Work in the UK

LanguageCert SELT exams for Work in UK visas

If you are looking to relocate to the UK or remain in the UK for employment purposes, you may need to prove your English language level to obtain a UK work visa.

To prove your English language skills in order to apply for a Work in the UK visa, you must choose the appropriate SELT exam. The language skills assessed, and the exam level depend on the minimum UKVI requirements for your visa type.

You can only book the following tests by PHONE ONLY Test fee £250

Application type	Minimum CEFR level required for UK visa	Skills required	LanguageCert SELT exam
Representative of an Overseas Business visa	A1	Speaking & Listening	LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A1 (Speaking & Listening)
Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa	A1	Speaking & Listening	LanguageCert International ESOL SELT A1 (Speaking & Listening)
Tier 2 (General) visa	B1	Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking	LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1 (Speaking & Listening)
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa	B2	Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking	LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
Innovator visa	B2	Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking	LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) Learn more
Start-up visa	B2	Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking	LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)

This list is accurate as of the last update by LanguageCert. However, the information is subject to change, so you should also check the UK government guidance on English language tests for UK visas for latest information. Please note that UK visa applicants are responsible for ensuring that they take the correct exam.

Useful tips

Sponsoring companies may require a higher level of English than what is the UKVI requirement for a Work visa. Before you plan your exam, check with your sponsor which level is right for them.
The table above outlines the language skills and minimum required level per visa type. If your language competence is higher than the minimum levels required for your visa type, you can choose to take a higher-level exam assessing the same skills, which will also cover your application requirement.