Knowledge of English

You鈥檒l usually need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply, unless you did this in a previous successful visa application.

Level of English

You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B1 on the .

You can prove your knowledge of English by:

  • passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider
  • having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18
  • having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English - if you studied abroad, you鈥檒l need to for confirmation that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor鈥檚 degree, master鈥檚 degree or PhD

Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you鈥檙e a national of one of the following countries or territories:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • the Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • the British overseas territories
  • Canada
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Jamaica
  • Malta
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • USA

If you鈥檙e a doctor, dentist, nurse or midwife

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you鈥檝e already passed an English Language assessment that is accepted by the relevant regulated professional body.