IELTS Errors and Leaks Give Thousands Wrong UK Visa Scores

Thousands of migrants may have obtained UK study and work visas despite failing mandatory English tests due to a major marking error affecting IELTS exams, according to reports.

Up to 80,000 candidates who sat for IELTS tests administered by the British Council between August 2023 and September 2025 received incorrect results, with many mistakenly awarded passing scores. The error involved the listening and reading components, though only around one per cent of all tests were affected. IELTS has since contacted those impacted, issued corrected scores, and offered support.

The situation has been further worsened by evidence of cheating in Bangladesh, China, and Vietnam, where leaked test papers were sold to candidates. Some migrants were able to obtain UK visas despite inadequate English proficiency. In response, several UK universities have paused student recruitment from Bangladesh and Pakistan amid concerns over irregularities.

The mistakes and leaks have triggered safety concerns in sectors such as the NHS and social care, where poor English skills among workers could pose risks. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticised the failures, warning that incorrect approvals could undermine integration efforts and jeopardise public safety.

The British Council—joint owner of IELTS alongside Cambridge University Press & Assessment and IDP Education—said the marking error stemmed from a technical issue affecting a small number of tests. It stressed that over 99 per cent of exams were unaffected and that additional safeguards are now in place.

In Bangladesh, police arrested two individuals for selling leaked IELTS papers for £1,000–£2,500. Similar scams were reported in Vietnam and China. Meanwhile, the UK Home Office is awarding a new £816 million contract for English-language testing, with the British Council expected to face competition from rival providers.

An IELTS spokesperson said: “We have strict quality control procedures and have taken all necessary steps to prevent this issue from happening again. Affected candidates have been contacted and authorities informed.”