UK immigration: Two English exams introduced for health care workers, founders, skilled workers, others

NAIRAMETRICS

The United Kingdom has introduced two types of English language exams mandatory for individuals applying for immigration pathways.

This announcement was made in the updated information on the UK government’s website on Monday seen by Nairametrics.

The requirement entails an evaluation of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills for various applicant categories, including health and care workers, high-potential individuals, innovator founders, ministers of religion, scale-up workers, skilled workers, start-ups, and students.

What the announcement reveals

According to the announcement,

  • “There are 2 types of test as different immigration routes require different levels of English language ability. The test you will need to take depends on what you are applying for.
  • “For the following application routes, you will need to take a test that assesses your reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities: Health and Care Worker, High Potential Individual”.

It also added that only speaking and listening abilities are prerequisites for citizenship, international sportsperson, parent, partner, Representative of an Overseas Business, and settlement.

  • “For the following application routes, you will need to take a test that assesses your speaking and listening abilities: citizenship, International Sportsperson, parent, partner, Representative of an Overseas Business, and settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain),” it added.
  • “The level of test you will need, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, will depend on the route you are applying for. To find out which level you need, checkthe specific guidance for your immigration rout”.

About the English test

The updated information states that if you are outside of the UK, you can only take a SELT with one of the following providers:

  • LanguageCert
  • Pearson
  • PSI Services (UK) Ltd – Skills for English (UKVI)
  • IELTS SELT Consortium