English Language Requirement for a UK Visa

Proving your English is a required part of citizenship, settlement and the Skilled Worker route, and the wrong qualification can lead to refusal. This guide covers the approved-test and degree routes, the CEFR level each route needs, how long a qualification lasts, and the published exemptions. Based on GOV.UK guidance retrieved 2026-09-29.

Who needs to prove English

Proof of English is required for citizenship and settlement, and separately on the Skilled Worker route. There are two main ways to show it: by passing an approved test, or by holding a degree taught in English.

Approved tests and degrees

A SELT (Secure English Language Test) must be taken with an approved provider, and you provide either the certificate or the online result. Alternatively, a degree taught in English can be used. Qualifications such as GCSE, A Level or NVQ cannot be used. Some qualifications are valid for only 2 years, but a qualification that has expired can still be used for citizenship or settlement in two defined situations set out in the guidance. Check the official list for the providers and tests accepted at the time you apply.

CEFR levels

The level depends on the route. Settlement and citizenship are set at B1. Skilled Worker requires B2, shown by a UK degree, or by an overseas degree taught in English assessed through the official evaluation service, which issues an evaluation code. If you already held that visa before 8 January 2026, extending or updating it needs B1 and no repeated proof. Some medical occupations can use a regulator's English assessment instead.

Exemptions

Nationality exemptions apply to certain countries, and age or health exemptions apply to applicants who are 65 or over or who have a long-term physical or mental condition. The health exemption requires a doctor's exemption form together with the original medical report. The full lists are published on GOV.UK.

Related guides

Make sure the photo and supporting documents meet their rules with passport photo validity, translation and copies and scanning and uploading, capture clean files with the document scanner, then track everything with the UK visa documents checklist.

Frequently asked questions

What test can I use?
A SELT taken with an approved provider, providing the certificate or the online result; the accepted providers are on the official list.

Can I use GCSE or A Level?
No — GCSE, A Level and NVQ cannot be used.

Which level do I need?
B1 for settlement and citizenship; B2 for Skilled Worker.

My test has expired — is it useless?
Not always: an expired qualification can still be used for citizenship or settlement in two defined situations.

Does my nationality exempt me?
Certain nationalities are exempt; the published list is on GOV.UK.

I am 65 or over — do I still need a test?
The age exemption applies at 65 or over; a long-term health condition also has an exemption route with a doctor's form.

Source: GOV.UK, “Prove your knowledge of English for citizenship and settling” (gov.uk/english-language), “Approved English language qualifications” (gov.uk/english-language/approved-english-language-qualifications), “English language exemptions” (gov.uk/english-language/exemptions) and “Skilled Worker visa: knowledge of English” (gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/knowledge-of-english) retrieved 2026-09-29. Rules change, so confirm the current guidance before you apply.