ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT FOR UK VISA IN 2025

English Language Requirement for UK Visa in 2025

English Language Requirement for UK Visa in 2025

Blog Article

The UK government requires many visa applicants to prove they can speak and understand English to a certain level. This rule ensures that migrants can integrate into society, participate in the workforce, and access public services effectively.

Whether you're applying as a spouse, worker, student, or long-term resident, English Language Requirement play a central role in the success of your application. Failure to meet these requirements is one of the most common reasons copyright refusals.

At Axis Solicitors, we help applicants navigate the specific English test needed for their visa route. From choosing the correct test provider to understanding which CEFR level applies, our legal team ensures your application is complete, compliant, and on time.

This blog outlines:


  • Which UK visas require English language proof


  • The required CEFR levels for each application


  • Approved English test providers (SELT)


  • Exemptions to the requirement


  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them



Who Needs to Meet the English Language Requirement?


In 2025, the English Language Requirement will remain a central element of most UK immigration applications. The purpose is to ensure that migrants can communicate effectively in English, integrate into society, and participate meaningfully in education, employment, and public life.

The requirement applies to a wide range of visa categories, each with its own Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, specific test types, and documentary standards.

Below is a breakdown by visa category:

1. Family and Partner Visas 


● Spouse, Civil Partner or Unmarried Partner Visas


Applicants applying under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules must demonstrate basic English proficiency. This is a two-stage requirement:

  • Initial Entry or Leave to Remain: CEFR A1 (speaking and listening only)


  • Extension after 2.5 years (FLR-M): CEFR A2


  • Indefinite Leave to Remain: CEFR B1



Failure to meet this requirement, even by submitting the wrong level test, results in refusal. Tests must be taken at an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) centre.

2. Work Visas


● Skilled Worker Route


Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in all four components—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—at CEFR level B1 or higher.

This can be satisfied by:

  • Passing a SELT in English


  • Holding a degree taught in English (with NARIC/ECCTIS confirmation)


  • Being a national of a majority English-speaking country



● Global Business Mobility Visa (where applicable)


Some sub-categories of the GBM visa, such as the Senior or Specialist Worker route, do not impose a formal English requirement, but certain routes involving long-term residence or settlement may lead to it being imposed at later stages.

3. Student Visas


Applicants must meet English requirements to study in the UK. The CEFR level depends on the level of the course:

  • Degree level or above: CEFR B2


  • Below degree level: CEFR B1



Universities and higher education providers with a sponsor licence can assess English competency independently, while other applicants must take an approved SELT.

4. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)


For ILR under various routes (such as the five-year partner route or the ten-year long residence route), applicants must satisfy:

  • English language proficiency at CEFR B1


  • Life in the UK Test



Both must be passed at the time of application according to the English Language Requirement. Exemptions may apply but are not automatic.

5. British Citizenship (Naturalisation)


To naturalise as a British citizen, the applicant must again satisfy:

  • CEFR B1 English


  • Life in the UK Test



According to the English Language Requirement applicants who already met these requirements at the ILR stage typically do not need to repeat them, unless there has been a substantial delay or change in circumstances.

Visa Routes Without English Language Requirements


Some routes are exempt from the English requirement altogether:

  • Visitor Visas


  • Short-term Study Visas


  • Temporary Worker Routes (e.g. Charity Worker, Creative Worker)


  • Youth Mobility Scheme (T5)


  • Asylum or Humanitarian Protection


  • Dependants (in most cases)



Accepted English Language Tests and Approved Providers (SELT)


Following the English Language Requirement that require proof of English language ability, applicants must take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a Home Office-approved provider. This requirement ensures a consistent standard of assessment and helps UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) verify results quickly and reliably.

As of 2025, the list of approved SELT providers includes:

  • IELTS SELT Consortium (IELTS for UKVI)


  • LanguageCert


  • Pearson (PTE Academic UKVI)


  • Trinity College London


  • PSI Services (Skills for English UKVI)



These providers deliver tests that are designed to assess different levels of English as specified by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Only tests taken at authorised UKVI test centres are valid copyright applications.

1. IELTS for UKVI


The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for UKVI is one of the most commonly used tests. It offers both Academic and General Training modules, but for most immigration purposes, applicants must sit the IELTS for UKVI General Training at an approved UKVI test location.

  • Used for: Spouse visa, Skilled Worker visa, ILR, Citizenship


  • CEFR Levels: A1, A2, B1, B2 (depending on the test type)


  • Format: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking


  • Results: Typically available in 3 to 5 days (computer-based) or 13 days (paper-based)



2. LanguageCert SELT


LanguageCert offers SELTs specifically mapped to CEFR levels and structured around UK immigration needs. Their exams include:

  • LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A1, A2, B1, B2


  • Designed for Spouse visas, ILR, Citizenship, and Work visas



LanguageCert allows flexibility in test booking, faster result turnaround, and remote proctoring in some cases.

3. Pearson PTE Academic UKVI


The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic UKVI is a computer-based English test accepted by UKVI copyright applications.

  • Primarily used for: Student visas and Skilled Worker visas


  • Not accepted for: Partner visa (A1 or A2 level) as it only starts at B1 and above


  • Known for: Quick result processing (usually within 48 hours)



4. Trinity College London


Trinity’s GESE (Graded Examinations in Spoken English) is a popular option for applicants needing to demonstrate speaking and listening only, which is particularly useful for family route visas and citizenship.

  • GESE Grade 2 (A1), Grade 3 (A2), Grade 5 (B1)


  • Duration: 6 to 10 minutes


  • Focused format suitable for applicants with limited English proficiency



5. PSI – Skills for English (UKVI)


PSI offers the Skills for English: SELT, which assesses applicants from A1 to B2 level across all four language skills.

  • Delivered at secure UKVI-approved test centres


  • Used across a wide range of UK immigration categories


  • Includes both paper and computer-based formats depending on location



Important Notes on SELT Tests



  • The test must be taken at a Home Office-approved centre—even if the test provider is approved, only results from their UKVI-specific centres will be accepted.


  • The test result must still be valid on the date of application (typically valid for two years).


  • Tests not taken under SELT conditions (e.g., standard IELTS Academic) will not be accepted copyright purposes, even if the score is sufficient.



Minimum CEFR Levels by Visa Type


To meet the English Language Requirement, applicants must demonstrate their ability in English at a specific level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The minimum required level depends entirely on the type of visa being applied for.

Below is a breakdown of the minimum CEFR level required for the most common UK visa and settlement routes.

1. Spouse and Partner Visas (Appendix FM)



  • Initial Visa (Entry Clearance or First FLR-M):
     CEFR Level A1 – Basic ability to communicate and understand familiar everyday expressions.


  • Extension (after 30 months):
     CEFR Level A2 – Slightly more advanced than A1, enabling routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information.


  • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):
     CEFR Level B1 – Intermediate level, able to deal with most situations likely to arise while living in the UK.



The test must assess speaking and listening only. A pass certificate from an approved SELT provider is required.

2. Skilled Worker Visa


Applicants under the Skilled Worker route must meet CEFR Level B1 in all four components:

  • Listening


  • Speaking


  • Reading


  • Writing



If the applicant has a degree taught in English and recognised by UK NARIC/ECCTIS as equivalent to a UK degree, they may be exempt from taking a SELT.

3. Student Visas


Depending on the level of course being undertaken:

  • Below degree level (e.g. foundation courses):
     CEFR Level B1


  • Degree level or above (undergraduate, postgraduate):
     CEFR Level B2 – Demonstrates the ability to understand complex texts, engage in technical discussions, and produce detailed written content.



Institutions holding a sponsor licence have the discretion to assess English proficiency independently if they are a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.

4. Global Business Mobility Visas


The English language requirement under this route varies:

  • Senior or Specialist Worker: No English requirement


  • Graduate Trainee: No English requirement


  • UK Expansion Worker: No formal requirement at the entry stage


  • Service Supplier / Secondment Worker: Generally exempt unless transitioning to a route with a settlement pathway



It is important to seek advice on onward immigration plans, as applicants may need to satisfy language requirements later if seeking ILR or switching routes.

5. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)


All standard ILR applicants (except for those under exempt categories) must:

  • Pass a SELT at CEFR Level B1 or higher in speaking and listening


  • Pass the Life in the UK Test



Applicants who already met this level for their visa can submit their existing qualification if still valid.

6. British Citizenship (Naturalisation)


Applicants must:

  • Demonstrate English at CEFR Level B1 in speaking and listening


  • Pass the Life in the UK Test



Those who already fulfilled these conditions when applying for ILR typically do not need to retake them.

Using a Degree Taught in English as Proof


Following the English Language Requirement, applicants can satisfy the English language requirement for UK immigration without taking a Secure English Language Test (SELT). This exemption applies if the applicant holds an academic degree that was taught or researched in English.

However, this method of proving English proficiency must meet specific conditions set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Eligible Qualifications


You may use a degree as evidence if:

  • It was taught or researched in English, and


  • It is either:



    • A UK academic degree, or


    • An overseas degree recognised as equivalent to a UK degree by UK NARIC (now known as UK ENIC/ECCTIS)





This applies to bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees.

UK Degree Qualifications


If you obtained your degree in the United Kingdom, no further verification is usually required. You must submit:

  • Your degree certificate


  • A statement confirming the degree was taught in English (only if requested)



Since the degree was awarded by a recognised UK institution, this is generally considered sufficient evidence of English proficiency, especially for applications requiring CEFR Level B1 or above.

Overseas Degrees Taught in English


For degrees obtained outside the UK, you must take additional steps:

1. Obtain a Statement of Comparability


This is issued by UK ENIC (ECCTIS) and confirms that your overseas qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree.

2. Obtain an English Language Assessment


If your degree was taught in English, UK ENIC will also issue an English Language Proficiency Statement, confirming that:

  • The qualification is equivalent to a UK degree, and


  • It was taught in English to the required standard (usually CEFR Level B1 or B2 depending on the route)



You will need to submit:

  • A copy of your degree certificate


  • UK ENIC/ECCTIS statements (both documents)



When is this Method Accepted?


This approach is accepted for the following applications (provided all requirements are met):

  • Skilled Worker visa


  • Start-up and Innovator Founder visas


  • Global Talent visa


  • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)


  • British Citizenship



It is not valid for applications where the English requirement is at A1 or A2 level (e.g. spouse visa entry clearance or extension). In these cases, a SELT is mandatory.

Key Considerations



  • Degree-based evidence is route-specific. It must match the CEFR level required by the particular visa.


  • UKVI may reject your application if the ENIC/ECCTIS documents are missing or incorrectly formatted.


  • This method can be cost-effective in the long term but requires preparation time to gather and verify documents.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


1. What is a Secure English Language Test (SELT)?


A SELT is a Secure English Language Test that has been approved by the UK Home Office for immigration purposes. It must be taken at an authorised test centre under specific conditions. SELTs assess speaking, listening, reading, and writing (or only speaking and listening, depending on the visa type).

2. Can I use a general IELTS test for my copyright?


No. You must take the IELTS for UKVI (General Training or Academic, depending on the route) at a UKVI-approved centre. General IELTS tests that are not part of the UKVI-approved SELT scheme are not accepted copyright applications.

3. Is the English language requirement the same for every visa?


No. Different visa routes require different CEFR levels. For example:

  • Spouse visa (initial): A1


  • Spouse visa (extension): A2


  • Skilled Worker visa: B1


  • Student visa (degree level): B2


  • ILR and Citizenship: B1



4. How long is a SELT result valid?


Most SELT certificates are valid for 2 years from the date of the test. Ensure your result is valid on the date of application, not just the submission date.

5. I have a degree taught in English. Do I need to take a test?


Not necessarily. If your degree was taught in English and meets UKVI equivalency standards, you can use it to satisfy the English requirement—if your visa route allows this method. For overseas degrees, you'll need to submit ECCTIS/UK ENIC verification.

6. Do I need to meet the English requirement again when applying for ILR or Citizenship?


Yes—unless you can reuse a valid B1-level qualification from your previous application. If the test result has expired or does not meet the B1 threshold, you'll need to take a new test or submit updated academic proof.

7. Are there any exemptions to the English language requirement?


Yes. You may be exempt if you:

  • Are over 65 years old


  • Have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you from taking the test (with medical evidence)


  • Are a national of a majority English-speaking country (e.g. USA, copyright, Australia, etc.)


  • Are applying under certain visa types (e.g. visitor, charity worker, asylum)



Each case is assessed individually, and evidence must be provided.

8. Can I take the English test outside the UK?


Yes. SELTs are available at UKVI-approved centres worldwide. You must choose an authorised provider and location listed on the UK government’s official site.

9. How do I know which CEFR level I need for my application?


It depends on the visa type. Always refer to the specific immigration route guidance or consult a qualified immigration solicitor. Using the wrong CEFR level test will result in a refusal.

10. What happens if I fail the English test?


You’ll need to reschedule and retake the test. A failed or invalid result will cause your copyright to be refused. Always prepare thoroughly and ensure you are sitting the correct test type at the correct level.

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