IELTS Life Skills A2: UK Family Visa Extension Test
Check when IELTS Life Skills A2 is needed for a UK family visa extension, the test timings and whether you can reuse a previous pass. Available in the UK only.
After 2.5 years, find your row
Helping your spouse extend a UK family visa, or applying yourself? Find your old English evidence in the table, then check GOV.UK's family visa English rules before you book.
The first visa test is on the A1 page.
| Your case | What you need |
|---|---|
| Old pass was only A1 | At least A2 in speaking and listening |
| Old pass was A2 or higher | Use it again if the certificate has not been withdrawn |
| You had an exemption, and a test is now required | At least A1 |
| No earlier test, or you used a degree | Check your route before you book |
The A2 test
Book IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2. UKVI means UK Visas and Immigration. It is not normal IELTS.
You speak and listen. One examiner and one other test taker are in the room. Book in the name on your passport.
| Fact | A2 test |
|---|---|
| Where | UK only |
| Skills | Speaking and listening |
| Score | Pass or Fail |
| Result | Within 9 days |
| Whole test | Up to 20 minutes |
What you do
These times are for both people together. They come from the official A2 sample. Each row has one practice line.
| What you do | Time | Practice line |
|---|---|---|
| The examiner asks about your life | 4 to 5 minutes | What do you do at the weekend? |
| You talk for about 1 minute, then answer 2 questions | 6 minutes | I take the bus to work. It takes 20 minutes. |
| You listen to two recordings | 4 minutes | The class starts at ten, not at nine. |
| You plan something together | 4 to 5 minutes | Let's meet at the library. What time is good for you? |
If you want a lesson
We teach A2 for IELTS Life Skills. Tell us your test date. Contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take IELTS Life Skills A2 outside the UK?
No. This IELTS test is only in the UK. If you are outside the UK, check GOV.UK for a different approved test.
I already passed A2. Do I take it again?
You can use that pass again if the test provider has not withdrawn the certificate. Check the family visa page on GOV.UK before you pay.
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