Immigration and English language requirements

New Immigration White Paper, published by the government on 12 May 2025.

English language 
Introduce new English language requirements across a broader range of immigration routes, for both main applicants and their dependants, to ensure a better knowledge of English, including an assessment of improvements over time.  
Earned settlement and citizenship 
Double the standard qualifying period for settlement to 10 years. 
Expand the points-based system to both settlement and citizenship rules, so they are based on contribution to the UK, with further details to be set out to Parliament by the end of the year. 
The policies outlined, part of the government’s Plan for Change, will be delivered over the course of this Parliament to strengthen the UK’s immigration system, with the first changes set to be introduced in the coming weeks. 
The government will publish further reforms to the asylum system and border security later this summer.
Source: external link

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Applications that require an English language test
There are 2 types of test as different immigration routes require different levels of English language ability. The test you will need to take depends on what you are applying for.
For the following application routes, you will need to take a test that assesses your reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities:

• Health and Care Worker
• High Potential Individual
• Innovator Founder
• Minister of Religion
• Scale-up Worker
• Skilled Worker
• Start-up
• Student
• Temporary Work – International Agreement (private servants in a diplomatic household making applications for entry clearance)

For the following application routes, you will need to take a test that assesses your speaking and listening abilities:

• citizenship
• International Sportsperson
• parent
• partner
• Representative of an Overseas Business
• settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain)

The level of test you will need, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, will depend on the route you are applying for. To find out which level you need, see the specific guidance for your immigration route.
Approved test providersIf you are in the UKYou can only take a SELT with one of the following providers:

• Pearson
• Trinity College London
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• LANGUAGECERT

If you are outside of the UKYou can only take a SELT with one of the following providers:

• Pearson
• PSI Services (UK) Ltd – Skills for English (UKVI)
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• LANGUAGECERT

For your results to be accepted, your test must:

• be on the list of approved English language tests
• have been sat at an approved test location
• have been awarded in the two years before the date of your application

After you pass the test, you will be given a SELT unique reference number which you must use when making your application.

Get ready for your exam with our online courses: find your level here.