What English Test is Required for ILR?

English Test for ILR

In order for your Indefinite Leave to Remain(ILR) to be successful, you must be able to provide evidence that you meet the English language requirement to at least CEFR level B1, which is set out in the Common European Framework.

You can prove your English language knowledge by taking an English Language test. It is important the test you take that will be accepted by UKVI as an accurate reflection of your English language skills.

You must ensure that you pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to the minimum required level in speaking and listening, unless you are exempt or from an English speaking country.

Taking the English Language test can seem daunting, but it is just to allow you to demonstrate that you meet the required standard to remain in the UK.

Secure English Language Test (SELT)

All ILR applications must be accompanied by proof that you have taken a SELT that has been approved by the Home Office. Only tests that have been vetted by the Home Office are accepted, so ensure you take a SELT at an approved test centre.

The current approved English Language tests and their test centre are:

• Pearson– PTE Academic UKVI or PTE Home
• PSI Services– Skills for English UKVI
• 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

Each test has its own set of requirements on how to achieve the minimum B1 CEFR level.

Who is Exempt from the English Language Test Requirement?

In some instances, you may be exempt from taking the English Language test to meet the ILR requirements. However, these are limited circumstances. You do not need to prove that you meet the English language requirement if you are:

• Under the age of 18 years old
• Over the age of 65 years old
• You have a long-term physical or mental condition that may prevent you from taking a test
• You are from a majority English-speaking country
• You have an English language qualification (speaking and listening) already, this can include a degree taught speaking and listening qualification

If you believe you are exempt due to a physical or mental condition, you must provide an exemption form completed by a doctor.

Those from the following countries do not have to prove their knowledge by taking an English Language test: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand Republic, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, and, the USA.

How to Prepare for your English Language Test

The test consists of two modules; speaking and listening. Both modules are taken on the same day during the same test and take around 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete.

There are a wide range of official resources available online to help you prepare for the test. If you are opting to take your test with Trinity College London, they have resources readily available to candidates on their website, which outline what is required from a test candidate in the Common European Framework.

On the day of the test, you should arrive at the test centre in good time for your exam along with the required identity documents and a confirmation letter.

The Day of the English Test

At the test centre, the format of the test and the time limits will be explained to you. You will have to surrender your mobile phone and belongings until the test is finished. You will then be taken to a test waiting area where you will be registered for the exam. Your ID will then be scanned and you may be asked to have a photograph taken for their records.

Usually the speaking and listening tests will be split into morning and afternoon sessions on the same day. You will be allowed to leave the centre after the morning session but must return promptly for afternoon proceedings.

You will be taken back to the registration room to wait to be called for the second half of your test. After this you will be able to retrieve your belongings and leave with your provisional test result which will be issued after the test. Your confirmed result will become available within 4-7 days afterwards.

What Happens if you Fail the Test?

If you fail the English Language test in speaking and listening, you may be offered the opportunity to resit to reassess your speaking and listening skills.

You should get in touch with your test provider to find out the guidelines on resists as they may vary between establishments.

If you are resitting, you should consider preparing for the test again by looking at approved resources and taking practice tests online.

How Long is my Test Certificate Valid For?

After you have passed, your test certificate will remain valid for 2 years after the date that you passed. You should use it within this time to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

If you lose your certificate, you can request a replacement to be sent to your home address, however, this will incur an additional cost.

If you are planning to apply for British citizenship after ILR, you may not have to retake the test again to prove your English language knowledge.

Is the Life in the UK Test the Same as the English Language Test?

No. The Life in the UK Test involves questions on different aspects of British history and culture. The English language test focuses on your ability to understand English.

To be granted ILR you usually need to pass the Life in the UK test and the English language test unless you are exempt.

English Language Test Common Mistakes

Passing the English Language test is an essential part of being granted ILR so it is important to ensure you do not make any mistakes or errors when taking the test or demonstrating you meet the language requirements.

Common mistakes can include:

• taking a Life in the UK test rather than an English language test
• using a provider that is not approved by the Home Office
• applying for an exemption based on a non-qualifying degree

How Can IAS Help?

Taking an English language test can seem daunting. Here at IAS, our trained immigration lawyers understand the pressure that test day can bring. If you require guidance on which Home Office-approved English language tests are available to you, you can get in touch with our team today.

For further guidance call our friendly team of advisors on +44 (0)333 414 9244.