Who is exempt from the English requirement for a spouse visa?

You may be exempt if you are aged 65 or over, have a physical or mental condition preventing you from meeting the requirement, or are a national of a majority English-speaking country. The exact exemptions depend on which stage of the visa process you are at (initial application, extension, or ILR).

Are nationals of English-speaking countries exempt?

Nationals of majority English-speaking countries on the UKVI list (such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, and others) are generally exempt from taking a SELT for spouse visa applications. Note: Canada is NOT on this list despite English being widely spoken. This exemption may not apply at all stages. Check GOV.UK for the current list of exempt countries.

What English level is needed for a spouse visa?

For the initial spouse visa application and extension, A1 level is required (basic). For ILR, B1 level is required (intermediate). For citizenship, B1 level is also required. The level increases as you progress through the immigration system.

Can I get a medical exemption from the English requirement?

Yes. If you have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from learning or being tested in English, you can apply for an exemption. You need a letter from your doctor explaining the condition and why it prevents you from meeting the requirement.

English Language Exemptions for Spouse Visa Applications

Exemptions from the spouse visa English language requirement are available for those aged 65+, those with qualifying medical conditions, and nationals of majority English-speaking countries. The level required increases from A1 (initial application) to B1 (ILR and citizenship).

English Levels by Stage

The English requirement for spouse visas increases at each stage:

Initial application: A1 level (beginner)
Extension (2.5 years): A1 level
ILR: B1 level (intermediate). See English for ILR
Citizenship: B1 level. See English for citizenship

For a comparison of these levels, see our English level comparison guide.

Nationality Exemption

Nationals of majority English-speaking countries are generally exempt from the SELT requirement. The Home Office maintains a list of accepted countries which includes the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Jamaica, and others.

If you are from one of these countries, you do not need to take a test. Your nationality is sufficient evidence of English ability.

Age Exemption

If you are aged 65 or over at the date of your application, you are exempt from the English language requirement. This applies at all stages (initial application, extension, ILR, and citizenship).

Medical Exemption

If you have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting the English requirement, provide a letter from your doctor that includes:

Description of your condition
How it prevents you from learning English or sitting a test
Whether the condition is permanent or long-term
The doctor's credentials and contact details

See our guide on English exemptions for ILR for more detail on medical exemptions.

If You Do Not Qualify for an Exemption

If you need to take a test, start preparing early:

Take English classes
Book your SELT test
Practice with sample materials from the test provider

If your English test has expired, see our guides on expired tests and expired tests for ILR.

Evidence for Your Application

Include the following in your spouse visa application:

Your SELT certificate (if taking a test)
Your degree certificate and UK ENIC confirmation (if using a degree)
Your passport (if claiming nationality exemption)
Medical evidence (if claiming medical exemption)

For other spouse visa evidence, see our guides on cohabitation evidence and communication evidence.

Further Resources

For the full knowledge of English guidance, visit GOV.UK.