At Morgan Smith Immigration, we understand the importance of meeting the English language requirements for your UK visa or citizenship application. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Secure English Language Test (SELT) requirements, list of approved English tests, approved test centres, and the process for booking and taking a test.
Applications That Require an English Language Test
Different immigration routes require different levels of English language ability. The type of test you need to take depends on your application route. Below is a table that lists each visa application and the corresponding level of the English language test required.
Visa Applications and Corresponding English Language Test Levels
| Visa Application Route | Test Type Required | CEFR Level Required |
| Health and Care Worker | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | B1 |
| High Potential Individual | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | B1 |
| Innovator Founder | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | B2 |
| Minister of Religion | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | B2 |
| Scale-up Worker | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | B1 |
| Skilled Worker | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | B1 |
| Start-up | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | B2 |
| Student | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | B2 |
| Temporary Work – International Agreement | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | A1 |
| Citizenship | Speaking and Listening | B1 |
| International Sportsperson | Speaking and Listening | A1 |
| Parent | Speaking and Listening | A1 |
| Partner | Speaking and Listening | A1 |
| Representative of an Overseas Business | Speaking and Listening | A1 |
| Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) | Speaking and Listening | B1 |
Approved Test Providers
You can only take a SELT with one of the approved providers. The list of providers varies depending on whether you are inside or outside the UK.
Inside the UK
- Pearson
- Trinity College London
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- LANGUAGECERT
Outside the UK
- Pearson
- PSI Services (UK) Ltd – Skills for English (UKVI)
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- LANGUAGECERT
Booking an English Language Test
To book a test, visit the website of the provider offering the test you plan to take. Ensure that the test you book is approved for SELT and meets the Home Office requirements.
Inside the UK
- LANGUAGECERT
- Pearson
- Trinity College London
- IELTS SELT Consortium
Outside the UK
- LANGUAGECERT
- Pearson
- PSI Services (UK) Ltd
- IELTS SELT Consortium
Proving Your Identity on the Day of the Test
You must provide evidence of your identity at the test location. Acceptable documents include:
- Passport
- UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
- UK biometric residence card
- Convention travel document
- Stateless persons travel document
After the Test
After passing the test, you will receive a SELT unique reference number, which you must include in your application. Test results are valid for two years from the date of the test.
Reasonable Adjustments
If you have a disability and need extra equipment or help accessing the test location, you can make special requests when booking your test.
Conclusion
Meeting the English language requirements is a crucial step in your UK visa or citizenship application process. At Morgan Smith Immigration, our team of experienced immigration lawyers is here to guide you through every step of your immigration journey. Whether you need advice on personal and business visa categories, sponsorship licences, worker permits, spouse visas, student visas, visitor visas, British citizenship, or settlement in the UK, we are ready to help.
For any assistance related to your visa application, please contact Morgan Smith Immigration:
- Address: Interchange Building, 81-85 Station Road, Croydon CR0 2RD
- Phone: 020 3959 3335
- Website: Morgan Smith Immigration
Your path to a successful immigration process starts with Morgan Smith Immigration. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help!
