IELTS reappointed as language test trusted by UK government for visas

This week, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) announced IELTS, the world’s most trusted language test, will continue to be accepted for UK visas that require applicants to demonstrate their English. Following a tender process, IELTS was reappointed as an official test provider for visas required as part of UK immigration applications. 

Christine Nuttall, Managing Director IELTS at Cambridge Assessment English, welcomed the announcement. “We have a proven track record of delivering IELTS for UKVI with our world-leading security processes,” Nuttall said. “This announcement is testament to the ongoing value and trust placed in IELTS by the United Kingdom government and test takers around the world. We are delighted IELTS continues to provide a gateway for people to fulfil their aspirations in the UK,” she said. 

The reappointment highlights the important role IELTS plays in language testing for immigration. IELTS is the only test trusted for migration purposes by all four governments of the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. IELTS for UVKI and IELTS Life Skills can be taken at more than 110 centres across the IELTS global network. The UK Government visa checklist provides more information on approved tests and requirements. 

IELTS has been a world-leading English language test for more than 30 years and is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. 

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities and provides IELTS testing in more than 800 locations in over 100 countries.

In Sri Lanka, the British Council has more than seven decades of experience in teaching and testing English. Currently the British Council works with over 65 IELTS Registration centres including educational institutes, migration agents and IELTS tutors countrywide. 

As a trusted brand, the British Council Sri Lanka continuously delivers exceptional service, providing a seamless experience for all test takers with more convenience and flexibility.

Commenting on the recent developments, British Council Country Exams Director Rob Lo said, “We are extremely pleased to note that IELTS has been reappointed as a language test trusted by the UK government for visas. Through the British Council in Sri Lanka, test-takers are assured of benefiting from the wide range of useful resources and preparation material available to help students achieve the best score possible. Not only does the IELTS prove an applicant’s English language abilities in support of a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application but also provides a pathway to work, study or live abroad helping to make dreams a reality.”