How can you prove your knowledge of English for a UK visa application?

Applicants for visas to the UK must meet a variety of requirements under the UK immigration system. In most cases, candidates must demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to immigrate to the UK.

An applicant can evidence their knowledge of English in several ways. They will satisfy the requirement if:

• They are a national of a majority English language speaking country
• They have passed a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at the appropriate level for their visa category
• They have an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by ECCTIS as being equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or PhD
• They have met the requirement, at the same level, in a previous successful UK visa application.

Skilled Worker visa

Applicants for a Skilled Worker visa will need to demonstrate their proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English at least at level B1 on the CEFR scale. They can demonstrate that they meet the requirement as above, but in addition they will also meet the requirement if:  

• they have a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher, or Advanced Higher in English that they obtained through study at a UK school when they were under 18 years old;
• they are a doctor, dentist, nurse, midwife, or veterinarian and they have already passed an English Language assessment that has been approved by the applicable regulated professional body;

Dependant applicants who choose the skilled worker option are exempt from demonstrating their proficiency in English, although dependant partners must meet the English language requirement if they apply for settlement after five years of continuous residence.

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, 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.

©Gherson 2022