UK Family Visa English Language Requirement: Your Complete Expert Guide

Demonstrating your knowledge of the English language is a mandatory requirement for most UK Family Visa applications, including the spouse, partner, and parent routes. The rules are specific, and failure to provide the correct evidence in the right format will lead to an automatic refusal of your application.

Our team of specialist immigration advisors provides clear and accurate guidance on every aspect of the English language requirement. We will help you determine if you need to take a test, which test to take, and what level you need to achieve, ensuring this critical part of your application is handled perfectly.

Who is Exempt? When You Do NOT Need to Prove Your Knowledge of English

Before you book a test, it’s essential to check if you are exempt from the requirement. You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if:

• You are a child applying as a dependant.
• You are an adult coming to be cared for by a relative (the Adult Dependant Relative route).
• You are over the age of 65 at the time of your application.
• You have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting the requirement (this requires specific medical evidence).
• You are a national of a majority English-speaking country. This includes nationals from:
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • The Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Canada
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Jamaica
  • Malta
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • USA

How to Prove Your Knowledge of English: The Two Main Pathways

If you are not exempt, there are two ways you can meet the requirement. Our experts can help you decide which is the best and most cost-effective option for you.

Pathway 1: Using an Academic Qualification

You can use a degree-level qualification to meet the requirement if it was taught or researched in English.

• If you have a UK degree: You simply need to provide your degree certificate.
• If you have a degree from outside the UK: This is a two-step process. You must first apply to the designated UK body, Ecctis, for a formal assessment. Ecctis will provide you with two crucial confirmations:
  1. That your degree is academically equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree or higher.
  2. That it was taught in English to the required standard.
     You must have this official confirmation from Ecctis before you submit your visa application.

Pathway 2: Taking an Approved English Language Test (SELT)

This is the most common route for many applicants. It is crucial that you book the correct test at a Home Office-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) centre.

For Your First Visa Application (Entry Clearance or First Application in the UK):

• Required Level: You must pass a test in speaking and listening at a minimum of Level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
• Smart Tip: We often advise clients to take a test at Level A2 or B1 if they feel confident. Passing a B1 level test from the start means you can reuse the same certificate for all future applications, including your extension and your final settlement application, saving you time and money.

For Your Visa Extension (after your first 2.5 years in the UK):

• Required Level: For your second visa application, you must show you have progressed. You will need to pass a speaking and listening test at a minimum of Level A2 on the CEFR scale.
• If you already passed a higher level test (A2 or B1): You can simply reuse your original test certificate, provided it has not been withdrawn by the test provider.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – English Language Requirement

Q: I have a Master’s degree from my home country that was taught in English. Is that enough?
A: Not on its own. You must first get it officially assessed by Ecctis to confirm its academic equivalency and that it meets the English language standard. We can guide you through the Ecctis application.

Q: Where can I find a list of approved test centres?
A: The UK government’s official website (GOV.UK) provides a full list of approved Secure English Language Test providers and their approved test centres around the world. It is essential you only book a test from this list.

Q: I am applying to extend my partner visa and I am now over 65. Do I need to take the A2 test?
A: No. As you are now over 65, you are exempt from the English language requirement for your extension application, even if you had to meet it for your first visa.

Don’t Let a Simple Test Jeopardise Your Application

The English language requirement is a simple rule to follow, but a simple mistake can lead to an automatic refusal. Our expert advisors ensure this never happens. We will:

• Confirm if you are exempt from the requirement.
• Advise you on the most efficient way to meet the requirement, whether through a degree or a test.
• Ensure you book the correct test at the correct level at an approved centre.
• Review your certificate to ensure it meets all the necessary criteria before your application is submitted.

Contact our specialist Family Visa team today for a consultation and get clear, accurate advice on meeting the English language requirement with confidence.

About the Author:
Farzad Ghods is an international lawyer specialising in UK immigration law. He is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Immigration Advisors Authority (IAA) in the United Kingdom, and is also a member of the Iran Bar Association. He brings over fourteen years of professional legal experience to his practice.