Overview
You might need to prove your knowledge of the English language if you’re 18 or over and applying for citizenship or to settle in the UK (known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’).
You can prove it by having either:
You do not need to prove your knowledge of English in certain circumstances.
Your citizenship or settlement application will be refused if you send the wrong qualifications.
If you need more time
If you’re already in the UK you may be able to extend your permission to stay, so that you can prove your knowledge of English.
Check the guide for your current visa for instructions on how to apply for an extension.
Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English
You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re:
You must provide a completed exemption form from a doctor confirming your physical or mental condition.
Nationalities that are exempt
You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a citizen of:
If you’re from a country that’s not on the list you’ll need to prove your knowledge of English, even if English is an official language.
If you’re applying for citizenship
There are no other exemptions if you’re applying to become a British citizen. You must have a relevant English language qualification even if you were exempt when you were granted settlement.
Exemptions if you’re applying to settle
You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re applying as:
https://www.gov.uk/english-language/exemptions
Approved English language qualifications
You can prove your knowledge of English by having a recognised English test qualification from an approved test centre.
You need to have a certificate to prove you have the qualification, or be able to view your results online.
You can only use English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) qualifications if they’re on the list. You cannot use other qualifications, for example GCSEs, A levels or National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).
If your qualification has run out
Some recognised test qualifications only last for 2 years. You can still use a B1 level qualification that you took more than 2 years ago in 2 situations.
Applying for citizenship
You can use a B1 level qualification that’s run out if you’re applying for citizenship and it was accepted when you settled in the UK.
It does not matter if the B1 level test you took is not on the current list of recognised tests. You do not need to take another test.
Applying to settle in the UK
You can use a B1 level qualification that’s run out if both of the following are true:
https://www.gov.uk/english-language/approved-english-language-qualifications
If your degree was taught or researched in English
You can prove your knowledge of English by having a degree that was taught or researched in English.
If your degree is from a UK university, you only need your degree certificate.
If your degree is not from a UK university you’ll need:
If your degree is from a non-majority English-speaking country you’ll also need an English Language Proficiency Statement (ELPS) from UK NARIC confirming the degree was taught in English.
If you’ve lost your certificate or you’re waiting for graduation
You must have proof that you’ve passed your degree. This can be either:
Your letter must include:
https://www.gov.uk/english-language/degrees-in-english
Approved test providers
If you are in the UK
You can only take a SELT with one of the following providers:
If you are outside of the UK
You can only take a SELT with one of the following providers:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt
– SPEECH ETIQUETTE
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