The UK Home Office has made changes to its Secure English Language Tests (SELT) list, which will affect people applying for visas and British citizenship. These updates aim to make the testing process simpler and more consistent for applicants across the world.
As part of the update, the current LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test will be replaced by two separate test formats. However, test results from the old version will still be accepted for up to two years. Anyone with a voucher for the old test can still use it within the next 12 months.
Applicants are required to take different types of tests depending on the visa they are applying for. Some visa types require a full test that covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These include the Skilled Worker Visa, Health and Care Worker Visa, Student Visa, Start-up or Innovator Founder Visa, Scale-up Worker Visa, High-Potential Individual Visa, Minister of Religion Vis,a and the Temporary Work Visa under the International Agreement route.
Other visa types and applications require only a speaking and listening test. These include applications for UK citizenship, Indefinite Leave to Remain (also known as settlement), Partner or Parent Visas, International Sportsperson Visas, and the Representative of an Overseas Business Visa.
Only certain organisations are approved to provide SELT exams. These are Pearson, Trinity College London, IELTS SELT Consortium, PSI Services (Skills for English UKVI) and LANGUAGECERT. Test centres within the UK are operated by Pearson, Trinity College London, IELTS SELT Consortium and LANGUAGECERT. Outside the UK, applicants can take tests at centres run by Pearson, IELTS SELT Consortium, PSI Services or LANGUAGECERT.
Tests are available to book directly on the official websites of each test provider. Appointments are usually available within 28 days. When booking, applicants must make sure that the name and other details they provide match their identification documents exactly.
Only certain forms of ID are accepted when taking the test. These include a passport, a UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), a Biometric Residence Card (BRC), an EEA National ID card (if applicable), or a government-issued photo ID from outside the UK. Photocopies or emergency travel documents will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Once the test is complete, applicants will be given a unique SELT reference number. This number connects their test result to their visa or citizenship application and must be included when applying.
These changes are already in effect and apply to anyone planning to move to the UK or settle permanently. The new system is designed to make the application process more efficient and to ensure that language skills are tested fairly and consistently.
