Who needs IELTS Life Skills?
ielts.org says it is for people joining a relative or partner settled in the UK, people in the UK who want to settle permanently, and people applying for British citizenship (ielts.org). The level depends on the route: ielts.org lists A1 for a first family-visa application, A2 when extending, and B1 for settlement and British citizenship (ielts.org UKVI page). See IELTS for the UK family visa and confirm on gov.uk before booking.
A1 and B1 are offered worldwide at approved locations; the British Council says A2 can only be taken in the UK (British Council).
| Level | Skills | Typical use (ielts.org / British Council) |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Speaking and Listening | First UK family visa application |
| A2 | Speaking and Listening | Extending a family visa (UK only) |
| B1 | Speaking and Listening | Settlement and British citizenship |
Test format
You sit the test with an examiner and another test taker. You listen to a recording, answer questions on it, then hold a conversation based on what you heard; B1 adds a planning task with your partner. Topics are everyday: family, work, transport, shopping, leisure (British Council).
Length: 16–18 minutes for A1 and 22 minutes for B1, with no break because speaking and listening are assessed together. Your partner's performance does not affect your result (IDP India).
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Life Skills is not band-scored. A Pass lets you use the result for your application; a Fail cannot be used (ielts.org). After a fail you retake and pay again (British Council). IDP India adds that after a pass you cannot resit the same level for two years (IDP India).
Fee and results time
India: IDP lists IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) at INR 18,000, a transfer fee of INR 4,500 and an EOR (re-mark) fee of INR 13,500 (IDP India). Cancellations follow the UKVI policy of 75%, 50% or 25% refunds depending on notice.
Results: up to 9 days per ielts.org. The British Council says within seven days and usually faster (British Council); IDP India posts the TRF to the address on your registration (IDP India).
Fees and policies are set per country and test centre, and they change. Check the page for the country where you will sit the test before you book or pay. This guide is general information, not official IELTS advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS Life Skills hard to pass?+
It tests everyday speaking and listening at a fixed CEFR level with a Pass or Fail result. No pass rate is stated by IELTS, IDP or the British Council.
Which IELTS Life Skills test do I need for British citizenship?+
ielts.org lists B1 (Pass) for British citizenship. Confirm on gov.uk.
Can I take IELTS Life Skills A2 outside the UK?+
No. The British Council says A2 can only be taken in the UK.
How long does the IELTS Life Skills test take?+
16–22 minutes depending on level: 16–18 minutes for A1 and 22 minutes for B1 per IDP India.
How much does IELTS Life Skills cost in India?+
INR 18,000 for A1 and B1 at IDP India.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for UK family visa
- IELTS for UKVI vs IELTS Academic
- IELTS cancel, reschedule and refund rules
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 4 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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