Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT)

For visa or citizenship applications, you may need to prove your knowledge of English by passing a secure English language test (SELT).

What’s changed: Updated the lists of approved test centres in and outside the UK.

Applications that require an English language test

There are 2 types of test as different immigration routes require different levels of English language ability. The test you will need to take depends on what you are applying for.

For the following application routes, you will need to take a test that assesses your reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities:

• Health and Care Worker
• High Potential Individual
• Innovator Founder
• Minister of Religion
• Scale-up Worker
• Skilled Worker
• Start-up
• Student
• Temporary Work – International Agreement (private servants in a diplomatic household making applications for entry clearance)

For the following application routes, you will need to take a test that assesses your speaking and listening abilities:

• citizenship
• International Sportsperson
• parent
• partner
• Representative of an Overseas Business
• settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain)

The level of test you will need, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, will depend on the route you are applying for. To find out which level you need, see the specific guidance for your immigration route.

Approved test providers

If you are in the UK

You can only take a SELT with one of the following providers:

• Trinity College London
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• LANGUAGECERT
• Pearson

If you are outside of the UK

You can only take a SELT with one of the following providers:

• PSI Services (UK) Ltd
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• LANGUAGECERT
• Pearson

Find an approved test

For your results to be accepted, your test must:

• be on the list of approved English language tests
• have been sat at an approved test location
• have been awarded in the two years before the date of your application

The list of approved English language tests has been assessed as meeting Home Office requirements under the secure English language testing arrangements. Only those tests and test levels specified are approved. If you intend to use an English language test in your immigration or nationality application, you must take one of the tests on the list.

You should make sure the test that you book is the one approved for SELT:

Read the full update on GOV.UK →

Source: UK Visas and Immigration — guidance & rule updates on GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. This is a summary for information only — always check the official page for the full, current rules.