Approved English Language Tests

You can prove your English with a test from a Home Office–approved provider.

The test must be:

• Secure English Language Test (SELT)
• Taken at an approved test centre
• At the correct levelfor your visa

Accepted Test Providers

• IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training)
• Trinity College London – GESE (Graded Examinations in Spoken English)
• Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
• LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
• PSI Skills for English UKVI

Make sure to book the UKVI version of the test (not the regular IELTS or PTE).

Minimum Level Required

For a partner/family visa, you need to prove your English at:

• CEFR level A1(speaking & listening) if applying for the first time
• CEFR level A2when applying to extend after 2.5 years
• CEFR level B1when applying for indefinite leave to remain (settlement)

Using an Academic Qualification

You do not need a test if you have a recognised degree taught in English.

• If your degree was awarded in the UK→ automatically accepted.
• If your degree was awarded outside the UK→ you must apply through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) to confirm:

• It’s equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher, and
• It was taught in English.

Documents You’ll Need

When applying, you’ll submit either:

• Your English test pass certificate, or
• An Ecctis statement of comparability(for overseas qualifications).

This means:

• If you already hold a UK or English-taught degree → you can skip the test.
• If not, you’ll likely need to take IELTS for UKVI (A1 level)if it’s your first partner visa.