UK updates English test requirements for visa applicants

The United Kingdom’s Home Office has announced changes to the English language test requirements for visa applicants, effective from January 1, 2025.

In a statement released on Monday, the UK government revealed that the LanguageCert ESOL SELT 4-skills test has been phased out and replaced by two new tests: LanguageCert Academic SELT and LanguageCert General SELT.

The move is aimed at better aligning English testing with the specific visa categories and purposes of applicants.

The previous 4-skills test was a one-size-fits-all assessment covering listening, reading, writing, and speaking, used for both work and study visa applications. Now, the Home Office has introduced two tailored options:

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• Academic SELT: Designed for those applying for student visas or seeking university admission in the UK. It focuses on English skills needed in academic settings.

• General SELT: Targeted at work visa applicants, including skilled workers and health and care professionals. It tests practical English skills relevant to daily life and workplace communication.

Both tests still assess the four core language skills, but in different contexts depending on the applicant’s visa route.

The Home Office also clarified which tests are required for different visa categories:

Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are required for:

• Student

• Skilled worker

• Health and care worker

• Scale-up worker

• High-potential individual

• Minister of religion

• Innovator founder

• Start-up

• Temporary work (international agreement, private servants in diplomatic households)

Only speaking and listening are required for:

• Citizenship

• Settlement (indefinite leave to remain)

• Partner

• Parent

• International sportsperson

• Representative of an overseas business

Test results from the older LanguageCert ESOL SELT remain valid for two years, and unused vouchers are valid for up to 12 months.

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Approved test providers in the UK include Pearson, Trinity College London, the IELTS SELT Consortium, and LanguageCert.

Outside the UK, approved providers are: Pearson, IELTS SELT Consortium, LanguageCert, and PSI Services (UK) Ltd – Skills for English (UKVI).