UK ENGLISH REQUIREMENT NAVIGATOR

Know the level.
Choose the right proof.

Prepare for family routes, settlement and university study without confusing a language course with the official evidence your application may require.

Important distinctionA preparation course builds your ability. Your application may require a specific approved test, taken at an approved centre, within a specified validity period.
YOUR ROUTE MAP

A1 to university admission

Requirements depend on route, application date, exemptions, previous accepted evidence and the institution. Use this as a navigation tool, then verify your case on GOV.UK or with the university.

A101
Partner or parent route

First family visa

Focus
Speaking & listening
When
First family-visa application

An approved SELT may be required unless another permitted way of proving English or an exemption applies.

A202
Further permission to stay

Family visa extension

Focus
Speaking & listening
When
Extension after 2.5 years

The required proof depends on your route, previous evidence and any applicable exemption.

B103
Settlement · current transition rule

ILR before 26 March 2027

Focus
Speaking & listening + Life in the UK
When
Applications made before 26 March 2027

Current rules generally specify an approved B1 SELT for routes requiring Knowledge of Language and Life.

B204
Settlement · scheduled rule change

ILR from 26 March 2027

Focus
Speaking & listening + Life in the UK
When
Applications made on or after 26 March 2027

Current published rules raise the English level to B2. Recheck GOV.UK before booking or applying.

B1/B2+05
Study below or at degree level

University & Student route

Focus
Usually all four skills
When
B1 below degree · B2 degree level or above

These are Student-route minimums. Universities often set course-specific requirements such as IELTS bands that can be higher.

PREPARATION COURSES

Train for the skill.
Book the correct test.

LingSort’s city directory includes IELTS preparation, everyday ESOL, speaking and listening, professional English and intensive programmes. “SELT preparation” does not itself prove the visa requirement.

Compare free and paid preparation →Filter exam preparation and facilities →
A1–A2Family-route speaking & listeningEveryday questions · personal information · appointments · simple interaction
B1–B2Settlement speaking & listeningOpinions · experiences · connected speech · extended answers
B2–C1University academic EnglishReading · lectures · seminars · essays · academic vocabulary
APPROVED TEST ROUTE

Start with the official list

Provider approval, test name, level and test-centre approval all matter. The provider list can change.

APPROVED-TEST INFORMATION

IELTS for UKVI / Life Skills

UK and overseas

A1, A2, B1 and academic routes—book the exact approved test

Official information ↗APPROVED-TEST INFORMATION

Trinity College London

Inside the UK

Approved speaking and listening SELT options

Official information ↗APPROVED-TEST INFORMATION

LANGUAGECERT SELT

UK and overseas

Approved SELT options at specified levels

Official information ↗APPROVED-TEST INFORMATION

Pearson PTE

UK and overseas

PTE Home and other approved UKVI test options

Official information ↗
Not immigration or admissions advice

Rules and university requirements can change, and exemptions may apply. Check the exact immigration route on GOV.UK immediately before booking a test or submitting an application. For university entry, check the individual course page and contact admissions if anything is unclear.

Open GOV.UK SELT guidance ↗