Which English test do I need for my UK visa?
A1 for a first spouse or partner visa, A2 to extend it, B1 for ILR (or B2 if you apply on or after 26 March 2027) and B1 for British citizenship. All must be approved tests taken at a test centre.
Answer the questions to see which English test you need.
English levels by stage
| Stage | Level |
|---|---|
| First spouse or partner visa | A1 speaking and listening |
| Spouse or partner visa extension | A2 speaking and listening |
| ILR, applied before 26 March 2027 | B1 speaking and listening |
| ILR, applied on or after 26 March 2027 | B2 (four-skill tests in practice) |
| British citizenship | B1 speaking and listening |
Frequently asked questions
Which English test do I need for a UK spouse visa?
An approved speaking and listening test at level A1 for your first spouse or partner visa: IELTS Life Skills A1, PTE Home A1, LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A1 or Trinity GESE Grade 2.
Which English test do I need to extend my spouse visa?
A2 speaking and listening if you passed A1 for your first visa. If you already passed A2 or higher you can reuse it. If you were exempt the first time, you need to pass A1.
Which English test do I need for ILR?
B1 speaking and listening if you apply before 26 March 2027. For ILR applications made on or after 26 March 2027 the level is B2, and every approved B2 test today tests all four skills.
Which English test do I need for British citizenship?
B1 speaking and listening. If you proved English at B1 or above for ILR, that usually counts and you do not need another test.
How long is an English test valid for a UK visa?
GOV.UK says SELT results are valid for 2 years: the test must have been awarded in the 2 years before you apply. A higher-level pass from an earlier successful application can often be reused.
Guides for each test
Rules this tool uses
- A1 for a first partner visa; A2 to extend after passing A1; A1 if you were exempt last time
- A higher pass can be reused if the test is still approved and the certificate has not been withdrawn
- ILR: B1 before 26 March 2027, B2 for applications on or after that date (HC 1691); citizenship stays B1
- Results must be awarded in the 2 years before you apply; tests must be taken at an approved centre
- GOV.UK: Knowledge of English (family visas)
- GOV.UK: Approved English tests (SELT)
- GOV.UK: Statement of Changes HC 1691
Checked against GOV.UK: November 2026.
This is a free guide, not legal advice, and we are not linked to the Home Office. Rules and fees can change. Always check GOV.UK before you apply. For complex cases, speak to a regulated immigration adviser.