English Test Requirement for Spouse Visa

Overview of the English Test Requirement for Spouse Visa

All Spouse visa applicants must prove that they can speak and understand English to a certain degree.

For most applicants, this will mean having to take an approved English language test at a test centre and passing it at A1 level or higher.

However, certain applicants can meet the English language requirement without having to take a test.

For example, if you’re from a majority English-speaking country or have certain academic qualifications, you can meet the English language requirement without having to take a test.

There are also additional exceptions for those of a certain age, or those who are unable to meet the requirement.

Who Needs to Take an English Language Test?

As a Spouse visa applicant, you will need to undergo secure English language testing to prove your English language skills unless any of the following apply to you:

• You’re a citizen of one of the eligible majority English-speaking countries
• You have an eligible academic qualification that was taught or researched mainly in English
• You’re aged 65 or over
• You have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting the requirement
• There are exceptional circumstances that prevent you from meeting the requirement prior to you coming to the UK

What Are the Guidelines for English Language Tests?

If you need to take an English language test to satisfy the language requirement for a Spouse visa, you must ensure that you take an approved secure English language test (SELT) from an approved provider.

This test must also be sat in one of the Home Office’s approved test centres, and been awarded no more than two years prior to the date of application for a Spouse visa.

The following are approved test providers and the names of their approved SELTs if you need to take your test in the UK:

• Trinity College London: ‘Secure English Language Tests for UKVI’ – Integrated Skills in English (ISE) or Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE)
• IELTS SELT Consortium: ‘IELTS for UKVI’ or ‘IELTS Life Skills’
• LanguageCert: ‘LanguageCert International ESOL SELT’
• Pearson: ‘PTE Academic UKVI’ or ‘PTE Home’

The following are approved test providers and the names of their approved SELTs if you need to take your test outside the UK:

• PSI Services (UK) Ltd: ‘Skills for English UKVI’
• IELTS SELT Consortium: ‘IELTS for UKVI’ or ‘IELTS Life Skills’
• LanguageCert: ‘LanguageCert International ESOL SELT’
• Pearson: ‘PTE Academic UKVI’ or ‘PTE Home’

What Level Do I Need to Pass My English Language Test At?

For your first Spouse visa application, you must pass your English language test at A1 level or higher for speaking and listening skills on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

The CEFR scale has six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. A1 is the lowest level of proficiency, while C2 is the highest.

English test for spouse visa extension

Note that if you wish to extend your Spouse visa to stay in the UK longer than 2.5 years, the minimum language pass threshold will raise to A2.

This means that if you passed your first test at A1 level, you will have to take another test to pass at A2 level.

However, if you passed your first test at A2 level or higher, you may reuse this test score again as long as your test certificate hasn’t been withdrawn by your test provider.

Similarly, if you wish to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years, the minimum language pass threshold will raise again to B1 level.

You may once again reuse a previous test score if you’ve already passed at B1 level or higher and the test certificate hasn’t been withdrawn.

What Documents Do I Need for the English Language Test?

You will need to bring valid proof of identity when you take your English language test. This must:

• Be current and valid
• Be an original, not a photocopy
• Include a photo of you
• Match the information you gave when you booked the test

You may use any of the following as valid forms of identity:

• Passport
• UK Biometric Residence Permit
• UK Biometric Residence Card
• Convention travel document
• Stateless persons travel document

You may also use an identity card for EEA nationals if taking the test in the UK or in the country where the identity card was issued.

You may also use a valid photographic government issued identity card if taking the test in the country where the identity card was issued.

What Happens After the Test?

After you complete the test, you will be given a SELT unique reference number.

You will need this reference number for your Spouse visa application as it’s proof of your test result.

SELT reference numbers also go under different names depending on which test provider you took your test with:

• ‘UER’ for Trinity College London tests
• ‘UKVI number’ for IELTS SELT Consortium tests
• ‘Candidate URN’ for LanguageCert tests
• ‘SELT URN’ for Pearson tests
• ‘URN’ for PSI Skills for English tests

The Home Office will check your test results using your SELT reference number when you submit your application. You won’t have to submit any other documents at that time.

Which Countries Are Considered to be Majority English-Speaking?

You won’t have to take a test to prove your English language skills if you’re a national of a majority English-speaking country. These countries are as follows:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Canada
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Jamaica
• Malta
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• USA

What Are the Guidelines for Academic Qualifications?

Another way to be exempt from taking an English language test is to prove that you have an eligible academic qualification, which can be either:

• A Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or PhD awarded within the UK
• An equivalent Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or PhD awarded outside the UK that was mostly taught or researched in English

If your qualification was awarded in the UK, you’ll only need to show your degree certificate to satisfy the language requirement for the Spouse visa.

If your qualification was awarded outside the UK, you will have to provide a certificate from Ecctis to demonstrate that your degree meets the eligibility criteria.

This will either be a statement of comparability or a visa and nationality statement.

You’ll need a statement of comparability if your qualification was awarded in one of certain eligible countries.

If your qualification was awarded in any other country, you’ll need a visa and nationality statement instead.

Which Countries Require a Statement of Comparability?

You will need to get a statement of comparability from Ecctis if your academic qualification was awarded in any of the following countries:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• the Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• Malta
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• USA

If your qualification was awarded in any other country, you’ll need to get a visa and nationality statement instead.

Alternative Ways to Prove Proficiency for Applicants from Non-English-speaking Countries

Individuals from non-English-speaking countries can alternatively prove their English proficiency without taking a test by:

• Getting a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD certificate from a UK university.
• Providing a letter from their university confirming that English was used as the medium of instruction for their degree or post-graduate study.
• Submitting a reference letter from their English-speaking workplace can demonstrate their proficiency in English and work experience in an English-speaking environment.

What Are the Fees for English Language Tests?

The cost of English language tests may vary depending on the test provider, where you take your test, and at what level you’ll wish to aim for.

However, approved English language tests at A1 level will generally cost around £150 to take.

There are also costs involved if you need to get a certificate from Ecctis to validate your academic qualification.

If you need a statement of comparability, this will cost around £49.50.

If you need a visa and nationality statement, this will cost between either:

• £140 to validate English proficiency
• £210 to validate a PhD-level qualification with English proficiency

What Are the Fees for English Language Tests?

The cost of English language tests may vary depending on the test provider, where you take your test, and at what level you’ll wish to aim for.

However, approved English language tests at A1 level will generally cost around £150 to take.

There are also costs involved if you need to get a certificate from Ecctis to validate your academic qualification.

If you need a statement of comparability, this will cost around £49.50.

If you need a visa and nationality statement, this will cost between either:

• £140 to validate English proficiency
• £210 to validate a PhD-level qualification with English proficiency

Common Mistakes to Avoid in English Test Applications

There are common mistakes that can make the difference between passing and failing your English Language Test for a UK visa application. As a Spouse Visa applicant, you must avoid the following mistakes while applying for the English language test:

Selecting an Unapproved Test Provider

Not all English test providers are authorised by the Home Office. Choosing an unapproved test provider can result in the refusal of your Spouse Visa application. For the fulfilment of your Spouse Visa English language proficiency requirement, ensure you book your English language test with an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) provider. You must also take the required test version for the Spouse Visa.

The most common and recommended English language test in the UK is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The acceptable versions for Spouse Visa applications are the IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills. The table below includes other English language test providers and versions recognised by the Home Office:

Submitting the Wrong Test Result Format

You must submit your English test result in PDF format. After completing your English test, you’ll receive a SELT reference number for your Spouse Visa application. Including screenshots or an unofficial copy of your English test results may delay your application or cause it to be refused.

Misunderstanding the CEFR Levels

Another common mistake to avoid in your English test application is misunderstanding the required test level. Your English language test result for an initial UK Spouse Visa must be up to A1 level or higher for listening and speaking skills on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

For the extension of your Spouse Visa, you must achieve a level of A2 or higher, and a level of B1 or higher for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Understanding the required CEFR levels helps you identify areas of improvement and prepare adequately for the English language test.

Failing to Book the Test in Advance

You may experience difficulty scheduling a test date if you don’t book with an approved test provider in advance. Approved test centres fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. If you don’t book a date in advance, you may run out of time to complete your Spouse Visa application.

How to Double-check Test Provider Credentials and Test Results Before Submission

You must verify English test provider credentials and test results before submitting your application. To do this, you can:

Check for Official Authorisation

You must assess the test provider to ensure the Home Office recognises them. You can confirm their credibility through their official website. You can also search for online reviews about the test provider to understand their reputation and reliability.

Use Official Verification Channels

You can verify the test results through the test providers’ designated channels, such as dedicated verification services or online portals. The unique reference number on your test result can help you access the service and verify your result. Ensure the information in the test result is correct, and that you meet the required CEFR level. Additionally, verify that the test result includes your name, test date, and other relevant details.

Confirm Your Information Before Submission

Double-check your test results and information to ensure they’re accurate before submitting them. Follow the guidelines in uploading your English test result while applying for your UK Spouse Visa.

Preparing for the English Test: Resources and Study Tips

You must focus and prepare for the Secure English Language Test (SELT). Some helpful free online resources and tips can assist you in developing the required skills and increasing your self-confidence for the English test. You can try:

Online Practice Tests and Preparation Courses for the SELT

Here are online practice tests and preparation courses for the SELT:

• IELTS official practice materials: You can access the official sample questions and full-length practice tests on the IELTS website.
• Trinity College London SELT practice: Sample tests for this English test can be downloaded from the Trinity College website. They also provide a Graded Examination in Spoken English (GESE) study app to help candidates upgrade their listening and speaking skills.
• LanguageCert SELT resources: Preparation materials and mock tests for the LanguageCert English test are also available on their website.
• Pearson PTE Academic: The PTE English test provider’s website offers preparation materials, tutorials, and online scoring guides.

If you prefer to prepare with expert assistance, IAS offers support to prepare you for your English Language Test. Get in touch for more information.

Links to Free Resources for English Language Learning and Improving Fluency

Other free resources for English language learning are available, as highlighted in the table below:

Test-taking Strategies to Boost Confidence During the Actual Exam

It’s important to prepare adequately and be confident during your English test. Here are some top tips to help you

• Schedule your practice sessions to enhance your time management skills and alleviate anxiety.
• Record your speaking and listen to yourself to identify pronunciation issues and areas of improvement.
• Improve your listening and speaking skills by engaging in daily English conversations.
• Focus on improving your weak areas (be it speaking, listening, writing, or reading) and work on them.
• Familiarise yourself with question types and scoring criteria to avoid surprises on the test day.
• Get a good night’s sleep and arrive early on test day to help you perform at your best with full confidence.

Consequences of Failing the English Test

Failing your English test can be devastating, especially when you need it to reunite with your UK-based partner whom you’ve missed for a long time. Failing the English test doesn’t end your plan to reconnect with your partner via the UK Spouse Visa, but it can come with some consequences.

What Happens If You Fail the English Test?

Failing the English test may result in the following outcomes:

• Application delay: You can’t complete your Spouse Visa application if you have not met all the requirements (including English language requirements), which can cause a delay.
• Additional costs: Retaking the English test requires you to pay the full test fee again. You may even pay a tutor to guide you in preparing to retake the test.
• Missed deadlines: After failing the English test, you may miss your Spouse Visa application deadline if you do not have enough time left to retake the test and submit it with other requirements.

Retaking the English Test

You can retake the English test any time you feel ready, as there is no fixed waiting time before resitting for the exam. There is no specified number of times you can retake the English test. However, you should prepare adequately before retaking the test to maximise your chances of passing it.

If You Believe Your Test Result Was Wrong or Unfair

If you feel your test result was wrongly scored, you can do the following

• Contact your exam centre: You can inquire with the exam centre to explain your concerns about the English test. Consequently, they can provide you with more information about your specific results and clarify the grading process.
• Request a remark: You can apply for a remark of your English test following the specific guidelines set by the test provider. The request to remark can attract additional fees. The exam centre will appoint a different examiner to review your test.
• Appeal the result: You can initiate an appeal process to challenge your English test result. You must explain in the appeal why you think the outcome is unjust. You can only appeal a test result within a specified timeframe, such as 21 days, 3 weeks, or 12 weeks, depending on the test provider. Inquire from your English test provider to meet the deadline for submitting a test result appeal. For example, you can appeal if you believe there were technical issues, examiner bias, or any other problem during the test.

How Can IAS Help?

To be eligible for entry into the UK under the immigration rules, many visa applicants will have to submit themselves for an English test. Spouse visa applicants in particular will also have to satisfy complex relationship, financial and accommodation requirements in addition to this.

If you require any assistance with your Spouse visa application, including what you need to do to meet the minimum English language requirement, or any of the other eligibility requirements, IAS can help.

We are expert immigration lawyers who have decades’ worth of experience in the field of UK visas and immigration.

We can help you determine your eligibility for the Spouse visa and assist with your application, including helping you to explore the best routes possible to satisfy the language requirement. Whether you need some expert guidance and tuition with your English language test, help in obtaining an Ecctis certificate, or if you need to prove that you’re exempt from the language requirements, we can help.

For more information about the services we provide and what we can do for you, reach out to us today on 0333 4149244, or contact us online.