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SELT Practice
English test for spouse visa
The English test for a UK spouse or partner visa is an A1 speaking and listening test, taken once for your first application. GOV.UK says A1 is the minimum, as of 9 November 2026. You can take a higher level.
What GOV.UK says
For a first partner or parent family visa application, GOV.UK asks for A1 speaking and listening at minimum. At the 2.5 year extension, A2 is needed if you used A1 first (GOV.UK family visa page). There is no writing or reading in these tests.
Some people are exempt, for example by nationality, age or health. Read English test exemptions in the UK. Check GOV.UK for your situation before you book.
A1 test options
There are five A1 tests on the GOV.UK list files. Most applicants abroad can use LanguageCert, IELTS Life Skills, PTE Home or PSI. Trinity is UK only.
| Test | How it is taken | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity GESE Grade 2 | One-to-one with an examiner by video | 6 minutes |
| LanguageCert A1 | One-to-one with an examiner, recorded | 8 to 9 minutes |
| IELTS Life Skills A1 | Face to face with an examiner and another candidate | Up to 18 minutes |
| PTE Home A1 | On a computer | 22 minutes |
| PSI Skills for English A1 | On a computer, outside the UK only | Up to 30 minutes |
Compare them on A1 English test. A test taken overseas can be used for an application made in the UK (GOV.UK).
What happens in the test, step by step
- Book your test and bring your passport or the identity document the provider names.
- Arrive early and wait to be checked in.
- You are sat at a computer or tablet. You may wear a headset.
- You say your name, where you are from and answer simple questions about home, family and daily life.
- You do the rest of your test, for example a role play, picture task or listening part.
- You get your result by email. If you pass you get a reference number to use in your application.
What the speaking asks you to do
You answer short questions, describe a place or a picture, and ask one simple question yourself. In Trinity Grade 2 you must ask the examiner at least one very simple question about personal details (Trinity specifications). In LanguageCert A1 you spell your family name, do two role plays and find differences between two pictures (LanguageCert A1 page).
How to practise
- Spell your name out loud in English.
- Say short sentences about your family, your home and your day.
- Practise two or three polite requests, for example asking someone to repeat.
- Listen to short messages and answer the question.
You can practise with an AI examiner on this site. It asks questions out loud and you answer out loud.
Not sure of your level? Take the free level check. It takes a few minutes.
Related guides
What English test do I need for a spouse visa?
GOV.UK says A1 speaking and listening at minimum for a first partner or parent visa application, unless an exemption applies. Check GOV.UK for your situation.
How long is the spouse visa English test?
It depends on the provider. Trinity Grade 2 is 6 minutes, LanguageCert A1 is 8 to 9 minutes, IELTS Life Skills A1 is up to 18 minutes, PTE Home A1 is 22 minutes and PSI A1 allows up to 30 minutes.
Can I take the English test in my own country?
LanguageCert, IELTS Life Skills, PTE Home and PSI offer tests outside the UK. Trinity does not. Check the booking page for your country.
Is there a writing test for a spouse visa?
The A1 tests for family visas are speaking and listening tests. They do not test reading or writing.
How long is the result valid?
GOV.UK says a SELT result is valid for 2 years from the date it is awarded.