If you’re embarking on your immigration journey to the United Kingdom, you’ll need to meet a specific English language requirement to prove your proficiency in the language.
Many UK visa applications request that individuals exhibit their proficiency in the English language – the level of English required will vary depending on the type of application.
Appendix English Language applies to many immigration applications, including:
The above list was updated 31st Jan 2024.
Whilst the above list currently relies on the English Language Appendix to assess proficiency, not all applications use this.
You may not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the below countries or territories, as you’ll be classed as meeting the English language requirement under Appendix English Language.
If you have an academic degree taught in English, you may be able to use this to satisfy English language requirements for your visa application to which Appendix English Language applies.
The following lists the qualifications that applicants can utilise to meet the English Language requirement:
This will be subject to you providing evidence to support this, such as:
If you’re relying on a degree awarded by a body out with the UK, you must also provide a Visa and Nationality Statement from Ecctis that details how your degree meets the above requirements.
If the above options don’t apply to you, you’ll be required to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
This is a test that allows individuals to demonstrate that they meet the English language requirement at a particular level – this will depend on the visa application being completed.
The Government shares a list of approved test providers if you’re in or outside of the UK.
SELTs can review an individual’s skills across two main tests, depending on your chosen visa application route.
The below application routes require a test that assesses your reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities:
The below application routes require a test that assesses your speaking and listening abilities:
The level of test you’ll need will depend on your chosen visa application route.
If the Appendix English Language applies to your visa application route, there are three common areas of exemption:
Applicants aged 65 or over
Applicants aged 65 or over on the date of application do not need to meet the English language requirement.
Applicants have a physical or mental condition which prevents them from meeting the requirement
Applicants are exempt from the English language requirement if the decision maker considers that the applicant has a disability – a physical or mental condition – which prevents them from learning English or taking an approved English language test.
Adults applying for settlement as a partner, parent or dependent child (limited circumstances)
Individuals applying for settlement as a partner, parent or dependent child may be exempt from English language requirements in limited circumstances, subject to relevant evidence being provided.
If the applicant isn’t able to show that they meet the English language requirement or qualify for an exemption from it, their application as a partner or parent will be refused under the 5-year route to settlement.
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