The Home Office has updated its requirements for travellers who are mandated to take English tests as part of their visa applications to the United Kingdom (UK).
In a recent statement, the Home Office said the LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT (secure English language test) 4-skills test will be replaced by the new LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT and LANGUAGECERT General SELT tests.
The changes have taken effect from January 1 this year, according to the UK agency.
The previous LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test was a general English proficiency exam covering all four language skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—designed to meet the requirements for a range of UK visa and settlement routes.
It was a single, standardised test used for both work and study visa applications, as well as for other immigration categories.
The Academic SELT is specifically designed for those applying for student visas or seeking admission to higher education institutions in the UK.
Its content and tasks are tailored to reflect academic contexts and assess whether candidates can cope with the language demands of university-level study.
The General SELT, by contrast, is aimed at applicants for work visas, including the skilled worker and health and care worker routes, and focuses on real-life, practical English language scenarios relevant to everyday and workplace situations.
Both SELT tests continue to assess the four core language skills, but their contexts and tasks differ to better align with the specific needs of their target audiences.
Existing results of the former model remain valid for two years, and vouchers can still be used for up to 12 months.
The Home Office also clarified the tests mandated for different routes.
For the following application routes, a test that assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities is required:
- Health and care worker
- High-potential individual
- Innovator founder
- Minister of religion
- Scale-up worker
- Skilled worker
- Start-up
- Student
- Temporary work—International agreement (private servants in a diplomatic household making applications for entry clearance)
For the following application routes, a test that assesses speaking and listening abilities is required:
- Citizenship
- International sportsperson
- Parent
- Partner
- Representative of an overseas business
- Settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain)
Applicants in the UK can only take a SELT with Pearson, Trinity College London, IELTS SELT Consortium, and LANGUAGECERT.
Outside of the UK, Pearson, PSI Services (UK) Ltd. – Skills for English (UKVI), IELTS SELT Consortium, and LANGUAGECERT are the only approved providers.
