The most common work visa for the UK is the Skilled Worker visa which poses a number of requirements on an applicant, including demonstrating fluency in the English language.
If you are looking to enter the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, one of the mandatory criteria is to show that you meet the English language requirement. This is usually evidenced by way of passing an approved English language test at level B1 or above in all 4 competencies, i.e. speaking, listening, reading and writing. When choosing where to take the test, you should keep in mind that the test provider has to be approved by the Home Office.
IELTS SELT Consortium is one of the approved and most commonly used English language test providers among Skilled Worker visa applicants. However, you may choose another provider from the list of approved providers published by the Home Office here.
You will not have to take an IELTS test if you are a national of a majority English speaking country. The Home Office has published the relevant list of countries, including the United States of America, Canada, Australia, etc. Broadly speaking, you do not have to take an English language test if you hold a degree that was taught in English; however, this may depend on a number of other criteria.
It is useful to note that unlike the lead applicant, the dependants will not need to meet the English language requirement for the purpose of coming to the UK.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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