SELT exams for UK visa applications
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.
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.
| Application type | Minimum CEFR level | Skills required | LanguageCert SELT exam |
Further Leave to Remain: Family life as a partner of a settled person (spouse/partner) Family life as a parent (parent of a dependent) |
A1 |
Speaking & Listening |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A1 (Speaking & Listening) |
|
Representative of an Overseas Business visa |
A1 |
Speaking & Listening |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A1 (Speaking & Listening) |
|
Sportsperson (long term) visa |
A1 |
Speaking & Listening |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A1 (Speaking & Listening) |
|
Further Leave to Remain (visa extension):
Family life as a partner of a settled person (spouse/partner) |
A2 | Speaking & Listening |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A2 (Speaking & Listening) |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain — ILR (Settlement/Permanent Residency) | B1 | Speaking & Listening |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1 (Speaking & Listening) |
| British Citizenship (Naturalisation) | B1 | Speaking & Listening |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1 (Speaking & Listening) |
| Skilled Worker visa (this route replaces Tier 2 General) |
B1 | Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1 (Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking) |
| Skilled Work: Health and Care visa | B1 | Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1 (Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking) |
| Ministers of Religion visa | B2 | Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking) |
| Innovator visa | B2 | Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking) |
| Start-up visa | B2 | Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking) |
| Student visa— below degree level | B1 | Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1 (Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking) |
| Student visa— degree level and above | B2 | Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking) |
| Application type | Other accepted CEFR levels |
Skills required | LanguageCert SELT exam |
| Student visa (this route replaces Tier 4) |
B2 | Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking) |
| C1 | Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1 (Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking) |
|
| C2 | Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C2 (Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking) |
|
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