English language requirement for UK Visas

What are ‘settlement visa exemptions’?

If you are applying to settle in the UK, you are not required to prove your knowledge of English if:

• You are a victim of domestic violence as the partner or spouse of someone settled in the UK (including a British citizen).

• You are the partner or spouse of someone settled in the UK (including a British citizen) who has died.

• You are an adult dependent relative of someone settled in the UK and is a refugee or has humanitarian protection.

• You are a refugee who is living in the UK.

• You have discretionary leave in the UK.

• You have humanitarian protection in the UK.

• You have permission to stay in the UK as a retired person of independent means.

• You are a Commonwealth citizen who is on discharge from HM Forces.

• You are applying for EUSS Settled Status.

• You have exceptional circumstances.

How do I prove my degree was taught in English?

If you do not have to take an English language requirement because you have a degree which was taught or researched in English then you must be able to prove this. The way you prove that your degree was taught in English depends on whether your degree is from a UK university or if it is from a university outside of the UK.

If your degree is from a UK university then you will just need to provide your degree certificate. However, if your degree is from a university outside of the UK then you will need to provide a copy of your degree certificate and an Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS) from Ecctis confirming the degree is equivalent to a UK qualification. Additionally, if your degree is from a non-majority English speaking country you will also need a English Language Proficiency Statement from Ecctis to confirm that the degree was taught in English.

If you are unable to provide your degree certificate (i.e. you have lost it or have not received it) then you can provide the following as proof that you have passed your degree:

• An official transcript. This must include your name, the name of the institution, your degree and confirmation of the award.

• An official letter from your university which confirms that it either cannot reissue your degree certificate or when it will issue your certificate. The letter must contain your name, your degree and when the degree was (or will be) awarded.

Where to take the English language test

You must sit an English language test at a Home Office approved English language test centre. There are only a handful of approved English language test providers for UK visas, they are:

• Trinity College London (UK only).

• IELTS SELT Consortium.

• LanguageCert.

• Pearson.

• PSI Services (UK) Ltd (outside of the UK).

A list of approved SELT test centres can be found here.

How do I book an English language test for a UK visa?

To make a booking to sit an English language test at an approved SELT test centre, please head over to this link where you will be guided to the Home Office's list of approved English language test centres.

Due to issues of availability, you may not always be able to take the test at the test centre which is closest to you. You should take the test within 28 days of making the booking.

When booking the test it is important that the details provided match those on the identity document (see below) you are bringing to the test centre in order to confirm your identity.

What do I need to bring to the English language test?

When you attend your English language test you are required to provide evidence of your identity, the following documents can be used to prove your identity:

• A passport.

• A UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

• A UK Biometric Residence Card (BRC).

• A convention travel document.

• A stateless persons travel document.

• An EEA identity card (can be used in the UK or outside the UK in the country where it was issued).

• A valid photographic government issued identity card (can be used outside the UK in the country where it was issued).

It is important to note that these documents must:

• Be current and valid.

• Be an original (not a photocopy).

• Include a photo of you.

• Match the information provided when you booked your test.

What happens if I pass the English language test?

If you pass the test then you will receive a unique reference number which you must use on your application - failure to include this reference number on your application may result in a refused application. In some cases you may also receive a certificate.

What happens if I fail the English language test?

If you fail the English language test then you cannot complete your immigration application. Instead you must resit, and pass the English language test in order to submit your visa application or extension before your leave expires.

If you submit an application but it is found that you do not meet the English language requirement, then your application will be refused. You will receive a refusal letter which will outline why your application has not been successful. For instance, it may say that you did not provide sufficient evidence as to how you met the English language requirement.

How long is the English language test valid for?

Test results are valid for 2 years.

Will I need to attend an interview?

If you have submitted your application and the Home Office caseworker has doubts over your credibility, then you may be required to attend an interview. Alternatively, if a lack of evidence is a reason for doubt, then you may be required to submit additional evidence to show that you meet the English language requirement.

Which English test is required for UK Spouse Visa?

When applying for a UK Spouse Visa, applicants are required to sit the English language test which tests their speaking and listening abilities.

How can Paragon Law help?

If you need to speak to an immigration advisor in relation to sitting an English language test then please get in touch with us. Please note that we do not offer revision services for English language tests, rather we can only give practical advice about meeting the English language requirements and booking the test.