Evidence of English Language
Student Visas
If you need a Student Visa and you are a not national of a majority English-speaking country, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) will require evidence of your English language level. The UKVI determines who must demonstrate knowledge of English for immigration reasons based on nationality and not residency. Students on passports from countries including, but not limited to, China, South Korea, Japan and the EU must demonstrate knowledge of English. This includes Canadian Permanent Residents from these countries.
Students who are required to demonstrate knowledge of English for UKVI must take the IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test or the Pearson PTE Academic UKVI test as detailed below.
Please contact the BISC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions or need confirmation of your language requirements for UKVI.
An IELTS or Pearson test for UKVI certificate can be used to demonstrate English proficiency for admission purposes and for a Student Visa application.
A regular IELTS or Pearson test certificate (which does not state UKVI) can be used for admission purposes but is not acceptable for a Student Visa application.
IELTS for UKVI (Academic)
The IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test can be taken worldwide. You must complete the IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test at an approved test centre (see below 'How to book your IELTS for UKVI'). Acceptable forms of identification to take to your IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test are found in the IELTS information booklet on the last page.
The IELTS for UKVI will test you in English in four skills:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
You must upload your unique Test Report Form Number and a pdf/jpg copy of your IELTS for UKVI Certificate to the eRez portal so that we can verify your score. You must achieve a score of 5.5 in each skill and a 5.5 overall band score (CEFR Level B2).
Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
The Pearson PTE Academic UKVI test is computer-based and computer-scored and can be taken in several countries, including China. It must be taken at an approved test centre (see below 'How to book your Pearson PTE Academic UKVI’ test). Acceptable forms of identification to take to your Pearson PTE Academic UKVI test can be found in the Test Taker Handbook on page 10.
The Pearson PTE Academic UKVI will test you in English in four skills:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
You must upload your unique Score Report Code and a pdf/jpg copy of your Pearson PTE Academic UKVI Certificate to the eRez portal so that we can verify your score. You must achieve a score of 59 (CEFR Level B2).
Whichever test you take, the UKVI requires the BISC to check you have met the standard before assigning a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for your Student Visa application.
How to Book Your IELTS for UKVI (PDF)
How to book your Pearson PTE Academic UKVI (PDF)
