Most people applying for a Skilled Worker visa must prove they can speak, read, write, and understand English to at least B2 level on the CEFR scale (intermediate level). This is mandatory for care roles such as:
Care Workers (SOC 6145)
Senior Care Workers (SOC 6146)
Nurses (SOC 2231)
Most other Skilled Worker occupations
Applicants can meet the requirement by:
1️⃣ Taking an English Language Test
You must pass an approved test at B2 level in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
The test must be taken at a Home Office-approved test centre.
Your test certificate will include a unique UKVI reference number, which you'll need for your visa application.
Valid for 2 years, but if used in a previous successful UK visa application, it can be reused.
Approved Test Providers
If the applicant is in the UK, they can only take a SELT with one of the following providers:
Test Provider | Test Name | Pass Grade (B2) |
IELTS SELT Consortium | IELTS for UKVI Academic or IELTS for UKVI General Training | 5.5 in all skills |
Pearson | PTE Academic UKVI | 59 in all skills |
LANGUAGECERT | LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT or LANGUAGECERT General SELT | B2 in all skills |
Trinity College London | ISE I (Integrated Skills in English) | B2 in all skills |
If the applicant is outside the UK, they can only take a SELT with one of the following providers:
Test Provider | Test Name | Pass Grade (B2) |
IELTS SELT Consortium | IELTS for UKVI Academic or IELTS for UKVI General Training | 5.5 in all skills |
Pearson | PTE Academic UKVI | 59 in all skills |
LANGUAGECERT | LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT or LANGUAGECERT General SELT | B2 in all skills |
PSI Services (UK) Ltd | Skills for English UKVI | B2 in all skills |
⚠️ Note: Trinity College London is only available for tests taken in the UK. PSI Services (UK) Ltd is only available for tests taken outside the UK.
SELT Unique Reference Numbers
After passing the test, you will receive a unique reference number to use in the visa application. The format varies by provider:
IELTS SELT Consortium → UKVI number
LANGUAGECERT → Candidate URN
Pearson → SELT URN
Trinity College London → UER
PSI Services (UK) Ltd → URN
Approved Test Centres
The list of approved test centres is regularly updated by the Home Office. The most recent update was on 18 May 2026. A full list of approved centres both in the UK and outside the UK can be found on the Home Office SELT guidance page.
📌 Book your test directly with the provider:
Book Trinity College London ISE I (UK only)
Book PSI Services — Skills for English UKVI (outside UK only)
2️⃣ Degree Taught in English
If you have a degree taught in English:
Upload a copy of your degree certificate.
If your degree was taught outside the UK, you'll also need to get it verified by ECCTIS to confirm it was taught in English.
Upload a copy of your ECCTIS certificate as part of your application.
🚫 Exemptions
You do not need to provide proof of English language if:
You are a dependent under 18 years old.
You are from a majority English-speaking country (check the Home Office list).
You have already met the requirement in a previous UK visa application (e.g., earlier Skilled Worker or Student visa).
📋 Sponsor Responsibilities
As a sponsor, you must:
Verify how the worker meets the English requirement.
Keep evidence on their HR file, such as:
English test certificate
Degree certificate
ECCTIS confirmation letter
Copy of previous visa application evidence
Record details on the CoS under: ➤ "How the applicant has met the English language requirement."
⚠️ Note: You do not send documents to the Home Office but must retain them for compliance audits.
📊 Common Scenarios
Situation | Meets Requirement? |
Passed IELTS UKVI at B2 level | ✅ Yes |
Degree from India taught in English | ✅ If verified by ECCTIS |
From USA | ✅ Yes |
Student visa in UK but no test taken | ❌ No |
3+ years UK work without degree or test | ❌ No |
📌 Top Tips
🎯 Make sure you book the UKVI version of your test — other versions won't be accepted.
📂 Keep your test confirmation email and reference number safe.
⏳ Book early to avoid delays, as test slots can fill up quickly.
❓ FAQs
My IELTS certificate has expired. Can I still use it? Only if it was used for a previous successful UK visa application. Otherwise, a new test is required.
Does a care worker with 3+ years in the UK still need to prove English? Yes, unless they have already proven it in a previous Skilled Worker application.