If you’re working on your UK visa or citizenship application, there’s an important update that could make things a bit easier. As of April 2025, the UK Home Office has broadened its list of accepted Secure English Language Tests, giving applicants more flexibility and access to recognized testing options.
New formats under LANGUAGECERT have been added, while other trusted providers like Pearson, Trinity College London, IELTS SELT Consortium, and PSI Services (Skills for English) continue to be recognized. From January 1, 2025, the previous LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test is being phased out and replaced with two new formats: LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT and LANGUAGECERT General SELT.
If you’ve already taken the older test, there’s no need to retake it unless your results are over two years old. Results from the previous version remain valid for two years, and test vouchers can still be used for up to a year from when they were purchased.
English language testing is a requirement for a range of UK visa and immigration categories. Depending on the route, you may need to prove all four language skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—or just speaking and listening.
Applicants applying under routes like Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Start-up or Innovator Founder, Student Visa, High Potential Individual, Minister of Religion, Scale-up Worker, or Temporary Work categories will need to complete a full four-skills test. This also applies to those applying for student loans for education in the UK.
For other routes, such as UK citizenship, partner or parent visas, international sportsperson visas, settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), or representing an overseas business, only a speaking and listening test is required.
Tests can be taken either inside or outside the UK. If you’re applying from within the UK, you can book with approved providers such as Pearson, Trinity College London, IELTS SELT Consortium, or LANGUAGECERT. If you’re applying from outside the UK, the same providers are available, with PSI Services also included.
No matter where you take your test, it’s essential that it’s done at an approved test center listed by the Home Office, and that your results are no older than two years at the time of your visa or citizenship application.
