United Kingdom Visa and Immigration (UKVI), a division of the Home Office, oversees the United Kingdom’s visa system. Established in 2013, it emerged from the section of the UK Border Agency responsible for administering the visa system. Aspiring individuals seeking study or work opportunities in UK are required to process their visa applications through UKVI institutes.
What is UKVI IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for United Kingdom Visa and Immigration (UKVI), commonly known as UKVI IELTS, is a Secure English Language Test (SELT). It is endorsed by the UK Home Office for Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa applicants. It mirrors the Academic test in terms of format, content, scoring, and difficulty level. However, UKVI IELTS is available only through UK-approved test centers following administrative standards set by the UK Home Office. Notably, the result card for UKVI IELTS is distinct from other academic tests.
Significance of UKVI IELTS
The UK Home Office approves UKVI IELTS for visa applicants, making it a highly recommended test. Individuals intending to pursue higher education in the UK or other English-speaking countries take the IELTS test. The IELTS Academic test at an academic level gauges the proficiency of the English language and decides if the student is ready for studies or professional roles.
Types of UKVI IELTS
UKVI IELTS caters to two distinct types of applicants: students pursuing educational opportunities and professionals seeking work opportunities. The two corresponding tests are:
-> IELTS Academic Test
-> IELTS General Training Test.
The Academic and General Training tests evaluate applicants’ English language proficiency across four major sections, representing a fundamental skill set:
1- Listening
2- Reading
3- Writing
4- Speaking
The Listening and Speaking components remain consistent for the Academic and General Training versions, with variations in the Reading and Writing sections. Applicants have the option to take the test in either a paper-based or computer-based format. The marking scheme and difficulty level are uniform for both versions, differing only in the mode of delivery.
Sections of UKVI IELTS
The UKVI IELTS Academic and General Training test aims to assess four major skills, which comprise the four major sections of the test. The sections are described in detail below:
Reading
The General Training Reading test comprises three sections and 40 questions, focusing on everyday life situations, work-related matters like job applications, and general interest topics.
1- Section 1 assesses social survival skills applicable to daily life
2- Section 2 examines workplace survival skills
3- Section 3 presents a longer, more complex text on a general interest topic.
On the other hand, the IELTS Academic Reading test evaluates various reading skills, including the ability to follow an argument and recognize a writer’s opinion or purpose. It tests readers’ comprehension skills, encompassing skimming, scanning, and reading for detail. This test comprises three long texts extracted from current books, journals, and newspapers, all related to topics one might encounter when studying.
Listening
The Listening part of the IELTS General Training test is the same as the IELTS Academic test. In the listening test, you will listen to four recordings and then respond to 40 questions based on these recordings. The first two recordings cover topics encountered in daily life, while the next two focus on scenarios that could occur in a training or educational setting.
Section 1 – Listening to a 2-Person Conversation
This section involves two people having a conversation in a common social setting.
Section 2 – Listening to a Social Monologue
A social monologue typically includes a speech on local facilities.
Section 3 – Listening to a 4-People Conversation
This part features a conversation between up to four individuals in an instructional or training setting, like a university.
Section 4 – Listening to an Academic Monologue
Academic monologues may include a university lecture.
You’ll need to provide answers to questions about recordings, ranging from multiple choice to matching information, features, and sentence endings.
Writing
The General Training Writing test consists of two tasks: Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2, with topics of general interest. In Writing Task 1, applicants must write a letter, showcasing their ability to provide general, factual information, and express needs and wants, as well as opinions and views. Writing Task 2 requires an essay, evaluating the applicant’s capacity to outline a problem, present a solution, justify an opinion, or evaluate and challenge ideas.
In contrast, the IELTS Academic Writing test features different tasks. Academic Writing Task 1 presents a visual representation of information, such as a graph, table, chart, process, or map.
Applicants must summarize, describe, or explain the information, structuring their response into three main parts: the introduction, an overview, and the main features. Academic Writing Task 2 introduces a point of view, argument, or problem. Applicants will write an essay to agree or disagree with a point of view or argument, discuss two opposing views, explain a problem, and provide a solution.
Speaking
Although the Speaking part of the IELTS General Training test is the same as the IELTS Academic test, the Reading and Writing parts differ. The IELTS Speaking test comprises three parts:
IELTS Speaking Test Part 1: Question Answers
In this phase, lasting between 4 and 5 minutes, the examiner poses general questions about yourself, your home, studies, and interests. Using a question-and-answer format, this section assesses your ability to express thoughts and knowledge.
IELTS Speaking Test Part 2: Long Turn Individual Speaking
During this part, the examiner provides a topic and asks you to speak for one to two minutes about it. Given the topic on a card, you’ll also receive a pencil and paper for note-taking. You have one minute to prepare and make notes before beginning your ‘Long Turn,’ where you speak for up to 2 minutes. The examiner might ask follow-up questions based on your response, evaluating your ability to speak at length on a specific topic, use proper language, and structure your thoughts logically.
IELTS Speaking Test Part 3: Discussion
This phase involves more interaction with the examiner, exploring your ability to defend arguments and discuss abstract concepts alongside personal and familiar topics. Part 3 assesses your proficiency in expressing and defending viewpoints, as well as analyzing, debating, and speculating on a variety of subjects.
IELTS UKVI Fee in Pakistan
The IELTS UKVI fee in Pakistan is dependent on the mode of delivery. If applicants opt for the computer-based test, the fee in Islamabad is 51,700 PKR. Alternatively, if applicants choose the paper-based test, the fee is 55,000 PKR in Islamabad. Test results for the computer-based test are typically available within 3 to 5 working days, while results for the paper-based test are provided in 10 to 14 working days.
IELTS UKVI Test Dates Pakistan
The IELTS UKVI General Training test on paper in Islamabad is currently scheduled for the following dates:
-> 13 January 2024
-> 27 January 2024
-> 17 February 2024
For the computer-based test, the dates are:
-> 17 January 2024
-> 20 January 2024
-> 21 January 2024
The UKVI IELTS Academic test on paper in Islamabad is currently scheduled for the following dates:
-> 13 January 2024
-> 18 January 2024
-> 27 January 2024
For the computer-based test, the dates are the same as those mentioned for the General Training test.
The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections take place on the same day, while applicants can schedule the Speaking portion on a different day. The test dates are subject to change based on available seats in a single slot.
Final Words
In summary, the UKVI IELTS provides two specific tests, namely the Academic test and the General Training test. Individuals aiming for higher education or employment opportunities in the UK must take this test. Aspiring individuals can turn to organizations like AK Consultants for IELTS preparation to enhance their chances of success.
FAQs
A: There is minimal distinction between IELTS and IELTS UKVI, with the primary differences lying in the format of their test reports and the location of test centers.
A: Yes, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) recognizes and accepts IELTS UKVI, along with universities and colleges across Canada.
A: The fee for the UKVI IELTS computer-based test in Islamabad is 51,700 PKR. Alternatively, the fee for a paper-based test is 55,000 PKR in Islamabad.
