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How you can show you know English when you apply for citizenship and to settle in the UK, and when you do not have to.

• Overview

  You might need to prove your knowledge of the English language if you’re…

• Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English

  You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re either: aged…

• Approved English language qualifications

  You can prove your knowledge of English by having a recognised English…

• If your degree was taught or researched in English

  You can prove your knowledge of English by having a degree that was taught…

For visa or citizenship applications, you may need to prove your knowledge of English by passing a secure English language test (SELT).

• Updated: 30 July 2025

Apply for a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa if you've been awarded a qualification by an eligible university in the last 5 years - eligibility, fees, documents, switch, bring your partner and children

• Overview

  A High Potential Individual (HPI) visa gives you permission to stay in the…

• Eligibility

  To be eligible for a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, you must have…

• Knowledge of English

  You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of the English language when…

• How much it costs

  When you apply for a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, you’ll need to…

• Documents you'll need to apply

  Before you apply, you must pay for Ecctis to check your qualification is…

• Apply from outside the UK

  You must apply online for a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa. Check…

• Your partner and children

  Your partner and children can also apply to join you or stay in the UK as…

• Switch to this visa

  You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to a High Potential…

Apply to come to the UK as a representative of a news agency, newspaper or news agency and you’re from outside the EEA and Switzerland - eligibility, fees, documents, how to apply, extend and switch.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides lists of English-speaking translators and interpreters abroad to help British nationals find the support they need.

• Updated: 19 June 2024

Apply for a Temporary Work – International Agreement visa if you're working under international law (including diplomatic households) - extend or switch, family members

Apply for a Minister of Religion visa (T2) if you've been offered a job in a faith community - eligibility, extend or switch, knowledge of English, bring your family

Apply for a Skilled Worker visa (formerly a Tier 2 General work visa) if you’ve been offered a skilled job with a UK employer - eligibility, fees, documents, extend, switch or update, bring your partner and children, taking on additional...

Apply for an Innovator Founder visa if you've been endorsed for a business idea: eligibility, documents, extend or switch, bring your family.

Apply for an International Sportsperson visa if you're an elite sportsperson or coach with sponsorship - getting sponsored, eligibility, documents, extend your visa, family members