Many UK visa, settlement and citizenship applications ask you to prove your English. Usually that means passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) with an approved provider. Which test, which skills and which level you need depend on your route, so the first step is always the official guidance for your application.
Tutwoo doesn’t give immigration advice. Always check GOV.UK or speak to a qualified immigration adviser about your own application.
Step 1: Check which skills your route tests
| Application | Skills tested |
|---|---|
| British citizenship | Speaking and listening |
| Settlement (indefinite leave to remain) | Speaking and listening |
| Partner or parent visa | Speaking and listening |
| Skilled Worker visa | Reading, writing, speaking and listening |
| Student visa | Reading, writing, speaking and listening |
The level you need, meaning how strong your English must be, is set by your route’s own guidance on GOV.UK. Some people don’t need a test at all, for example because of their nationality, their age or a degree taught in English. GOV.UK lists the exemptions, so check those first.
Step 2: Choose an approved test
Only approved tests, taken at approved test centres, count. GOV.UK lists these providers:
- Trinity College London: Secure English Language Tests for UKVI (UK only)
- IELTS SELT Consortium: IELTS for UKVI, IELTS Life Skills
- LanguageCert: International ESOL SELT, Academic SELT, General SELT
- Pearson: PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Home
- PSI Services: Skills for English UKVI (outside the UK only)
Make sure you book the UKVI or SELT version of a test. An ordinary version of the same exam may not be accepted. GOV.UK’s approved tests list shows the exact test names and minimum grades.
Step 3: Bring the right ID
The test centre checks your ID. If you’re taking the test in the UK, use your eVisa where you can. If you can’t access your eVisa, you may be able to use an expired biometric residence permit (BRP) or card (BRC). You must take the test within 24 months of the expiry date on the card, or by 31 December 2026, whichever is sooner, and bring the original card with you. Check GOV.UK’s current rules before you book.
How to prepare
- Find out the test format from your provider: how long each part is and what tasks you’ll do.
- Practise the skills you’ll be tested on. For speaking and listening tests, talk in English every day: with friends, colleagues or out loud on your own.
- Learn everyday topics. Speaking tests often use topics like family, work, home, travel and health.
- Listen actively. Podcasts, radio and TV in English all help. Try to repeat short phrases you hear.
- Use your provider’s sample tests to see what the real test feels like.
Practise with Tutwoo
Tutwoo’s English courses help you build speaking, listening, reading and writing at your own pace, with an AI tutor that explains grammar and vocabulary in simple English. The first lesson of every course is free.
Sources
Tutwoo is independent and not affiliated with the Home Office or any English test provider. Test names belong to their providers. Details from GOV.UK (page updated 26 October 2026), checked 31 October 2026.
© 2026 Tutwoo UK Limited. This guide was created in-house by Tutwoo and is our original work. It is for your own learning only: please do not copy, share, record or resell it.