IELTS Life Skills is an English language test which provides proof of English speaking and listening skills at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels A1, A2 or B1. It can be used to apply for a 'family of a settled person' visa, visa extension, indefinite leave to remain or citizenship in the UK.

IELTS Life Skills was first offered in April 2015. It is designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and can be used to apply for a 'family of a settled person' visa, indefinite leave to remain or citizenship.

UKVI announced changes to Secure English Language Tests (SELT) for visa purposes in February 2015. The announcement stated that anyone taking a test for immigration purposes after 6 April 2015 must take either IELTS, IELTS Life Skills or a Trinity College London test at a UKVI approved test centre. IELTS and IELTS Life Skills are the only tests available when applying for visas from both outside and inside the UK.

On 18 January 2016 the UK government announced the A2 English language requirement for family route migrants seeking to extend their stay in the UK a further two and a half years. The new test was implemented in May 2017.

IELTS Life Skills does not test Reading and Writing, as it is designed to meet immigration requirements for which applicants only need to demonstrate their Speaking and Listening skills.

IELTS Life Skills at CEFR Level A1 takes 16–18 minutes, A2 no more than 20 minutes and at B1 level 22 minutes.

Candidates take the test with an examiner and with one other candidate. Candidates are assessed on Speaking and Listening at the same time.

IELTS Life Skills at Level A1 and A2 have two parts. IELTS Life Skills at Level B1 has three parts.