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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: 4 November 2024

This Appendix sets out how the English language requirement is met.

• Updated: 8 October 2024

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 to study English language in the UK with a Short-term study visa. Check fees, eligibility, documents you need and how to apply.

This rapid review drew primarily on academic and grey literature published in the last 10 years

• Updated: 18 April 2019

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.

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

National and regional support with learning English as a second language.

• Updated: 20 December 2022

• Updated: 3 February 2023