When an English test has expired

Why This Happens

Many people pass their English test early in their immigration history but do not apply for settlement until years later. GOV.UK says "some recognised test qualifications only last for 2 years", and Appendix KoLL of the Immigration Rules counts a Secure English Language Test only where it was taken no more than two years before the date of application. A test taken at the start of a five-year qualifying period has run out long before the settlement application.

GOV.UK publishes rules for that situation, so an expired qualification is not automatically useless.

When an Expired Qualification Still Counts

Applying to settle

GOV.UK says you can use a B1, B2, C1 or C2 level qualification that has run out if both of the following are true:

• it is on the current list of recognised tests; and
• it was accepted for another UK immigration application, for example when you got permission to enter.

Applying for citizenship

GOV.UK says you can use a B1, B2, C1 or C2 level qualification that has run out if both of the following are true:

• you are applying for citizenship; and
• it was accepted when you settled in the UK.

It adds: "It does not matter if the test you took is not on the current list of recognised tests. You do not need to take another test."

The rule behind it

Appendix KoLL puts the settlement version this way. Where the application is made before 26 March 2027, someone meets the language part if they have limited permission to enter or stay that was granted on the basis of an English qualification at a minimum of B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and the provider of that qualification is still approved by the Home Office at the date of application. Where the application is made on or after 26 March 2027, the same rule applies but the qualification the earlier permission rested on has to have been at least B2.

The Other Published Routes

A new Secure English Language Test

A Secure English Language Test can only be taken with an approved provider at an approved test centre. Book a new test at B1 level (B2 for settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027) and check the GOV.UK approved test list for current providers and test centres. GOV.UK says English for Speakers of Other Languages qualifications can only be used if they are on the approved list, and that other qualifications, such as GCSEs, A levels and National Vocational Qualifications, cannot be used.

An academic degree taught or researched in English

A degree does not run out. GOV.UK says the degree must be academic, not vocational, and that you need the degree certificate as proof.

• A UK institution: a degree taught or researched in English and awarded by a UK institution counts, even if you studied outside the UK.
• An institution outside the UK: you need an assessment from Ecctis, which gives a code confirming that the qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree or higher and was taught in English. If you have already been assessed by Ecctis, the certificate from that earlier assessment can be used instead of reapplying.

If the certificate is lost or the degree has not been awarded yet, GOV.UK accepts either an official transcript naming you, the institution, the degree and the award, or an official letter from the university confirming that it cannot reissue the certificate or when it will be issued.

An exemption

The published exemptions are being 65 or over, being unable to prove your English because of a long-term physical or mental condition, and being a national of one of the countries GOV.UK lists as majority English-speaking. Separate lists cover settlement on certain work visas and situations such as settling as a refugee or with humanitarian protection.

If There Is Not Enough Time

GOV.UK addresses this directly: "If you're already in the UK you may be able to extend your permission to stay, so that you can prove your knowledge of English." It says to check the guide for your current visa for how to apply for an extension.

GOV.UK also warns, in its own words, that "your citizenship or settlement application will be refused if you send the wrong qualifications".

Advice about the timing of an individual application is regulated work in the UK. It can be given by a solicitor or by an adviser registered with the Immigration Advice Authority.

Preparing for a Retake

See our level comparison guide for what B1 covers, and our guide to English classes for adults.

The Citizenship Application After Settlement

Keep the certificate and the result. GOV.UK's rule for citizenship turns on the qualification having been accepted when you settled, so the record of that acceptance is what matters for the citizenship application. For most routes the citizenship application comes at least 12 months after settlement; partners of British citizens can apply without that 12-month wait.

For more on the English requirement for citizenship, see our guide on English for citizenship. For general information on expired tests, see our expired test guide.

Cost

Secure English Language Test fees are set by the test providers, not by the Home Office, and are not published on GOV.UK. Check the price with the provider you book with. The settlement application fee itself is separate; see our UK visa fees guide.

Further Resources

For guidance on indefinite leave to remain (settlement), visit GOV.UK. The English requirement itself is on Prove your knowledge of English for citizenship and settling.

You may also find our English Language Tests for UK Visas and UK Visa Fees: Complete Guide helpful.

Questions and answers