Certain visa, ILR and British citizenship applications require applicants to demonstrate that they are proficient in English. For applicants from non-English speaking nations without a degree that was taught in English, a Secure English Language Test administered by a Home Office approved provider will be necessary to demonstrate that this requirement has been met.
The current list of approved Secure English Language Test providers can be found here.
The required level of test (e.g. A1, B1 etc.) will depend on the specific application that you are making.
In addition, certain applications will only require your speaking and listening skills to be assessed, such as Appendix FM applications, whilst other applications will require your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to be tested, for example Skilled Worker and Innovator Founder applications.
English test results will usually remain valid for periods of up to 2 years.
It is common for the Home Office to reject or refuse applications on the basis of an English test that is not from an approved provider, a test which was taken too long ago or at the incorrect level, or if incorrect skills were assessed. Therefore, we recommend that you seek professional advice before booking your test.
How Gherson can assist
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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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