Why it matters
Most visa routes, settlement and citizenship require you to prove that you can speak, read, write and understand English. The commonest cause of refusal is not that the applicant cannot speak English, but that the evidence is of the wrong kind, level or age. A qualification that is good enough for a university may not be accepted for a visa.
The level for each route
Levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). The level depends on the route and, for some, on whether you are applying for the first time or extending:
| Route | Level |
|---|---|
| Spouse, partner and parent visas | A1 speaking and listening for the first visa, A2 at the first extension, B1 for settlement |
| Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Scale-up, High Potential Individual, Innovator Founder | B2 for new applications and for switching, since 8 January 2026. B1 if you held the visa before that date and are extending |
| Student | B2 for most degree-level courses, B1 for courses below degree level, as set by the sponsor |
| Settlement (indefinite leave to remain) | B1 at present. B2 has been announced for applications from 26 March 2027 |
| British citizenship by naturalisation | B1 at present, or a degree taught in English. Check the level on the date you apply |
| Global Talent, Graduate, Visitor | None |
Rules for individual routes change and some are phasing in higher levels, so we check the level at the date of your application.
How you can prove it
- An approved English test (SELT). A Secure English Language Test from an approved provider, taken at an approved centre, which gives you a reference number to quote in your application. A test taken more than two years before the application is not accepted for most routes.
- A degree. A bachelor’s degree or higher from a UK institution, or a degree taught in English from an overseas institution, with an Ecctis (formerly UK ENIC) statement that it is equivalent to a UK degree and was taught in English.
- Nationality. Citizens of the main majority-English-speaking countries meet the requirement without a test: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British overseas territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the USA. The list does not include Ireland or India.
- A previous application. If you proved your English in an earlier successful application at the same or a higher level, you may not need to prove it again.
Speaking and listening, or all four skills
For the family routes up to B1 you need speaking and listening only. At B2, which the work routes now require, the test must cover reading and writing as well. Booking a speaking and listening test for a route that needs all four skills is one of the most common and most expensive mistakes.
Who is exempt
You do not need to prove English if you are under 18 or aged 65 or over, or if a physical or mental condition prevents you from meeting the requirement. Registered doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives and vets who have passed a regulator-approved assessment are exempt on the Health and Care Worker route. Some settlement applicants with 15 years or more of continuous residence qualify for a reduced requirement. Exemptions need medical or other evidence, so take advice before relying on one.
Common problems
- The wrong test. A general test for study or work is different from an approved SELT.
- An old certificate. A SELT result is valid for two years from the test date for most routes.
- A degree certificate without the confirmation that it was taught in English.
- The wrong skills. Speaking and listening only, where all four are needed.
How we help
We tell you which test, level and provider your application needs, check that your degree or certificate will be accepted, and review the evidence before you apply, so a language point does not cost you a fee. A consultation costs from £99.
