A5.6 SELT (Secure English Language Test)¶
English Language Testing (SELT)
Everyone knows that when applying for a UK visa, whether it's a Student visa, Work visa, or another type, you generally need to provide proof of your English language ability. This proof can be an IELTS test or another type of English language test that assesses your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Only those who meet the language requirements can proceed with their visa application, and the specific required English language scores and regulations differ for each visa type.
However, these English language tests are also categorised. They are divided into Type 1 (covering all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and Type 2 (covering two skills: listening and speaking).
Who is exempt from providing an English language test for a UK Student visa application?
Currently hold a Child Student visa
Are from a majority English-speaking country
Have obtained an academic qualification equivalent to a UK degree in a majority English-speaking country
Have previously obtained a GCSE, A-level, Scottish National Qualification at level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Scottish Advanced Higher in English (language or literature) in the UK
Reminder: Even if you qualify for an exemption from providing English language proof for the visa application or extension itself, or when switching between schools, etc., if the university or employer has additional requirements, you may still need to provide extra language proof.
Let's go through these one by one:
1. Currently hold a Child Student visa
If you currently hold a Child Student visa, you do not need to provide English language proof.
2. Are from a majority English-speaking country
Reminder: This refers to being a national of one of these countries OR having obtained a degree taught in English from one of these countries (and this degree must have Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) confirmation).
What does Ecctis confirmation mean?
Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) provides advice and information on international qualifications and skills. It is the designated UK agency for recognising and comparing international qualifications and skills. It is responsible for issuing statements confirming the level of an overseas qualification in terms of its equivalent in the UK.
So, which countries are considered majority English-speaking? They are:
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
The Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada*
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
Malta
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
UK
USA
Or, you are applying to come to the UK for a study abroad programme as part of a university degree course in the USA.
Or, you proved your level of English in a previous visa application.
(*Nationals of Canada are included, as some courses in Canada are taught in French).
3. Have obtained an academic qualification equivalent to a UK degree in a majority English-speaking country
This means if you have obtained a degree taught in English from one of the countries listed in point 2, and it has Ecctis confirmation. So, it must satisfy:
Taught in English
Is a degree qualification
Has Ecctis confirmation
1. Application Types Requiring an English Test
Depending on the immigration route, the type of test and the required level of English differ. Tests are mainly divided into two categories:
Applications requiring testing in all four skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening):
Health and Care Worker
High Potential Individual (HPI)
Innovator Founder
Minister of Religion
Scale-up Worker
Skilled Worker
Start-up
Student
Temporary Work - International Agreement
Applications requiring testing only in speaking and listening skills:
British Citizenship
International Sportsperson
Parent
Partner
Representative of an Overseas Business
Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
The required level of English (CEFR level) depends on the specific application route. Applicants must check the guidance for their specific visa type.
2. Approved Language Test Providers
If taking the test inside the UK, you can only choose from:
Pearson
Trinity College London
IELTS SELT Consortium
LanguageCert
If taking the test outside the UK, you can only choose from:
Pearson
PSI Services (UK) Ltd
IELTS SELT Consortium
LanguageCert
3. Booking a Test
Test Validity Requirements:
The test must be on the list of approved tests.
It must be taken at an approved test centre.
The test result must have been obtained within two years before the date of application.
Approved Test Names by Provider:
IELTS SELT Consortium: 'IELTS for UKVI' or 'IELTS Life Skills'
LanguageCert: 'LanguageCert International ESOL SELT' / 'Academic SELT' / 'General SELT'
Pearson: 'PTE Academic UKVI' or 'PTE Home'
PSI Services: 'Skills for English UKVI'
Trinity College London: 'Secure English Language Tests for UKVI' – ISE or GESE
Reminders:
Applicants must decide which test to take themselves.
If a test assesses multiple skills together, you must pass all the necessary skills in a single sitting.
If you fail one skill, you might be allowed to retake just that part, but you must check the test provider's terms and conditions beforehand.
Regarding Changes to LanguageCert (from 1 January 2025):
The LanguageCert ESOL SELT four-skill test will be replaced by new Academic SELT and General SELT tests.
Existing results obtained before this date will remain valid for two years.
Vouchers purchased for tests are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Booking a Test:
Book through the official websites of the providers.
The personal details (name, etc.) used for booking must exactly match your passport or other identity document used for the test.
You can usually take the test within 28 days of booking, but you might need to travel to a test centre in another country.
4. Proving Your Identity on Test Day
You must bring the original identity document (not a copy) for inspection. Otherwise, you will not be able to take the test.
Acceptable identity documents include:
Globally: Passport, UK Biometric Residence Permit, UK Biometric Residence Card, Convention Travel Document, Stateless Person's Travel Document.
Inside the UK only: E-visa.
In its country of issue: EU National Identity Card, valid government-issued photo ID card.
Important Notes:
The document must be valid (old, expired BRP/BRC can be used for up to 18 months after expiry).
The document must have your photo and name.
Emergency Travel Documents are not accepted.
If your passport is held by the Home Office, you need to contact them to get it back.
If you have sensitive information, such as a change of gender or name, you need to contact a specified email address before booking.
5. After the Test
After passing the test, you will receive a unique SELT reference number. You must provide this number when submitting your visa or nationality application, otherwise your application may be refused.
The name of this reference number varies by provider (e.g., UER, UKVI number, Candidate URN, etc.).
Applicants do not need to submit the original test certificate; the Home Office will verify the result online.
Test results can be used for applications made either inside or outside the UK, regardless of where the test was taken.
Test results are valid for two years from the date of the award.
6. Other Information
If you have a disability or other specific needs (for example, requiring assistive equipment or help accessing the test centre), you can make a special request when booking the test.