Visa Language Requirements

*Up-to-date, as of November 2017

Note: some tables have been shortened for space purposes. Click on ‘next’ beneath the table to see further entries.

UK

VisaIELTSCEFR
Tier 1
General VisaReading: 7 Writing: 7
Listening: 7 Speaking: 7
Overall: 7
C1
Exceptional TalentReading: 4 Writing: 4
Listening: 4 Speaking: 4
Overall: 4
B1
EntrepreneurReading: 4 Writing: 4
Listening: 4 Speaking: 4
Overall: 4
B1
Graduate EntrepreneurReading: 4 Writing: 4
Listening: 4 Speaking: 4
Overall: 4
B1
Tier 2
General VisaReading: 4 Writing: 4
Listening: 4 Speaking: 4
Overall: 4
B1
SportspersonReading: 4 Writing: 4
Listening: 4 Speaking: 4
Overall: 4
A1
Minister of ReligionReading: 5.5 Writing: 5.5
Listening: 5.5 Speaking: 5.5
Overall: 5.5
B2
Tier 4
General Student (school/below degree)Reading: 4 Writing: 4
Listening: 4 Speaking: 4
Overall: 4
B1
General Student (degree or above)Reading: 5.5 Writing: 5.5
Listening: 5.5 Speaking: 5.5
Overall: 5.5
B2
'Family of a Settled Person'Listening: 4 Speaking: 4
IELTS Life Skills: A1
A1
Indefinite Leave to Remain / CitizenshipListening: 4 Speaking: 4
IELTS Life Skills: B1
B1

CEFR = Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Canada

VisaIELTS ScoresCanada Language Benchmark Requirement
Federal Skilled Worker ProgramReading: 6 Writing: 6
Listening: 6 Speaking: 6
7
Federal Skilled Trades ProgramReading: 3.5 Writing: 4
Listening: 5 Speaking: 5
4/5
The Canadian Experience Class (NOC 0 or A Jobs)Reading: 6 Writing: 6
Listening: 6 Speaking: 6
7
The Canadian Experience Class (NOC B Jobs)Reading: 4 Writing: 5
Listening: 5 Speaking: 5
5
Business Start-Up VisaReading: 4 Writing: 5
Listening: 5 Speaking: 5
5
Provincial Nominees ProgramsReading: 3.5 Writing: 4
Listening: 4.5 Speaking: 4
4

New Zealand

VisaIELTS (Principal Applicant)IELTS (Partners and Children (>16))
Skilled Migrant6.55
Business categories (Investor, Entrepreneur, Long Term Business Visa, Employees of Relocating Business)5May be waived until later date

Australia

ActionIELTSNote
Avoid English Language Charge4.5
457 Visa
ENS and RSMS Visas for those with 457 Visa 2+ years
5
ENS and RSMS Visa (Direct Entry)
Skilled Migration
6Skilled migration requirement, but does not receive immigration points
Points Tested Visa7Worth 10 points
Points Tested Visa8Worth 20 points