The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test meant for anyone who wants to pursue an academic or professional career internationally includes Academic and General module Training. However, if you are planning to study, work or move to the UK, you need to give an IELTS test approved for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) purposes known as IELTS for UKVI. This applies to everyone coming from a non-English speaking country. Remember, universities, colleges and professional bodies will only accept IELTS for UKVI score. Regular IELTS will not be considered.
While there is no change in the content, format or level of difficulty and scoring, IELTS for UKVI simply follows certain extra security protocols to ensure the authenticity of the test taker. Also, your Test Report Form (TRF) may look slightly different from the regular IELTS one.if you are taking the IELTS test to support your UK visa application to work, study or live in the UK, you might need to take the IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) Academic or General Training test, or the IELTS Life Skills test, to prove your English proficiency.
The IELTS UKVI Academic test and the IELTS Academic test are the same in terms of content, scoring, difficulty level and format. Both tests are for those who wish to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, as well as for those who want to work in the UK. The only differences between the two is that IELTS UKVI Academic tests are taken at a UKVI approved test centre and are approved by the UK Home Office.