks
IELTS Scores for A1
| Test | Required Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Life Skills A1 | Pass (Speaking and Listening only, 16-18 min test) |
| IELTS Academic or General Training | 4.0 in Speaking and 4.0 in Listening (Reading and Writing can be below 4.0) |
| Trinity College London (ISE) | ISE Entry Level 1 (Speaking and Listening) |
| PTE Home | A1 (Speaking and Listening) |
| LanguageCert International ESOL | A1 (Speaking and Listening) |
The most common option is IELTS Life Skills A1 because it is shorter and cheaper than regular IELTS. The test is 16-18 minutes, tests only Speaking and Listening, and costs around £150.
What Is Tested in IELTS Life Skills A1?
The test is in two parts:
- Part 1 (5 minutes): Answer simple questions about familiar topics (home, family, work, hobbies).
- Part 2 (11-13 minutes): Listen to a candidate, discuss a topic, and make a decision with the other candidate. The topic is given on a card.
You do not read or write anything. The examiner evaluates your ability to:
- Communicate basic information
- Ask and answer simple questions
- Use basic vocabulary and grammar
- Participate in a simple conversation
Cost and Validity
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cost (UK) | ~£150 |
| Cost (outside UK) | ~£150-200 USD equivalent |
| Test duration | 16-18 minutes |
| Result | Pass or Fail (no band score) |
| Validity | 2 years from test date |
Stage 2: Extension After 2.5 Years — A2 English
What Is A2?
A2 is the second-lowest CEFR level. It tests basic communication about routine tasks.
At A2, you should be able to:
- Communicate in simple, routine tasks
- Describe your background and immediate environment
- Handle short social exchanges
- Use basic sentence structures with familiar vocabulary
IELTS Scores for A2
| Test | Required Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Life Skills A2 | Pass (Speaking and Listening only) |
| IELTS Academic or General Training | 4.0 in Speaking and 4.0 in Listening |
| Trinity College London | ISE Entry Level 2 (Speaking and Listening) |
| PTE Home | A2 (Speaking and Listening) |
The structure of IELTS Life Skills A2 is similar to A1 but with slightly more complex vocabulary and grammar. The test duration is similar (16-18 minutes).
When to Take A2
Take the A2 test in the 3-6 months before your extension application. The result must be valid when you submit the application. Plan ahead — the test result takes 7 days to issue, and processing your application takes 8-12 weeks.
Stage 3: Indefinite Leave to Remain — B1 English
What Is B1?
B1 is the intermediate CEFR level. It tests the ability to handle most situations while traveling, describe experiences, and explain opinions.
At B1, you should be able to:
- Understand the main points of clear speech on familiar topics
- Handle most travel situations
- Produce simple, connected text on familiar topics
- Describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions
- Briefly explain opinions and plans
IELTS Scores for B1
| Test | Required Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic or General Training | 4.0 in each of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) |
| IELTS Life Skills B1 | Pass (Speaking and Listening only) |
| Trinity College London | ISE Level 1 (Speaking and Listening) |
| PTE Home | B1 (Speaking and Listening) |
| LanguageCert | B1 (all 4 skills) |
Critical difference: the ILR requirement is 4.0 in each of the four skills. You must take a full 4-skill test, not just Life Skills. If you take IELTS Life Skills B1 (Speaking and Listening only), the Reading and Writing components are not tested. To meet the ILR requirement, you need to take regular IELTS or another approved 4-skill test.
What Is Tested in B1 (All 4 Skills)
Listening: 4 sections, 40 questions, 30 minutes + 10 minutes transfer time. 4.0 = approximately 9-12 correct answers out of 40.
Reading: 3 sections (Academic) or 3 sections (General Training), 40 questions, 60 minutes. 4.0 = approximately 9-12 correct answers out of 40.
Writing: Task 1 (150 words minimum) + Task 2 (250 words minimum), 60 minutes. 4.0 = below-average task response, limited coherence, basic vocabulary, errors that may impede meaning.
Speaking: 3 parts, 11-14 minutes. 4.0 = basic communication with hesitation, simple vocabulary, frequent errors.
Life in the UK Test
In addition to B1 English, the ILR application requires passing the Life in the UK test. This is a multiple-choice test on British culture, history, and traditions. It is not an English test but a citizenship/settlement knowledge test.
Cost: ~£50 Duration: 45 minutes Format: 24 multiple-choice questions Pass mark: 18/24 (75%)
You must pass both the B1 English and the Life in the UK test to be eligible for ILR.
What If I Want to Apply for British Citizenship?
After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship (naturalisation). The English requirement for citizenship is B1 (same as ILR).
In addition to B1 English, you need to pass the Life in the UK test (same as ILR). The test result is valid for ILR and citizenship applications.
Approved Tests for UK Spouse Visa
The UK Home Office maintains a list of approved English tests. The list changes — confirm the current list at GOV.UK before booking.
As of 2026, approved tests include:
| Test Provider | Test Name | Levels Available |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | IELTS Life Skills | A1, A2, B1 |
| IELTS | IELTS Academic or General Training | All CEFR levels via band score |
| Trinity College London | Integrated Skills in English (ISE) | Entry 1, Entry 2, Level 1 |
| Pearson | PTE Home | A1, A2, B1 |
| Pearson | PTE Academic | All CEFR levels via band score |
| LanguageCert | International ESOL | A1, A2, B1 |
| PSI Skills | English for Speakers of Other Languages | A1, A2, B1 |
The most common options for spouse visa applicants are:
- IELTS Life Skills (cheapest, fastest for A1/A2)
- IELTS Academic or General Training (more universally accepted, useful for other purposes)
- Trinity College London ISE (mid-priced, good availability)
How to Choose Between IELTS Life Skills and Regular IELTS
| Factor | IELTS Life Skills | Regular IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Skills tested | Speaking + Listening only | All 4 skills |
| Duration | 16-18 min | 2 hr 45 min |
| Cost | ~£150 | ~£200-220 |
| Result format | Pass/Fail | Band score 1-9 |
| Best for | First application, extension (A1, A2) | ILR (B1 4-skill) |
| Useful for other purposes? | No | Yes (university, PR) |
Recommended strategy:
- First application: Take IELTS Life Skills A1 (cheaper, faster)
- Extension: Take IELTS Life Skills A2 (cheaper, faster)
- ILR: Take regular IELTS Academic or General Training (need 4-skill test)
This approach saves time and money at the A1/A2 stages while using the more comprehensive test for the final ILR stage.
How to Prepare for IELTS Life Skills A1
Most applicants need 2-6 weeks of preparation for A1. Here is a 4-week plan.
Week 1: Format and Basic Vocabulary
| Day | Task | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Read the test format. Watch example videos on YouTube. | 1 hr |
| 2 | Practice Part 1 questions (introductions, family, work). | 1 hr |
| 3 | Practice Part 1 questions (hobbies, daily routine). | 1 hr |
| 4 | Listen to slow, clear English (BBC Learning English). | 1 hr |
| 5 | Practice common Part 1 topics with a partner. | 1 hr |
| 6 | Record yourself answering Part 1 questions. Listen back. | 1 hr |
| 7 | Review vocabulary from the week. | 1 hr |
Week 2: Speaking Practice
| Day | Task | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Practice answering questions with full sentences. | 1 hr |
| 9 | Practice asking clarification questions. | 1 hr |
| 10 | Practice Part 2 (discussion with another candidate). | 1 hr |
| 11 | Listen to simple dialogues. Repeat after the speaker. | 1 hr |
| 12 | Practice common Part 2 topics (places, activities, plans). | 1 hr |
| 13 | Record a full mock. Listen back. | 1 hr |
| 14 | Review and identify weak areas. | 1 hr |
Week 3: Listening and Pronunciation
| Day | Task | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Listen to slow, clear English (BBC Learning English, Voice of America). | 1 hr |
| 16 | Practice understanding questions at natural speed. | 1 hr |
| 17 | Practice pronouncing common words (numbers, days, months, places). | 1 hr |
| 18 | Practice intonation and stress. | 1 hr |
| 19 | Full mock test. | 1 hr |
| 20 | Review pronunciation issues. | 1 hr |
| 21 | Practice Part 2 with a partner. | 1 hr |
Week 4: Final Mocks
| Day | Task | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | Full mock test under exam conditions. | 1 hr |
| 23 | Review mistakes. | 1 hr |
| 24 | Practice weak areas. | 1 hr |
| 25 | Full mock test. | 1 hr |
| 26 | Light review. | 30 min |
| 27 | Light review. | 30 min |
| 28 | Exam day. | - |
How to Prepare for IELTS Life Skills B1 (for ILR)
B1 is significantly harder than A1/A2. The vocabulary, grammar, and topics are more complex. Plan 8-12 weeks of preparation.
Week 1-2: Foundation
- Build B1 vocabulary (1,000+ words)
- Practice B1 grammar (past simple, present perfect, future forms, conditionals)
- Listen to intermediate English podcasts
Week 3-4: Skill Building
- Practice extended Speaking answers
- Practice Listening at natural speed
- Read intermediate English articles daily
- Watch English TV shows with subtitles
Week 5-6: Application
- Take regular IELTS practice tests
- Score each section
- Identify your weakest skill
Week 7-8: Weak Skill Focus
- Drill the weakest skill to 4.0+ in each
- Practice with a partner or AI feedback
- Review common IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 topics
If you are not at B1 in all 4 skills, extend the plan. B1 is the minimum; some applicants score higher and benefit from the cushion.
Common Mistakes UK Spouse Visa Applicants Make
Mistake 1: Taking the Wrong Test Version
The most common mistake. For first application, IELTS Life Skills A1 is the standard. Taking regular Academic or General Training is fine but more expensive and time-consuming. For ILR, regular IELTS (4-skill) is required — Life Skills alone does not meet the 4-skill requirement.
Mistake 2: Letting the Test Expire
IELTS Life Skills results are valid for 2 years. If your application is delayed, your test may expire. Retake if needed.
Mistake 3: Not Taking B1 in All 4 Skills for ILR
IELTS Life Skills B1 tests only Speaking and Listening. The ILR requirement is 4.0 in each of the 4 skills. If you take Life Skills B1 only, you have not met the Reading and Writing requirements. Take regular IELTS for ILR.
Mistake 4: Missing the Life in the UK Test
ILR and citizenship require both B1 English AND the Life in the UK test. Many applicants focus on the English test and forget the Life in the UK test.
Mistake 5: Underestimating Preparation Time
Even A1 requires preparation. If you have basic conversational English, 2-4 weeks is enough. If you are a beginner, 6-8 weeks. Do not assume A1 is automatic.
How to Book the Test
IELTS Life Skills and regular IELTS are booked through the official IELTS website (ielts.org) or through your local test center. Life Skills is available at fewer test centers than regular IELTS.
Booking timeline:
- Test date: pick 4-8 weeks before your application deadline
- Result date: 7 days after the test
- Submit application: as soon as the result is available
If you are applying from outside the UK, check the test center availability in your country. Some countries have limited Life Skills test dates.
What If I Have an English-Speaking Background?
Applicants from majority English-speaking countries (UK, US, Canada, Australia, NZ, Ireland) are exempt from the English requirement. You do not need to take IELTS or Life Skills.
For applicants from non-English-speaking countries, the requirement applies at each stage. Even if you have studied in English for years, you must pass the test.
What If I Have a Degree Taught in English?
Some applicants with degrees taught in English are exempt from the English requirement. The UK Home Office accepts:
- A degree from a UK university
- A degree from a university in a majority English-speaking country
- A degree taught in English with an Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) certificate confirming English instruction
If you have a degree taught in English but from a non-English-speaking country, you may need an Ecctis certificate. This costs around £50-150 and takes 2-4 weeks.
Cost of the Full UK Spouse Visa English Testing Journey
| Stage | Test | Cost | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| First application | IELTS Life Skills A1 | ~£150 | 2 years |
| Extension | IELTS Life Skills A2 | ~£150 | 2 years |
| ILR | Regular IELTS | ~£200-220 | 2 years |
| Life in the UK test | - | ~£50 | - |
| Total | ~£550-570 |
This is the cost for the full 5-year journey. Most applicants can pay it as they go through each stage.