Applicants may be required to take a 2-skills (Speaking & Listening) or 4-skills (Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking) SELT exam. All LanguageCert SELT exams are delivered through our global network of SELT Centres.
The minimum Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level required varies depending on visa type. Applicants with a higher language level can take an exam above the minimum requirement as long as it assesses the same skills that also satisfy the visa application.
Visa requirement information is subject to change. Applicants should refer to UK Government guidance on English language exams for visas and are responsible for ensuring they take the correct exam. Applicants applying for Study in the UK visas are advised to contact their sponsors to confirm which CEFR level they require before registering for an exam.
Below is a table outlining the minimum CEFR level and skills required for each visa type.
Exam requirements for UK visa types
Application type
Minimum CEFR level required for UK visa
Minimum CEFR level required
Application type
Further Leave to Remain:
Family life as a partner of a settled person (spouse / partner)
Family life as a parent (parent of a dependent)
Minimum CEFR level required for UK visa
A1
Minimum CEFR level required
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A1
(Speaking & Listening)
(Speaking & Listening)
Application type
Representative of an Overseas Business visa
Minimum CEFR level required for UK visa
A1
Minimum CEFR level required
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A1
(Speaking & Listening)
(Speaking & Listening)
Application type
Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa
Minimum CEFR level required for UK visa
A1
Minimum CEFR level required
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A1
(Speaking & Listening)
(Speaking & Listening)
Application type
Further Leave to Remain (visa extension):
Family life as a partner of a settled person (spouse/partner)
Family life as a parent (parent of a dependent)
A LanguageCert SELT ESOL A2 exam is required for family route Leave to Remain applications after 2.5 years in the UK.
Family life as a partner of a settled person (spouse/partner)
Family life as a parent (parent of a dependent)
A LanguageCert SELT ESOL A2 exam is required for family route Leave to Remain applications after 2.5 years in the UK.
Minimum CEFR level required for UK visa
A2
Minimum CEFR level required
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A2
(Speaking & Listening)
(Speaking & Listening)
Application type
Indefinite Leave to Remain — ILR
(Settlement/Permanent Residency)
(Settlement/Permanent Residency)
Minimum CEFR level required for UK visa
B1
Minimum CEFR level required
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1
(Speaking & Listening)
(Speaking & Listening)
Application type
British Citizenship (Naturalisation)
Minimum CEFR level required for UK visa
B1
Minimum CEFR level required
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1
(Speaking & Listening)
(Speaking & Listening)
Application type
Tier 2 (General) visa
Minimum CEFR level required for UK visa
B1
Minimum CEFR level required
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1
(Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking)
(Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking)
Application type
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa
Minimum CEFR level required for UK visa
B2
Minimum CEFR level required
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2
(Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking)
(Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking)
Application type
Innovator visa
Minimum CEFR level required for UK visa
B2
Minimum CEFR level required
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2
(Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking)
(Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking)
Application type
Start-up visa
Minimum CEFR level required for UK visa
B2
Minimum CEFR level required
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2
(Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking)
(Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking)
Application type
Student visa (this route replaces Tier 4) - below degree level
Minimum CEFR level required for UK visa
B1
Minimum CEFR level required
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1
(Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking)
(Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking)
Application type
Student visa (this route replaces Tier 4) - degree level and above
Minimum CEFR level required for UK visa
B2
Minimum CEFR level required
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2
(Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking)
(Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking)