Planning to work, study, or live in the UK? 🇬🇧 Navigating the visa application process can be complex, and one of the most crucial steps is proving your English language proficiency. The UK Home Office accepts a variety of Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) to meet this requirement. But with several options available, how do you choose the right one?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most common English tests for UK visas, helping you understand their formats, scoring, and which one best suits your needs.
For most UK visa applications, you'll need to prove your ability to understand and communicate in English. This ensures you can integrate successfully into British society, whether for work, study, or daily life. The required level of English proficiency, and therefore the specific test you need, depends entirely on the type of visa you're applying for.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) office approves tests from five main providers. You must take a specific UKVI-approved version of these tests at a secure test centre.
Let's break down each of these options.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely recognised English tests in the world. For UK visa purposes, you must take the specific IELTS for UKVI version.
What it tests: There are two main IELTS for UKVI tests:
There is also the IELTS Life Skills test (A1, A2, or B1), which only assesses speaking and listening and is used for certain family and settlement visas.
Scoring: IELTS uses a 9-band scale (1 = non-user, 9 = expert user). Most visas require a minimum score in each of the four skills.
| Visa Type | Required CEFR Level | Required IELTS Score |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa | B2 | 5.5 overall and in all skills |
| Skilled Worker Visa | B1 | 4.0 overall and in all skills |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | B1 | 4.0 overall and in all skills |
| Innovator Founder Visa | B2 | 5.5 overall and in all skills |
| Family Visa (Spouse/Partner) | A1 | Pass in IELTS Life Skills A1 |
Pearson offers two computer-based tests for UK visas: PTE Academic UKVI and PTE Home. A key advantage is the use of AI for scoring, which delivers very fast results, often within 48 hours.
What it tests:
Scoring: PTE is scored on a scale of 10-90.
| Visa Type | Required PTE Score (Academic UKVI) |
|---|---|
| Student / Skilled Worker Visa | 59+ in each skill |
| Innovator / Start-up Visa | 43+ in each skill |
LanguageCert offers a suite of International ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) exams approved by UKVI. They are available as two-skill (speaking and listening) or four-skill (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) tests.
Why choose LanguageCert?
Skills for English UKVI is another popular computer-based test that can be completed in a single session. It offers both two-skill and four-skill tests aligned with the CEFR levels required for different visa routes.
Why choose Skills for English?
Trinity College London provides two main suites of exams for UKVI purposes: Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) and Integrated Skills in English (ISE).
Why choose Trinity?
With various options, the best test depends on your visa requirements, learning style, and personal preference. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
| Test | Format | Skills Tested | Best for... |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI | Paper or computer-based | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (Academic/General) or Speaking & Listening (Life Skills) | Applicants who want the most widely recognised and accepted test for all visa types. |
| PTE | Computer-based | Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening (Academic UKVI) or Speaking & Listening (Home) | Applicants who are comfortable with computers and want the fastest possible results. |
| LanguageCert | Computer-based | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking or Speaking & Listening | Applicants who prefer a live online speaking test and need flexible booking options. |
| Skills for English | Computer-based | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking or Speaking & Listening | Applicants looking for a straightforward, globally accessible, and quick computer-based test. |
| Trinity | In-person | Speaking & Listening (GESE) or Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening (ISE) | Applicants who prefer an in-person interview and a focus on real-world communication skills. |
Feeling overwhelmed? Don't worry, we're here to help! At TEO Academy, we offer a wide range of courses and resources to help you prepare for your English language test and achieve the score you need for your UK visa.
Our expert tutors will work with you to:
Ready to start your journey to the UK? Contact us today to learn more about our courses and find out how we can help you achieve your goals.
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