If you’re applying for a UK visa or settlement, one of the key requirements you may need to fulfil is proving your proficiency in the English language.
A Secure English Language Test (SELT) is typically required, but the specific test you need depends on the type of visa or settlement you’re applying for. Whether you are applying from the UK or abroad, choosing the right test from an approved provider at an approved test centre is crucial to avoid unnecessary delays in the application process.
In this blog, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the SELT process, including the approved providers, test centres, and the importance of following the rules.
Changes to LANGUAGECERT
As of 1 January 2025, LANGUAGECERT has replaced its ESOL SELT 4-skills test with two new options:
- LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT
- LANGUAGECERT General SELT
If you already have a valid LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills result, it will remain valid for two years from the test date. If you have a voucher for the test, it will be valid for up to 12 months from the date of purchase.
Why is a SELT necessary for UK visas?
If you are applying for a UK visa or settlement, proving your English language skills is part of the process. The UK Home Office requires applicants to take an approved SELT to assess their abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This test is important for many visa and settlement routes, including those for work, study, and family reunification.
Choosing the right test provider
If you are in the UK, to meet the Home Office requirements you must take a SELT with one of the following approved providers:
- Pearson
- Trinity College London
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- LANGUAGECERT
If you are applying for a UK visa from outside the country, you’ll need to take a SELT with one of these approved providers:
- Pearson
- PSI Services (UK) Ltd – Skills for English (UKVI)
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- LANGUAGECERT
The importance of approved test centres
Your test needs to be taken at a Home Office-approved test centre. This is one of the most important aspects of the process—if you take the test at a non-approved centre, or if you choose a test type that is not Home Office-approved, it can result in delays or even rejection of your visa application. To avoid this, always ensure that the test is on the Home Office’s approved list and is taken at an accredited test centre.
If you are not sure where to take the test, visit the SELT provider’s website to find the nearest approved test centre. In some cases, there may not be an approved centre in your country. If this happens, you may need to travel to another country to take the test.
Booking your SELT
To book your SELT, visit the website of your chosen provider:
It is important to note that test availability may vary depending on location, so it is always best to book your test early.
Identity requirements for the test
On the day of the test, you will need to bring a valid ID that matches the details you used when booking the test. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Passport
- UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- UK Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
- Convention Travel Document
- Stateless Persons Travel Document
- EEA National Identity Card (for tests in the UK or country of issue)
- Government-issued photographic ID (for tests outside the UK)
Make sure to carry the correct ID to avoid any issues on the test day.
What happens after you pass the test?
Once you successfully pass your SELT, you will receive a unique reference number (URN) specific to the provider you used. You must include this reference number in your visa application. The format of the URN varies by provider:
- Trinity College London: ‘UER’
- IELTS SELT Consortium: ‘UKVI number’
- LANGUAGECERT: ‘Candidate URN’
- Pearson: ‘SELT URN’
- PSI Skills for English: ‘URN’
Your SELT results are valid for two years from the award date. You will not need to submit physical documents with your visa application, as UKVI verifies your test scores online.
Why is it crucial to follow the rules?
Choosing an approved test and attending an accredited test centre is essential to avoid delays in your visa application. If you take the test at a non-approved centre or choose the wrong type of test, it can cause complications with your application and delay the overall processing time. These delays can be costly and frustrating, so it is always best to double-check that you are following the Home Office’s guidelines carefully.
Conclusion
If you are applying for a UK visa or settlement and need help navigating the SELT process, don’t hesitate to contact us. Ensuring you meet all requirements can streamline your application and increase your chances of a successful outcome. Remember: choosing the right test from an approved provider and at an accredited test centre is crucial for a smooth visa process.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with your visa application, we are re here to help!
Updated: 12 March 2025
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 X, 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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