When applying for family visa, in some cases you need to prove your knowledge of English.
When is an English language test required?
First, note that there are 2 types of test, as different visas will require different levels of English. The test you will need to pass depends on what you are applying for.
In some cases /work visas/ you will have to pass a test that assesses your reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities, while in others /some visitor visas/ the test that is required assesses your speaking and listening abilities only.
How to prove your English language skills?
You can prove it with your college or university diploma or by passing a specific English language test.
- Academic qualifications
You can prove your knowledge of English if you have a degree or academic qualification taught in English.
If your qualification is from a UK university or college, all you need is your certificate/diploma.
If your qualification is from a university or college outside the UK, you will need to provide a certificate from Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) to show that your qualification is equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree or higher and that you were taught in English.
About the two types of certificates:
- statement of comparability - an officially recognised document that confirms the recognition of overseas academic and/or professional qualifications and the comparable level in the UK.
- visa and nationality statement - to prove your level of English.
Which one you need depends on where you got your qualification - university or college (in which country).
- Passing an approved English language test
You can prove your knowledge of English by taking an approved English test.
You must pass at least level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) when you first apply for your visa. You can also choose a higher level test.
If you pass level B1 or above, the test will also be accepted in the application for settlement (ILR) if the course is still on the list of approved English language tests.
If you are unable to pass an English language test due to coronavirus (COVID-19), there is an option where you can apply for an exemption as long as the specified conditions are met - more information can be found at this link - https://bit.ly/3u75fDD.
If you want to settle in the UK permanently within 5 years
If you want to stay in the UK after 2.5 years or beyond the expiry date of your visa, you may need to take a higher level CEFR . What you need to do depends on which CEFR level you have when you first apply for your visa.
If you have passed:
- Level A1 - you will need to pass Level A2 - speaking and listening;
- if you pass level A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2 - you can use the test certificate again
If you exempted yourself from the test when you initially applied for your visa, you will need to pass at least the A1 level test.
Approved certification organisations
If you're in the UK:
You can only pass SELT with one of the following providers:
- LanguageCert
- Pearson
- Trinity College London
- IELTS SELT Consortium
If you are outside the UK
You can only pass SELT with one of the following providers:
- LanguageCert
- Pearson
- PSI Services (UK) Ltd
- IELTS SELT Consortium
Find an approved test centre
For your test results to be accepted, the following must be required:
- the organisation issuing the certificate of language knowledge to be on the list of approved
- the test has been held at a certified training centre,
- up to two years have elapsed since the date of the examination.
The list of approved English language tests has been assessed as meeting Home Office requirements under English language testing arrangements. Only the specified tests and test levels have been approved. If you intend to use an English language certificate in your application for immigration or citizenship, you must take a certificate from one of the learning centres on the list below. You should also make sure that the test you reserve is SELT approved:
- LanguageCert: ‘LanguageCert International ESOL SELT’
- Pearson: ‘PTE Academic UKVI’ or ‘PTE Home’
- PSI Services: ‘Skills for English UKVI’
- Trinity College London: ‘Secure English Language Tests for UKVI’ – Integrated Skills in English (ISE) or Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE)
- IELTS SELT Consortium: ‘IELTS for UKVI’ or ‘IELTS Life Skills’
You decide which test to take:
List of approved UK English language tests
List of approved English tests outside the UK
Approved test centres
More test centres will be added to the list below as new approved provider services become available. Note also that some test centres may be closed due to coronavirus. There are 5 approved test centres in Bulgaria - four in Sofia and one in Varna (see full addresses in the list below).
List of approved test centres in the United Kingdom
List of approved test centres outside the UK
Booking an English language test
To find the test dates and book it, go to the website of the provider offering the test you are planning to take.
You should be able to take a test within 28 days of booking, but it may not always be at the nearest location to you. The details used to book your test must be the same as on your passport or other ID.
Proving your identity on test day
You will need to provide proof of your identity at the test venue before you can take the test.
The details used to book your test must match those on the document you provide at the test venue.
If you cannot prove your identity, you will not be allowed to take the test.
After the test
Once you pass the test, you will be given a SELT unique reference number to use when you submit your application. If you do not include your reference number, your application may be refused.
Test results are valid for 2 years from the date of the test.
In order to clarify whether and what test you need to take, please book a prior CONSULTATION with the Immigration Advisor - Атанас Чиков – Искам! (iskam.co.uk)
Find out more about our service FAMILY VISA ASSISTANCE.
For visa or by joining relative status - see the comparison here: https://help4bg.co.uk/2022/01/24/ss-or-visa/
