Further details re: English language requirements from Pakistan

Hi All,

I understand that the minimum requirement is English Level A1 for applicants from Pakistan. I have further questions and I wonder if someone could help as British council has multiple tests listed on their website.
1. IELTS UKVI
2. IELTS (Life skills)
3. IELTS for UKVI (Academic)
4. IELTS for UKVI (General Training)

Question 1: If an applicant is applying to join her British spouse in the UK, I understand the applicant could take any of the above as even the basic i.e., Life skills would qualify, is this correct?

Question 2: I understand initially visa is issued for 2 and half year or 3 years, does the applicant need to take further english test before making extension application? even if they have proved their competency at initial application stage?

Question 3: What if applicant takes IELTS academic as the applicant intends to take some further professional studies, would the application still need to take another test before extention?

In short, I am trying to figure out the best exam to take with least hassle, any suggestions?

Just in case I haven't made it clear, the applicant is making application from Pakistan to join spouse who is British national.

Thank you for your time.

1 - Life Skiils A1 or above e,g A2, B1 - do not do general or academics
2 - Minimum requirement is Life Skills A2 or above
3 - Minimum requirement is B1

Thank you, so in summary. If applicant were to take Life skills B1, it would do the job.

what if the applicant takes IELTS academic?

The british council website states;

IELTS LIFE SKILLS A1
Take this test if you need to prove your English speaking and listening skills as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration for ‘family of a settled person’ visas.

IELTS LIFE SKILLS B1
Take this test if you need to prove your English speaking and listening skills as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship.

If applicant were to take B1, will it suffice for UKVI 'family of a settled person' application too?

I am confused because it seems like applicant will have to take multiple tests, One at the time of application i.e., A1, Second, if applicant were to pursue further studies i.e., IELTS academic (here in the UK) and then third B2 or something at the time of extension. am I making sense or talking a lot of crap

Forget what if's

Simple - IELTS (Life skills). Do B1 if they are good at english so later on you wont need to do IELTS again in UK for renewal and ILR

thank you, that is very helpful.

balixonline wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 14, 2018 11:32 am

thank you, that is very helpful.

Note that IELTS Academic is mostly for Student Visa applications.

CR001 wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 14, 2018 11:52 am

balixonline wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 14, 2018 11:32 am

thank you, that is very helpful.

Note that IELTS Academic is mostly for Student Visa applications.

Thank you

Very well, I only thought that if applicant were to take IELTS (Academic) then applying for PGCE, applicant wont have to worry about trying to prove level of language competency but I guess its best to get this visa out of the way and then worry about anything else later.

I appreciate your responses and time guys.

balixonline wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:00 pm

CR001 wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 14, 2018 11:52 am

balixonline wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 14, 2018 11:32 am

thank you, that is very helpful.

Note that IELTS Academic is mostly for Student Visa applications.

Thank you

Very well, I only thought that if applicant were to take IELTS (Academic) then applying for PGCE, applicant wont have to worry about trying to prove level of language competency but I guess its best to get this visa out of the way and then worry about anything else later.

I appreciate your responses and time guys.

Preferably do B1 life skills at approved centre.

thank you Seagul.