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The English Language requirement is where the rules require an applicant on a particular route to show that they have a specified level of English language ability. The level of English language required of an applicant is set out in the rules for the relevant route – they will be under the heading ‘English language requirement’. The rules on how the requirement can be met are set out in Appendix English Language in the Immigration Rules.
The levels come from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You can find out more about the CEFR levels on the assessment grid. There are 4 components that are tested:
The required level and CEFR component for each route are set out in the rules for the route under the heading “English language requirement”.
How an applicant can show they meet the English Language requirement
The table below details the different ways in which the English Language requirement may be met, depending on the immigration route an applicant applies under.
| Type of Visa | Student | Skilled Worker | Sole Representative, Tier 2 or skilled worker, Start-up, Innovatorm High Potential, Scale-up, innovator founder | Main applicants apply for settlement | Dependant applying for a settlement |
| National of a majority English-speaking country | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Met the requirement at the required level in a previous successful application | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| The academic degree taught or researched in English | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Passed Secure English Language Test (SELT) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GCSE, A level or Scottish Higher qualification in English following education in a UK school | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Assessed by a higher education provider with a track record of compliance | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Exempted by test provider from some SELT components due to disability and the sponsor has confirmed sufficient English language ability | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| On a short-term study abroad programme as part of a degree level or above course at a Higher Education Institution in the USA | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Doctor, dentist, nurse, midwife, or vet with English Language assessment accepted by regulating professional body. | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Adivis and its authors accept no responsibility for loss that may arise from accessing or relying on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Adivis. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Adivis.
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