The ‘English Test Requirements UK Spouse Visa’ is one of the most searched queries on the internet, as per our team’s research.

Our experts in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru have always shared the TOP 10 tips for making a successful spouse visa application. And meeting the English-Language requirement is a part of it.

Needless to say, meeting these requirements and eligibility for the UK Spouse visa is essential, since getting the paperwork or any of the requirements wrong, can lead to a delay in the processing time for your UK Spouse visa application or refusal of the application.

A test from the following providers will be accepted if you are applying from outside the UK:

• PSI Services (UK) Ltd
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• LanguageCert
• Pearson

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) describe PSI as a Secure English Language Test for UK English language tests, as they are a requirement of English language proficiency for UK visa applications.

You can book the test online and whenever you like, although it has to be delivered in a single session. The test is totally computer-based and does not require ‌an examiner or assessor.

IELTS stands for International English Test System that is recognised by more than 11,000 organisations worldwide, including government and professional bodies, educational institutions, and workplaces.

The English Language Test (IELTS) evaluates your performance across four areas of the English language: speaking, listening, and reading in academic, higher education, or practical, everyday contexts.

You can take a variety of tests, such as the IELTS Academic, General Training, and Life Skills (A1, A2, or B1) tests. Why you’re going to the UK (the visa category you are applying for) will determine the kind of test you need to take.

For all types of visas needed to live, work, or study in the UK, LanguageCert provides SELT tests that have been authorized by the UK Home Office and are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) globally.

Pearson English Tests provides secure English language tests for visa applications for work and immigration in the UK, Australia, and other countries for study applications anywhere else.

They offer completely computer-based English tests, practice tests and involve a machine-scoring system.

Click here to find your nearest approved English language test centre within the UK

Click here to find your nearest approved English language test centre outside the UK

Our experts based in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru have been asked by clients ‘Is English language requirements compulsory?’.

Yes, it is! Not providing one increases the chances of refusal of your UK Spouse visa application. However, candidates are excluded from the English language requirement in some cases. We’ll get to that.

According to the UK immigration rules, proof of English language proficiency is a mandatory for qualifying for many long-term and short-term business, student and family visa routes, like:

Work & Study routes:

• Innovator visa
• Start-up visa
• Skilled Worker visa
• Representative of an Overseas Business
• Sportsperson
• Student visas
• Minister of Religion

Family & Settlement routes:

• Partner
• Parent
• Settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain)
• Citizenship

Even though it is mandatory, there are some cases where you can qualify for an English language requirement exemption.

Candidates are excluded from the English language requirement if:

• They are over 65
• They are unable to fulfil the criteria because of a physical or mental impairment
• They are nationals of countries that have most English-speaking citizens.

Candidates are excluded from the English language requirement if they are nationals from the following countries:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• 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 hold a degree or other academic qualification that was earned while studying or conducting research in English, you can demonstrate your command of the language.

Only your degree certificate is required if your education was obtained from a UK university or college.

If the certificate is from a university outside the UK:

• You must present a certificate from Ecctis (previously UK NARIC) to prove that your degree is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher
• and that it was taught in English

There are two categories of certificates:

• a visa and nationality statement,
• and a statement of comparability