English language test

English Language Test

Under immigration rules requirement, most of the visa categories required to demonstrate the applicant's English language ability. If you are not from one of the English speaking countries, you will either have a degree taught in English or pass a passing a test with a Home Office approved Secure English Language Testing (SELT) provider. English language requirements are different for a different visa category. Home Office has approved four English test providers for you to take a English language test.

When you book a test, you can only choose:

for IELTS, ensure that you choose ‘IELTS for UKVI’ rather than ‘IELTS’;
for Trinity, ensure that you choose ‘Secure English Language Tests for UKVI’;
for LanguageCert ensure that you choose International ESOL SELT;
for Pearson ensure you choose PTE Academic UKVI, or PTE Home;

If you choose a wrong test, you will not meet the language requirements.

You can book a SELT test at the following website if you are in the UK

If you are outside of the UK, you can book the following test:

If you have a degree was taught in English, you can exempt from Secured English test by providing an ECCTIS letter to confirm it. ECCTIS was previously call NARIC.

Q&A

Which immigration routes require a SELT?: 1. Innovator
2.Start-up
3. Tier 2 (General)
4.Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
5.Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
6.Tier 4 (General)
7. Representative of an overseas business
8.Partner
9. Parent
10.Settlement
11. Citizenship
How much does it cost to take a test?: It depends on a different test provider. It will be between £150 - £200. You need to check with them.
What type of ID is required?: • a passport
• a travel document (excluding emergency travel documents);
• an EU Identity Card;
• a Government ID card (only accepted in countries where it was issued);
• a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• a Biometric Registration Card (BRC).
Can driving licences be used as proof of identify?: No, you cannot.
There is no test point in the country where I live. What can I do?: If there is not a SELT test point in the country where you live, you will have to travel to another country to take a SELT test.
What if my passport is held by the Home Office and I don’t have any other valid identity documents?: You should contact the Home Office to request the return of your passport. If you have, or you are given, a photocopy of your passport the test point will not allow you to sit the test.