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nathanielburrett

Why Do You Need to Take a SELT Test?




The Secure English Language Test (SELT) proves your ability to speak, listen, write or read English and is needed to apply for a UK Visa or British Citizenship.


Living in the UK

If you have been living or working in the UK for 5 years, taking and passing a SELT exam will allow you to apply for permanent residency with an Indefinite Leave to Remain Visa. You can also apply for British Citizenship if you have been living or working in the UK for 5 years, have had indefinite leave to remain in the UK for 12 months and can prove your English language ability with a SELT test.


For a spouse or family member to live in the UK they will need a Further Leave to Remain Visa which also requires them to take a SELT exam. You can apply for a Further Leave to Remain Visa if you are a partner or family member of:

  • A British national

  • Person settled in the UK (ie a person with ILR)

  • Person with EU Settlement Scheme pre-settled status

  • Person who has UK refugee leave or humanitarian protection

  • Person who has a Turkish ECAA worker or business person visa


Working in the UK

To work in the UK you will need to apply for a Work Visa which requires you to have a certain level of English ability, this level will depend on the type of Work Visa you need as some require a higher level of proficiency. The SELT exam will prove you are skilled at English enough to work in the UK.


Studying in the UK

In order to study in the UK as an international student, you must prove that your English language skills are at the level required for your course. For this reason you will need to take a SELT exam when you apply for a Study Visa.



The SELT exam proves you meet the minimum English ability required for UK Visas and Immigration so it’s important to take a SELT test for your Visa to be approved.


You can take a SELT/UK Visa preparation course prior to your exam to make sure you are prepared and ready to pass it. You can view more information about our UK Visa Preparation Course here.



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