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English tests for UK settlement and citizenship (SELT)

For settlement and citizenship, the Home Office accepts approved Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) of speaking and listening. In the UK, four providers offer an approved test at level B1: IELTS, LanguageCert, Pearson and Trinity. Outside the UK, Trinity is not an approved provider, but PSI is. Here is how each test works. For settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027, see the section on B2 below.

Free practice for the B1 speaking and listening tests is coming soon.

The approved B1 speaking and listening tests

  • IELTS for UKVI Life Skills at B1 (IELTS)About 22 minutes, with an examiner and one other test taker; result: pass or fail
  • LanguageCert ESOL SELT Speaking & Listening at B111 to 13 minutes, one to one with an examiner on a computer; you pass with at least 60 out of 100
  • PTE Home at B1 (Pearson)About 22 minutes on a computer, scored automatically; result: pass or fail
  • Outside the UK onlySkills for English speaking and listening at B1 (PSI), up to 50 minutes
  • Trinity GESE Grade 5 (Trinity College London), in the UK only: 10 minutes, one to one with an examiner by video, starting with a topic you prepare in advance

What each test asks you to do

  • IELTS for UKVI Life Skills: short conversations with the examiner and the other test taker on everyday subjects such as family, work, health, transport and housing
  • LanguageCert: questions about yourself, a role play, talking about pictures, listening to a short talk and answering questions, and a short talk of your own
  • PTE Home: tasks on screen, such as repeating sentences, describing images and retelling a story you hear
  • Trinity GESE: a discussion of the topic you prepared, then a conversation about subjects the examiner chooses

Results and your reference number

LanguageCert sends official results within 3 working days, Pearson usually within 2 days, and Trinity emails a provisional result the morning after the test. You receive a SELT unique reference number, which you enter in your application; the Home Office then checks your result online.

How long a result is valid

For immigration and citizenship applications, a result is valid for 2 years from the date it was awarded. There are two exceptions:

  • For settlement, an older result at the level you need (B1 or above, or B2 or above for applications made on or after 26 March 2027) still counts if the test is on the current approved list and was accepted in an earlier application
  • For citizenship, a result at B1 or above that was accepted for your settlement application still counts, even if the test is no longer on the list

Booking and ID

Book directly with the provider. You should be able to take a test within 28 days of booking, though not always at the nearest centre. If you book through an agent, check that the provider recognises them and that their price is not higher than the provider's own.

  • Bring an original, valid photo ID whose details match your booking, usually your passport
  • In the UK, you can use your eVisa with a share code
  • If you cannot access your eVisa, an expired biometric residence permit or card counts, but only within 24 months of its expiry date and until 31 December 2026
  • If you have a disability, ask for special arrangements when you book

From 26 March 2027: B2 for settlement

Settlement applications made from that date need B2 in speaking and listening on most routes. On the current approved list, every test at B2 covers all four skills and sets a minimum for each one: for example IELTS for UKVI (5.5 in each skill), PTE Academic UKVI (59), LanguageCert Academic or General SELT (60) and Trinity ISE II (a pass). Trinity has announced a speaking and listening test at B2 (GESE Grade 7, 15 minutes), but it is not on the approved list yet and cannot be booked yet. Check GOV.UK before you book.

How to prepare

Each provider publishes free official preparation material, such as sample tests, videos and guides. Use it to get used to the format of the test you choose. FreeExamPath is independent and not affiliated with any test provider.

Official links

Frequently asked questions

Which test should I take for settlement or citizenship?

For citizenship, and for settlement applications made before 26 March 2027, any approved speaking and listening test at B1. They all count equally, so choose by location, date, format and price. Settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027 need B2, so a B1 test will not be enough for them.

Can I use an ordinary IELTS or another English certificate?

Only tests on the Home Office's approved SELT list count, taken at an approved centre. For IELTS, that means IELTS for UKVI or IELTS for UKVI Life Skills. GCSEs and A levels do not count for citizenship.

How long is my test result valid?

2 years from the date it was awarded. An older result can still count in two cases: for settlement, if it is at the level you need, the test is still on the approved list and it was accepted in an earlier application; for citizenship, if it was accepted for your settlement application.

Do I need a new test for citizenship?

No, if your English was accepted at B1 or above for your settlement application. Otherwise you need evidence for citizenship, such as an approved test or a degree taught in English.

Will citizenship require B2?

No change to the English level for citizenship has been announced. The nationality rules require B1 in speaking and listening; B2 applies to settlement applications made from 26 March 2027.

Can I take the test outside the UK?

Yes, at approved test centres abroad. A test taken abroad can be used for an application made in the UK, and a test taken in the UK can be used for an application made abroad.

Do I need a test if I am a national of the USA, Canada or Australia?

No. Nationals of majority-English-speaking countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, do not need to prove their English. For citizenship, Irish nationals are exempt too.

How much does a test cost?

Each provider sets its own price, which depends on the country. For example, Trinity's GESE tests in the UK cost £160.

What happens if I fail?

You can book the test again. Some providers sell a retake option when you book, so check the provider's rules.

Official sources (11) · last checked 17 October 2026