For certain visa applications applicants must demonstrate a certain level of English language ability. This can be through passing a test with a Home Office approved Secure English Language Testing (SELT) provider.
Which immigration routes require a SELT?
You will need to demonstrate you have met the required level in English if you are applying in one of the following routes:
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)
Tier 2 (General)
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
Tier 4 (General)
Representative of an overseas business
Partner
Parent
Settlement
Citizenship
From 6th April 2015, customers can only take a SELT test with one of the following:
Trinity College London (UK only);
IELTS SELT Consortium (UK or overseas).
The approved Trinity College London tests are:
Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE)
The IELTS SELT Consortium tests are:
IELTS (also know as IELTS for UKVI)
Life Skills
Further information can be found in Appendix O or on the published list of approved tests.
It is for you to decide which SELT test to take. These tests on the published list offered by Trinity College London and the IELTS SELT Consortium are acceptable for a number of Immigration routes. You should take the level of test required for the Immigration route you are applying for.
There are two types of test as different immigration routes require different English language ability. The GESE and Life Skills tests will assess your speaking and listening abilities. The ISE and IELTS tests will test your reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities.
You will need to take the test required for the route you are applying under. You will need to sit a test that assesses all four abilities if you are applying in one of the following routes:
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)
Tier 2 (General)
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
Tier 4 (General)
You will need to sit a test that assesses all just your speaking and listening abilities if you are applying in one of the following routes:
Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
Representative of an overseas business
Partner
Parent
Settlement
Citizenship
You can only take a SELT test offered by either:
Trinity College London (UK only); or,
IELTS SELT Consortium (UK or overseas).
You will need to book your test using the relevant online booking system. The details used to book your test must be as stated on your passport or other the identity document. On the day of the test you will need to take document you used when booking the test. The test centre will check this and record your identity. If you cannot pass the identity checks you will not be able to take a test that day. If you pass the test you will be provided with a unique reference number which you must use in your UK immigration application.
Each provider has their own website where the exam dates are published:
Trinity College London www.trinitycollege.com/SELT
IELTS SELT Consortium http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/
From 6 April 2015 all candidates who pass a SELT test will be issued with a unique reference number. This number will be used to identify the candidate and to verify their results.
What if I don't have a unique reference number?
If you are not issued with a unique reference number the caseworker dealing with your application will be unable to verify the results. This may result in your application being refused.
Will you accept English language tests that are not on the SELT list?
No. Any tests taken from 6 April 2015 must be on the approved SELT list.
Will you accept English language tests that are on the approved list, but not taken at an approved test centre?
No. Any tests taken from 6 April 2015 must be at an approved test centre. The list of approved test centres is available on the Home Office webiste.
Will you accept all tests from an approved provider?
No. Any tests taken from 6 April 2015 must be on the approved SELT list. You can take IELTS or Trinity tests for many reasons at different centres but only those IELTS and Trinity tests specified for immigration use and taken at an approved centre can be used as part of an application for immigration purposes.
I sat a test in the UK; can I use it if I apply outside the UK?
Yes. Tests sat in the UK can be accepted in applications made in the UK and overseas. Similarly, tests sat overseas can be accepted in applications made in the UK.
What checks will the centre do?
On the day of your test, you will need to provide evidence of your identity at the test centre before you will be allowed to take the test. The only acceptable forms of identification for UK centres are:
a valid passport or travel document;
a valid EU Identity Card;
a valid Biometric Residence Permit.
The documents must be originals and include a photograph. Where the document contains a signature, this will also be verified on the date of the test. Where you are unable to prove your identity you will not be allowed to take the test.
Can driving licences be used as proof of identify?
No. Only the documents listed above can be accepted.
What are pop-up centres?
Pop-up centres are temporary test centres that are used on a periodic basis where there is no permanent test centre due to a low number of candidates wishing to book exams. We have introduced these centres to make sure customers continue to have easy access to a test centre wherever they are. The list of pop-up centres is available on our website.
There is no test centre in the country where I live. What can I do?
We work with our providers to ensure as many people as possible have access to a SELT test centre but we know there are no test centres or pop up centres in certain countries. If there is not a SELT test centre in the country where you live, you will have to travel to another country to take a SELT exam.
What if I can’t book a test at the location or date of my preferred choice?
If there is no availability of tests in your chosen area you should check the availability at the nearest test centre. If you are unable to book a test on the day of your choice or at the centre of your choice you should check with other test centres that may have availability. You should always be able to take a test within 28 days of booking but it may not always be at your chosen location.
We have consolidated the tests available in order to simplify the English language requirements for customers and to enable us to monitor and be assured of the security measures in place.
The provision of approved SELT centres has been planned to ensure there is adequate global and UK coverage to meet anticipated customer demand. We have also increased the number of countries where testing is available. We have introduced “pop-up” test centres in locations where demand has historically been low or seasonal, to make sure customers continue to have easy access to a test centre wherever they are.
The changes have improved standards and provide clearer timeframes for test bookings and results. The testing process is more secure with measures such as CCTV in centres, more frequent audits and mystery shopping in place to improve the integrity of test results. Pop-up testing has been introduced for the first time in places where there is lower demand and where testing may not previously existed.
We have planned the provision of test centres to give adequate global and UK coverage to meet anticipated customer demand. There are some countries where demand for test booking will be high at certain times during the year. However, you should be able to book a test at a permanent test centre within a 28 day period. I have a disability.
There are no exemptions for applicants applying under Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 4. If you require support, for example because you have hearing difficulties, you should contact the test provider. You may be exempt from the requirement if you have a disability and are applying under the family route. Further information is available on our website.
If you intend to study a course at degree level or above at a Higher Education Institution (HEI), the HEI can use its own methods to assess your English language ability. It is not necessary for you to pass a SELT test. However, the HEI may ask that you do. If you intend to study a course below degree level, you must have taken and passed a SELT test to meet the English language requirements. This applies to all education institutions. There are also exceptions to the English language requirement. Sponsors do not have to confirm English language ability for:
Tier 4 (Child) students;
applicants who have successfully completed a course as a Tier 4 (Child) student which was at least six months in length and ended within the past two years;
applicants from ‘majority English-speaking’ countries; and
applicants who have previously completed an academic qualification equivalent to a UK degree which was taught in a ‘majority English-speaking’ country.
Information on Secure English Language Testing for immigration purposes is on our website.Or speak to one of our Advisors on 0207 237 3388.
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