UK Updates English Test Requirements for UK Visas and Citizenship |

UK Updates English Test Requirements for UK Visas and Citizenship

Charlie English Language Immigration updates 19 April 2025 | Updated On April 21, 2025 | 0

To get a UK visa or citizenship, you need to pass an English test to show you can communicate in everyday situations. Knowing English helps people settle in more easily, find jobs, study, and use public services.

The UK Home Office has updated its list of approved English tests for people applying for visas or British citizenship.

The old LanguageCert ESOL SELT 4-skills test is no longer being used.

Two new tests have replaced it:

LanguageCert Academic SELT
LanguageCert General SELT

These new tests come with updated formats and clearer requirements to make the process easier for applicants around the world.

The old test was a one-size-fits-all exam covering four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It was used for both work and student visa applications.

The new tests still assess the same four skills, but each test is now designed for specific visa types:

Academic SELT is for student visas and university applications. It focuses on English used in academic settings.
General SELT is for work visa applicants, including skilled workers and healthcare professionals. It focuses on everyday and workplace English.

If you have already taken the old test, your results are still valid for 2 years. Any unused vouchers for the old test are still valid for 12 months.

What Skills Do You Need to Show?

Depending on your visa type, the test you need may be different.

You must take a test covering all four skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) if you're applying for:

Health and Care Worker visa
High Potential Individual visa
Innovator Founder visa
Minister of Religion visa
Scale-up Worker visa
Skilled Worker visa
Start-up visa
Student visa
Temporary Work (International Agreement – private servants in diplomatic households)

You only need to take a speaking and listening test if you're applying for:

British citizenship
Settlement (also called Indefinite Leave to Remain)
International Sportsperson visa
Parent visa
Partner visa
Representative of an Overseas Business visa

Approved Testing Centres

In the UK, approved test providers are:

Pearson
Trinity College London
IELTS SELT Consortium
LanguageCert

Outside the UK, approved providers include:

Pearson
IELTS SELT Consortium
LanguageCert
PSI Services (Skills for English UKVI)

Whether you're applying to study, work, or settle in the UK, understanding the right English test for your visa route is key to a smooth application process. Be sure to check which test applies to you and prepare in advance with an approved provider.

With the right preparation, you'll be one step closer to reaching your UK goals. If you need assistance with your UK visa application, contact IaM.

Have you successfully passed the required English test? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

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