The United Kingdom has introduced changes to its list of approved English language tests for visa and citizenship applications, streamlining requirements for prospective immigrants. The updated Secure English Language Tests system now features revised test formats while honoring existing results from previous examinations.
Applicants must now select tests based on their specific visa category. Those applying for work, study, or religious visas must complete comprehensive four-skill evaluations covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Simpler speaking and listening assessments suffice for citizenship applications, family visas, and certain specialist visas like those for international athletes.
Five authorized testing organizations administer the examinations: Pearson, Trinity College London, IELTS SELT Consortium, PSI Services, and LANGUAGECERT. Testing centers operate both within the UK and overseas, with most applicants able to schedule tests within four weeks. The Home Office emphasizes that identification documents must precisely match booking details, accepting only original passports, biometric residence permits, or government-issued photo identification for overseas candidates.
Notably, the updated system replaces the LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test with new versions, though existing test results maintain validity for two years. Successful candidates receive unique reference numbers to link their results with immigration applications. These changes aim to simplify the application process while maintaining rigorous language standards for UK visa and citizenship candidates.
