Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT)
For visa or citizenship applications, you may need to prove your knowledge of English by passing a secure English language test (SELT).
Applications that require an English language test
There are 2 types of test as different immigration routes require different levels of English language ability. The test you will need to take depends on what you are applying for.
For the following application routes, you will need to take a test that assesses your reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities:
HealthandCareWorkerHighPotentialIndividualInnovatorFounderMinisterofReligionScale-upWorkerSkilledWorkerStart-upStudentTemporaryWork–InternationalAgreement(privateservantsinadiplomatichouseholdmakingapplicationsforentryclearance)
For the following application routes, you will need to take a test that assesses your speaking and listening abilities:
citizenshipInternationalSportspersonparentpartnerRepresentativeofanOverseasBusinesssettlement(alsoknownasindefiniteleavetoremain)
The level of test you will need, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, will depend on the route you are applying for. To find out which level you need, see the specific guidance for your immigration route.
Approved test providers
If you are in the UK
You can only take a SELT with one of the following providers:
TrinityCollegeLondonIELTSSELTConsortiumLANGUAGECERTPearson
If you are outside of the UK
You can only take a SELT with one of the following providers:
PSIServices(UK)LtdIELTSSELTConsortiumLANGUAGECERTPearson
Find an approved test
For your results to be accepted, your test must:
beonthelistofapprovedEnglishlanguagetestshavebeensatatanapprovedtestlocationhavebeenawardedinthetwoyearsbeforethedateofyourapplication
The list of approved English language tests has been assessed as meeting Home Office requirements under the secure English language testing arrangements. Only those tests and test levels specified are approved. If you intend to use an English language test in your immigration or nationality application, you must take one of the tests on the list.
You should make sure the test that you book is the one approved for SELT:
IELTSSELTConsortium:‘IELTSforUKVI’or‘IELTSLifeSkills’LANGUAGECERT:‘LANGUAGECERTInternationalESOLSELT’or‘LANGUAGECERTAcademicSELT’or‘LANGUAGECERTGeneralSELT’Pearson:‘PTEAcademicUKVI’or‘PTEHome’PSIServices:‘SkillsforEnglishUKVI’TrinityCollegeLondon:‘SecureEnglishLanguageTestsforUKVI’–IntegratedSkillsinEnglish(ISE)orGradedExaminationsinSpokenEnglish(GESE)
It is for you to decide which test to take.
The list of approved tests gives the CEFR level and minimum grade requirements for each level.
Where 2 or more components (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) of a test are examined and awarded together, you must show that you achieved the required scores in all updatesthe relevant components with the same test centre provider as part of the combined test assessment.
In certain circumstances, if you failed one component of the test, you may be allowed to sit that component again. You will need to check the test provider’s terms and conditions before booking a test.
Changes to LANGUAGECERT SELT from 6 July 2025
From 6 July 2025 the LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test was replaced by the LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT and LANGUAGECERT General SELT tests.
If you already held a LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills result this remains valid for 2 years.
Updates to this page
Updated the lists of approved test centres in and outside the UK.