SELT Practice
UK visa English test
The UK visa English test depends on your visa route. GOV.UK asks for A1 to B2, and some routes need speaking and listening only while others need all four skills. This table is correct as of 9 November 2026.
Which level for which route
Levels use the CEFR scale. Check each GOV.UK page before you book.
| Route | Level | Skills | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner, spouse or parent visa, first application | A1 | Speaking and listening | GOV.UK family visa |
| Family visa extension at 2.5 years | A2 if you used A1 first | Speaking and listening | GOV.UK family visa |
| Settlement (ILR), applied before 26 March 2027 | B1 | Speaking and listening | Appendix KoLL |
| Settlement (ILR), applied on or after 26 March 2027 | B2 | Speaking and listening | Appendix KoLL, HC 1691 |
| British citizenship | B1, B2, C1 or C2 | Speaking and listening | GOV.UK citizenship |
| Skilled Worker, first grant from 8 January 2026 | B2 | Reading, writing, speaking, listening | GOV.UK Skilled Worker |
| Student, degree level or above | Equivalent to B2 | Four skills | GOV.UK Student visa |
| Student, below degree level | B1 | Four skills | GOV.UK Student visa |
Sources: family visa, citizenship and settling, Skilled Worker, Student visa. Check GOV.UK for your situation before you book.
Speaking and listening or four skills
GOV.UK says citizenship, partner, parent, settlement, International Sportsperson and Representative of an Overseas Business routes use speaking and listening tests. Health and Care Worker, High Potential Individual, Innovator Founder, Minister of Religion, Scale-up, Skilled Worker, Start-up and Student routes use four-skill tests (GOV.UK SELT guidance).
This site covers the speaking and listening tests. Read SELT test for the providers.
Level pages
- A1 English test for a first partner or parent visa.
- A2 English test for a family visa extension.
- B1 English test for settlement before 26 March 2027 and for citizenship.
- B2 English test for settlement from 26 March 2027.
For route pages read English test for spouse visa, English test for ILR and English test for citizenship UK.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your situation before you book.
What happens in the test, step by step
- Find your route and level in the table.
- Pick a test on the GOV.UK list for that level. See Which English test for a UK visa.
- Book and attend an approved centre.
- Take the test and wait for your result by email.
- Use your reference number in your application. The result is valid for 2 years from the date it is awarded.
How to prepare
Match your practice to your level. At A1 you give short, simple answers. At A2 you link ideas. At B1 you give reasons and talk about experiences. At B2 you lead the conversation and give advice.
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.
What English test do I need for a UK visa?
It depends on your route. GOV.UK asks for A1 to B2. The table on this page shows the level and skills for the main routes. Check GOV.UK for your situation.
Which UK visas need a speaking and listening test only?
GOV.UK lists citizenship, partner, parent, settlement, International Sportsperson and Representative of an Overseas Business.
Does a Skilled Worker visa need a four-skill test?
GOV.UK says Skilled Worker needs B2 in all four skills for a first grant from 8 January 2026.
Do I need B1 or B2 for settlement?
B1 before 26 March 2027 and B2 on or after that date for most routes. The date of your application decides.
How long is a UK visa English test result valid?
GOV.UK says 2 years from the date it is awarded.