Many UK routes require you to prove English at a specific CEFR level (e.g., A1/A2/B1/B2). There are three common ways to meet this: an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), a degree taught in English (usually confirmed through ECCTIS) if the route allows it, or a nationality exemption where listed. This page shows how to choose the right option and package the evidence neatly.
Requirements and accepted providers can change. Always verify your route’s current CEFR level and accepted evidence on official guidance before you apply.
What counts (at a glance)
Before picking a path, confirm what your route accepts.
- SELT (approved English test): booking pages often say “for UKVI/SELT”. The exact test type and level must match your route’s rules.
- Degree taught in English (via ECCTIS): for routes that allow it, ECCTIS can issue a letter confirming your degree is equivalent and taught in English.
- Nationality exemption: some nationalities are exempt from the English test requirement for certain routes.
Choose your route to proof (decision guide)
A quick way to decide:
- If your route requires a test → book an approved SELT at the right CEFR level and keep the result/ID details aligned.
- If your route allows degrees and you have a qualifying English-taught degree → use ECCTIS to obtain the appropriate confirmation letter.
- If you think you have a nationality exemption → double-check the current list; your passport normally serves as proof.
Unsure which your route accepts? Check the route’s guidance first; do not assume a general English test (non-UKVI) will work.
Using an approved test (SELT)
Goal: sit the correct test variant at or above the required CEFR level and keep records tidy.
- Book the right variant: look for a UKVI/SELT-labelled test (e.g., “IELTS for UKVI”). The booking page should make the UKVI/SELT status clear.
- Match your identity: book with the exact ID (passport) you will bring. Middle names, hyphens, and order must match.
- On the day: arrive early with the same passport; follow centre rules (no devices, etc.).
- Afterwards: save the official score report (PDF) and keep the reference (e.g., TRF number).
- Validity: some routes accept older results; others expect recent evidence. Check your route’s rule if your result is not recent.
If something changed:
- New passport after booking? Safer to rebook so records match.
- Name changed? Provide clear name-change evidence (e.g., marriage certificate) and ensure all records align.
Using a degree taught in English (via ECCTIS)
Goal: obtain an ECCTIS confirmation that your degree is comparable and taught in English (if your route allows this method).
- Check eligibility: ensure your route accepts degree-in-English as proof.
- Gather documents: degree certificate, transcript, and—if not obvious—a medium of instruction letter from your university.
- Translations: if documents aren’t in English (or Welsh), provide certified translations with the translator’s statement.
- Apply to ECCTIS: request the appropriate service/letter; processing times vary.
- Save outputs: store the ECCTIS letter/PDF with your pack and reference number.
If your degree is from the UK, you may not need ECCTIS for some routes—check the rule for your category.
Nationality exemptions (where applicable)
Some nationalities are exempt from the English requirement for specific routes. If you’re exempt:
- Proof is usually your passport.
- You still may need the Life in the UK Test for ILR or citizenship — English and Life in the UK are separate requirements.
Packaging your evidence (make it easy to read)
- Consistent identity: passport name and number should match your test/ECCTIS records.
- Clear PDFs: straight scans, no glare, combined multi-page PDFs.
- File names:
english-ukvi-test.pdf,degree-certificate.pdf,ecctis-letter.pdf,translation-degree.pdf. - Backup: keep a cloud copy of everything.
Common pitfalls (and quick fixes)
Booked the wrong test type (non-UKVI)
Rebook a UKVI/SELT-approved variant at the correct CEFR level. The booking page must explicitly state it’s for UKVI. Save the confirmation and final score report.
Name or passport mismatch across documents
Align all records. If your name changed, include a clear change-of-name document. If your passport changed after booking, rebook to match the new passport.
ECCTIS letter missing “taught in English” clarity
Request the ECCTIS option that confirms English as the language of instruction (or provide a university letter). Include certified translations where needed.
Assuming old test results are always fine
Validity expectations vary. Some routes accept past results; others don’t. If your test is older, check your route’s current rule before submitting.
Unclear or partial scans
Re-scan as clean PDFs. Combine pages. Use descriptive filenames so reviewers can find key items quickly.
Checklists (copy/paste)
Decide your method
- [ ] I checked my route’s accepted methods (SELT / degree via ECCTIS / nationality exemption)
- [ ] I confirmed the required CEFR level for my route
If using a SELT
- [ ] Booked a UKVI/SELT-labelled test at the right level
- [ ] Booked with the exact passport I’ll bring
- [ ] Saved the score report (PDF) and reference
- [ ] Names match across passport and test records
If using a degree (ECCTIS)
- [ ] Route accepts degree-in-English
- [ ] Degree certificate + transcript ready
- [ ] Medium-of-instruction letter (if needed)
- [ ] Certified translations (if needed)
- [ ] ECCTIS letter saved (PDF + reference)
If relying on nationality
- [ ] Route lists my nationality as exempt
- [ ] Passport scan saved in my pack
FAQs
Is regular IELTS (non-UKVI) acceptable?
For immigration, you generally need a UKVI/SELT-approved test variant. The booking page should say it’s for UKVI. Don’t assume a general academic test is acceptable.
Do tests expire?
Rules vary by route. Some accept past results; others expect recent evidence. If your test is older, confirm the current requirement for your category.
Academic vs General Training?
Accepted variants depend on the route and provider. Many routes accept either if it’s a UKVI/SELT at the required CEFR level. Check your route’s current rule before booking.
My degree is from outside the UK — can it still work?
Often yes, if the route allows degree-in-English. Use ECCTIS to confirm comparability and English as the language of instruction. Include certified translations if needed.
Can I submit both a test and ECCTIS?
You usually only need one method. Submitting both is fine if it’s tidy, but avoid clutter. Pick the clearest route your category accepts.
Is Duolingo or other online-only testing accepted?
Immigration requirements typically limit acceptance to specific SELT providers. Always check the current approved list for your route.
Information only — not legal advice. Verify your route’s accepted providers, CEFR level, and document rules on official guidance, or speak to an OISC-registered adviser for tailored support.