The English Language requirement test when applying for a visa to work in the UK

To apply for a skilled worker visa, an applicant must meet the English language requirement. The way in which an applicant can satisfy this requirement will depend on their circumstances. Here, we discuss the English Language requirement test when applying for a visa to work in the UK.

Awarded a degree taught in English

Where an applicant holds a qualification that is equivalent to at least a UK Bachelor’s degree which was taught in English, this may be evidence of their English ability.

Passing an approved English language test at the required level

If the applicant has not been awarded a degree taught in English which is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree and they do not fall into one of the exemptions below, they would need to pass an approved English Language test. The English language test will assess the applicant’s ability in listening, speaking,
reading and writing. The applicant’s proficiency must be at least Level B1 on the CERF scale.

The approved test providers an applicant can choose from will depend on whether they are making their applicant in the UK or not.

Exemptions

Applicants are exempt from meeting the English language requirement if they:

-Are aged 65 and over;
-Are aged under 18;
-Have a disability (physical or mental condition) that prevents you from meeting the requirement.

Further, individuals who are citizens of one of the below-listed countries will automatically meet the English language requirement:

-Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent, and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States of America.

Applicants who have previously met the English language requirement as part of a previous visa application, for example, a student visa, will also automatically meet the English language requirement.

How we can assist

We hope that you have found this post on The English Language requirement test when applying for a visa to work in the UK useful. At Davenport Solicitors, we’re experts in business immigration and advise many businesses on the immigration and employment aspects of recruiting and employing overseas nationals in the UK and individuals with the requirements of work visas. If you would like to speak to a member of our team, you can contact our team here.

The material contained on this website contains general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. While every care has been taken in the preparation of the information on this site, readers are advised to seek specific legal advice in relation to any decision or course of action.