Proving knowledge of the English language requirements is a key requirement for those applying for a UK family visa. When you apply for a family visa as a partner or parent, you have to meet certain eligibility requirements that include meeting the English language requirement. The knowledge of English is tested to ensure the applicants can effectively communicate in English and they can easily integrate into British society, as Britain is an English-speaking country.
When you apply for a UK spouse or parent visa, you have to show your knowledge of the English language. However, if you apply for a UK child or adult dependent relative visa, you don’t have to meet the English language test requirement.
The English language requirement is where an applicant on a UK family visa route under the immigration rules is required to show that they have a specified level of proficiency in the English language.
There are 2 components that are tested:
The rules on how the requirement can be met are set out in Appendix FM SE of the immigration rules. For all other routes the English Language Requirement is provided under Appendix English Language
You don’t need to take an English language test or prove your knowledge of English if one of the following is true:
You also do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you are a citizen of one of the following countries or territories:
You can prove your knowledge of English by taking an approved test, or if you have been taught or have researched a degree or above-level qualification in English. If you have degree from UK or English Majority speaking countries except Canada then the degree is automatically accepted.
If you have overseas degree then you need ECCTIS – English Proficiency and Qualification comparison.
If you are going to take an English language test, it must be from an approved test provider. On the other hand, if you have studied your degree or above-level course overseas, the course must be equivalent to a UK degree, postgraduate degree, or PhD-level qualification.
For UK family visa applications, you may need to prove, especially as a partner or parent, your knowledge of English by passing a SELT (Secure English Language Test).
a. If you are in the UK - You can take a SELT test from one of the following approved test providers only:
b. If you are outside the UK - Your SELT test provider must be one of the following:
c. Approved SELT Test - You must take one of the following approved SELT tests:
You must pass a test to at least level A1 on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) in each relevant component (speaking, and listening) of the test to meet the requirement. If you fail to meet one or more components, you have not met the language requirements. You can also choose to take a test at a higher level at A2, B1, B2, C1, or C2.
d. Applying to Extend Your Visa after 30 Months - You may have to pass a higher CEFR level if you want to continue to stay as a partner or parent in the UK after 2.5 years. Depending on what CEFR level you passed for your first visa, you will need to
If you were given an exemption, you’ll not need to pass a test at level A1. If you pass an English language test at level B1 or higher at the time of initial UK family visa application and pass it, you can use this result at the time of making an application for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years. Your test still needs to be on the approved list of qualifications.
The second way to meet the English language requirements is by way of having an academic degree taught in the English language.
You may have earned the degree in the UK, from a majority English-speaking country, or from a non-majority English-speaking country. In all scenarios, you can meet the language requirement in the following ways
a. Academic degree from the UK— If you have a degree in the UK, it must be:
b. Academic Degree from a Majority English-Speaking Country (except Canada) - If you have a degree or above-level qualification from a majority English-speaking country, except Canada
c. Academic Degree from a Non-Majority English-Speaking Country - If your degree or above-level qualification is from a non-majority English-speaking country or from Canada, the Ecctis Online Verification Portal must confirm that:
If the Ecctis Online Verification Portal does not confirm the above, you may be allowed to contact Ecctis.
Meeting the English language requirement is complex. You need to know which test to pass at which level. Even if you have been taught a degree-level or above qualification in English you need to provide proof of it. You need to apply for Ecctis. All of this can be quite confusing.
Hence, we help you apply for an approved test, book a test from an approved provider, and get the necessary certificate to prove your knowledge of English. For assistance, you can call us at +44 (0)20 3411 1261.
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