IELTS General Training — complete guide for immigration
Everything you need to know about IELTS General Training for UK immigration.
By Phil Harmon·July 2026·6 min read
SELT or IELTS General Training?
Most UK immigration routes that require an English test specify a SELT (Trinity or LanguageCert) — not IELTS. Check whether your specific visa route accepts IELTS or requires a SELT at gov.uk before booking.
What is different about General Training?
IELTS General Training and Academic share the same Listening and Speaking tests. The differences are in Reading and Writing.
General Training Reading
Shorter, factual everyday texts
Notices, advertisements, handbooks
Three sections of increasing difficulty
40 questions, 60 minutes
General Training Writing
Task 1: write a letter (not describe a graph)
Formal, semi-formal or informal letter
Task 2: same essay as Academic
60 minutes, same band scoring
See our SELT vs IELTS guide for a full comparison of when each test applies to UK immigration.
Frequently asked questions
The Reading is generally considered somewhat easier. The Writing Task 1 (a letter vs a graph description) requires different skills — neither is objectively easier.
Requirements vary by route. Most routes require a SELT, not IELTS. Always check gov.uk for your specific visa route.
Need help with English?
Find a verified English teacher. Free to enquire, no account needed.