English Language Tests Accepted for UK Visas

Why English Language Testing Is Required

The UK government requires most visa applicants to demonstrate their English ability. The purpose is to ensure that people coming to the UK can communicate in everyday life, work effectively, and integrate into their communities.

The requirement applies at different levels for different routes. A Spouse visa applicant needs a lower level of English than someone applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). A student applying for a degree-level course needs to prove a higher level than a student applying for a pre-sessional English course.

The levels are defined using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This is an international standard that ranges from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). For a detailed comparison of what each level means in practice, see our English level comparison guide.

CEFR Levels Required for UK Visas

Here are the CEFR levels you will encounter in UK immigration:

• A1 (Beginner): You can introduce yourself and answer basic personal questions. Required for the initial Spouse visa application.
• A2 (Elementary): You can communicate in simple, routine tasks. Required for Spouse visa extensions.
• B1 (Intermediate): You can deal with most situations that arise while travelling or working. Required for Skilled Worker visas, ILR, and citizenship.
• B2 (Upper Intermediate): You can interact fluently and spontaneously. Required for some Student visa courses and some professional routes. See our B2 requirement guide for details.

Approved English Language Tests (SELTs)

For UK visa purposes, you must take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider. A regular English test, even from a well-known provider, is not accepted unless it is the specific SELT version.

For full details on booking your test, see our English test booking guide.

IELTS for UKVI

IELTS for UKVI is the most widely used test for UK visa applications. It is available in two formats:

• IELTS for UKVI (Academic): Used for Student visa applications at degree level and above.
• IELTS for UKVI (General Training): Used for work and family visa routes. Tests practical, everyday English.

Both formats test reading, writing, speaking, and listening. For more detail, see our IELTS for UK visa guide.

Important: Standard IELTS Academic (not the UKVI version) is not a SELT and is not accepted for most visa applications. However, some universities accept standard IELTS for Student visa CAS purposes. Always check which version your application requires.

IELTS Life Skills

IELTS Life Skills tests only speaking and listening. It is designed for visa routes that only require A1 or B1 in these two skills, such as the Spouse visa and some settlement applications.

• IELTS Life Skills A1: For initial Spouse/Partner visa applications.
• IELTS Life Skills B1: For ILR and citizenship applications.

PTE Academic UKVI

Pearson PTE Academic UKVI is a computer-based test that is growing in popularity. It tests reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Many applicants prefer it because results are available within 48 hours, compared to 13 days for IELTS.

Trinity College London

Trinity offers two SELT-approved tests:

• Trinity ISE (Integrated Skills in English): Tests reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Available at levels ISE I (B1), ISE II (B2), and ISE III (C1).
• Trinity GESE (Graded Examinations in Spoken English): Tests speaking and listening only. Available at Grades 4 (A2), 5 (B1), 7 (B2), and above.

LanguageCert

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT is an approved test that can be taken online with a live invigilator. This can be convenient if you do not have easy access to a test centre. It tests all four skills.

English Requirements by Visa Route

Skilled Worker Visa

You need B1 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You can prove this through an approved SELT, a degree taught or researched in English (verified by UK ENIC), or being a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Spouse / Partner Visa

The Spouse visa English requirement increases at each stage:

• Initial application: A1 (speaking and listening)
• Extension: A2 (speaking and listening)
• ILR: B1 (speaking and listening)

Student Visa

The required level depends on the course. Degree-level courses typically require B2. Below-degree-level courses typically require B1. Your university or college may set higher requirements than the minimum.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Most ILR applications require B1 in speaking and listening. You also need to pass the Life in the UK test. See our English for ILR guide for the full requirements.

British Citizenship

Citizenship requires B1 in speaking and listening plus the Life in the UK test. See our English for citizenship guide.

Exemptions from the English Language Requirement

You may be exempt from the English language requirement if:

• You are a national of a majority English-speaking country. This includes (but is not limited to) the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago. The full list is published on GOV.UK.
• You hold a degree taught or researched in English. The degree must be verified by UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) as equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree or above. This exemption applies to work routes but not to family routes.
• You have a physical or mental condition. If a disability or illness prevents you from meeting the requirement, you can apply for an exemption. You will need medical evidence.
• You are over 65. For ILR and citizenship, applicants aged 65 and over are exempt from both the English language requirement and the Life in the UK test.