On 6 April 2015, the Home Office changed their list of approved secure English language tests (SELTs) that would be accepted with UK immigration applications where evidence of English language ability is a requirement. This list has been reduced to:
- Trinity College London
- IELTS SELT Consortia
Anyone taking a test on or after this date must take one of these new listed tests at one of their approved centres. Trinity College London tests can only be taken in the UK, whereas IELTS SELT Consortia tests can be taken around the world (and are also available in the UK).
This means many English language tests that were previously accepted have been removed such as City & Guilds, Cambridge tests such as Key English Test, Preliminary English Test, IESOL, ESOL and ISESOL qualifications and Pearson Test of English Academic.
If you were planning to use a previous test in an upcoming immigration application then you may be able to use the transitional measures in place that allow certain tests taken on or before 5th April 2015 to remain valid for use in an immigration application made before 6th November 2015. Any unapproved SELTS taken after 6th April 2015 will be deemed invalid.
It is extremely important that you pay particular attention to what test you are able to submit with an application to make sure that it will be accepted by the Home Office, and to avoid any unnecessary refusals or additional expense. If you are unsure of whether you meet the English language requirement or need any further advice under the Immigration Rules then please do not hesitate to contact a member of our Immigration Team.