Guidance from N & M Immigration Lawyers (NMILS)
Serving clients across the UK and worldwide

At N & M Immigration Lawyers (NMILS), we regularly advise clients on the English language requirements for UK visa applications. Whether you are applying as a fiancé(e), spouse, student, skilled worker or seeking settlement, understanding the correct English test requirement is essential to avoid refusal.

This guidance is based strictly on official UK Government information published on gov.uk regarding Secure English Language Tests (SELT).

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What Is a Secure English Language Test (SELT)?

A Secure English Language Test (SELT) is an English language test approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Only specific test providers and specific test formats are accepted.

The level of English required depends on:

• • The visa category

• • Whether it is an initial application, extension, or settlement

• • The stage of your immigration journey

In most cases, your test result must be from within 2 years of the date of application.

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Partner & Family Visa English Requirements
1. Fiancé(e) / Proposed Civil Partner Visa

Applicants must meet the English language requirement at CEFR Level A1 (speaking and listening only).

This is required for entry clearance to the UK under the family route.

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2. Spouse Visa / Civil Partner Visa (Initial Application)

For an initial spouse or partner visa application, the applicant must meet:

• • CEFR Level A1

• • Speaking and listening only

This applies whether applying from overseas or switching within the UK where permitted.

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3. Spouse / Partner Visa Extension (FLR(M))

When extending a partner visa after 2.5 years, applicants usually must meet:

• • CEFR Level A2

• • Speaking and listening only

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4. Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR) as a Partner

For settlement under the 5-year partner route, applicants must normally meet:

• • CEFR Level B1

• • Speaking and listening

Applicants must also pass the Life in the UK Test (separate requirement).

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Student Visa English Requirements

Under the Student visa route, applicants must demonstrate English language ability at a level set by their education provider and the Home Office.

In many cases, this requires:

• • A SELT covering reading, writing, speaking and listening

• • CEFR level depending on the course (for example B2 for degree level study)

Some applicants may be exempt depending on nationality or qualifications.

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Skilled Worker & Work Visa English Requirements

Many UK work routes require English language ability across all four skills:

• • Skilled Worker

• • Health and Care Worker

• • Scale-up Worker

• • High Potential Individual

• • Innovator Founder

• • Minister of Religion

• • Temporary Work – International Agreement

Most of these routes require CEFR Level B1 or B2, depending on the visa category.

Unlike partner visas, work routes usually require reading, writing, speaking and listening to be tested.

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British Citizenship English Requirement

For naturalisation as a British citizen, applicants must demonstrate:

• • CEFR Level B1 in speaking and listening
    or

• • Hold a recognised English degree taught in English

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Approved English Test Providers (SELT)

Only the following providers are approved by UKVI:

IELTS SELT Consortium

• • IELTS for UKVI

• • IELTS Life Skills

Trinity College London

• • Integrated Skills in English (ISE)

• • Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE)

Pearson

• • PTE Academic UKVI

• • PTE Home

LanguageCert

• • LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

PSI Services (UK) Ltd

• • Skills for English (UKVI)

Only specific versions of these tests are accepted. Not all English exams from these providers qualify. The test must be taken at an approved test centre.

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Types of SELT Tests

There are two main types of SELT depending on your visa:

1. Speaking & Listening Only

Used for:

• • Fiancé(e)

• • Spouse / Partner

• • Parent

• • Settlement

• • Citizenship

2. Four Skills (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening)

Used for:

• • Skilled Worker

• • Student

• • Certain work routes

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Who Is Exempt from the English Test?

You may not need a SELT if:

• • You are a national of a majority English-speaking country recognised by the Home Office.

• • You hold a UK degree.

• • You hold an overseas degree taught in English and verified by UK authorities.

• • You qualify for a medical or exceptional exemption.

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How N & M Immigration Lawyers Assist You

At N & M Immigration Lawyers (NMILS), we:

• • Assess the correct English level required for your visa category

• • Confirm whether you are exempt

• • Advise which specific SELT test you must book

• • Review your test reference number before submission

• • Ensure your English requirement aligns with your visa strategy

• • Assist with partner, skilled worker, student and settlement applications

• • Support clients throughout the UK and worldwide

We provide structured, compliance-focused immigration advice to minimise refusal risks.

If you are unsure which English test applies to your visa, contact NMILS for tailored advice before booking a test.

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Additional English Language Information

We have attached English language information from Trinity College London for additional guidance on test formats, preparation materials and approved SELT examinations.

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N & M Immigration Lawyers (NMILS)
UK Immigration Specialists
Serving clients nationally and internationally
www.nmils.com