IELTS Life Skills A1 & A2: Everything You Need to Know

If you're planning to join a spouse, partner or family member in the UK, you've probably come across "A1" and "A2" English tests. They aren't the IELTS most students know, with bands like 6.5 or 7.0. They belong to a separate, much simpler test called IELTS for UKVI Life Skills.

What is IELTS Life Skills?

IELTS Life Skills is designed for people who need to prove their English speaking and listening ability as part of a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) application. It is on the UK Home Office list of Secure English Language Tests (SELT) and can be taken both in the UK and internationally.

The key difference from Academic or General Training IELTS is that there's no reading or writing. You take the test face-to-face with an examiner and one other candidate, and only your speaking and listening are assessed. The test comes in three levels on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): A1, A2 and B1.

1. A1First partner, spouse or parent visa
2. A2Extending your family visa (UK only)
3. B1Indefinite Leave to Remain or British citizenship

A1 vs A2: which one do you need?

A1 is the entry level, typically used for initial family route applications such as partner or parent visas. If you're applying for your first spouse visa from India, this is usually the one.

A2 comes later. Once you've been granted a partner or parent visa and want to extend your 30- or 33-month stay, the required level is A2. One important detail: the A2 test can only be taken in the UK.

After that comes B1, which you'd need for British citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Test format and duration

In the first part of the test, you ask and answer questions on familiar topics. The tests focus on everyday subjects like family, work, housing and daily life in the UK.

At A1 level, you should be able to respond to simple questions, statements and single-step instructions, and share basic information, opinions and feelings on familiar topics.

How is it scored?

There are no band scores. You receive either a Pass or a Fail. A Pass means you can proceed with your visa application; a Fail means the test can't be used and you'll need to retake it.

How to prepare

• Speak English daily about everyday topics: your family, home, routine and job.
• Listen to simple English audio, such as short conversations and announcements.
• Practise with a partner, since you'll be talking with another candidate on test day.
• Use the free official practice papers on the British Council and IELTS websites.

Final word

Visa rules change often, so always check the UK government's official website to confirm which test you need before booking.

Need help preparing for your IELTS Life Skills test? Talk to our trainers at Aviontus, Vikaspuri.