How to Prove Your English Proficiency for a UK Visa with Trinity College
Whytecroft Ford is pleased to collaborate with Trinity College London, a globally recognised education provider renowned for its expertise in administering exams and awarding qualifications in over 60 countries worldwide. Trinity College can provide our clients with the English language test certifications required for the different UK visa types.
Whytecroft Ford and Trinity College London
As an established partner, Trinity College London offers a range of Secure English Language Test (SELT) certifications, which are required for various UK visa categories. Through this partnership, we are able to assist our clients in obtaining the necessary language qualifications for their visa applications, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
What is a Secure English Language Test (SELT)?
To apply for a work, study, or family visa for the UK, you may be required to take an English language test to demonstrate your skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English.
SELTs can test an applicant’s skills in either two components ‘Speaking and Listening’ or four components ‘Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening’.
The Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) are available at different levels, based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), a system used to measure and describe language proficiency. It organizes language skills into six levels, ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient), and categorizes them into three broad groups: Basic User, Independent User, and Proficient User.
The specific SELT you need to take will depend on the type of visa you are applying for. A SELT must be taken with an approved test provider at an approved test centre.
How to demonstrate your English proficiency for your UK Visa Application
To demonstrate your English proficiency for a UK visa, you must meet the specific language requirements outlined by the Home Office. If you are from a majority English-speaking country, such as the United States, Canada, or Australia, you may be exempt from taking an English language test. In this case, your nationality is sufficient proof of your language ability. However, if your country is not on the list, you will likely need to prove your English skills through a Secure English Language Test (SELT) or by using an academic qualification taught in English.
If you have a degree from an English-speaking country or a qualification taught in English, you may be able to use this to meet the requirement. Degrees from UK institutions or from countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand may be accepted. For degrees from other countries, you will need to provide a confirmation from UK NARIC to show that the degree is equivalent to a UK qualification and was taught in English.
In some cases, you may be exempt from the English language requirement. Applicants who are under 18, over 65, or who have certain medical conditions may not need to provide proof of English proficiency. Additionally, some visa categories, like those for diplomats or refugees, may have specific exemptions. It’s important to carefully review the visa requirements to confirm whether an exemption applies to your situation.
Trinity College can provide our clients with the range of English language test certifications required for the different UK visa types, including:
A1 SELT | GESE Grade 2 | English test for family partner and family parent
You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in at least CEFR level A1 in Speaking and Listening for:
- Further Leave to Remain (family partner / family parent)
- Representative of an Overseas Business visa
- Sportsperson visa T2
Trinity GESE Grade 2 (CEFR A1) offers:
- 6 minute speaking and listening test
- Provisional results the day after the exam by 9am
- Guaranteed digital certificate delivery within 7 days
- Speaking & Listening only
A2 SELT | GESE Grade 3 | English test for visa extension
You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in at least CEFR level A2 in Speaking and Listening for:
- Family partner (extension), required two and a half years after passing an A1 test
- Family parent (extension), required two and a half years after passing an A1 test
Trinity GESE Grade 3 (CEFR A2) offers:
- 7 minute speaking and listening test
- Provisional results the day after the exam by 9am
- Guaranteed digital certificate delivery within 7 days
- Speaking & Listening only
B1 SELT | GESE Grade 5 | English test for British citizenship
You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in at least CEFR level B1 in Speaking and Listening for:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Settlement/Permanent Residency
- British Citizenship (Naturalisation)
Trinity GESE Grade 5 (CEFR B1) offers:
- 10 minute speaking and listening test
- Provisional results the day after the exam by 9am
- Guaranteed digital certificate delivery within 7 days
- Speaking & Listening only
B1 SELT | ISE I | English test for skilled worker, health & care worker, scale-up worker and student visa
You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in at least CEFR level B1 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening for a:
- Skilled Worker visa
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Scale-up Worker visa
- Student visa (although UKVI requires a B1 test, some institutions require B2 — please check with your sponsor)
Trinity ISE I (CEFR B1) offers:
- Test of four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening
- Test taken in 1 day
- Guaranteed digital certificate delivery within 21 days
B2 SELT | ISE II | English test for minister of religion, innovator and student visa
You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at least CEFR level B2 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening for a:
- Minister of Religion visa (T2)
- Innovator visa
- Student visa (although UKVI requires a B1 test, some institutions require B2 — please check with your sponsor)
Trinity ISE II (CEFR B2) offers:
- Test of four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening
- Test taken in 1 day
- Guaranteed digital certificate delivery within 21 days
C1 SELT | ISE III | English test for student visa
You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at least CEFR level C1 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening for a:
- Student visa (although UKVI requires a B2 test, some institutions require C1 — please check with your sponsor)
Trinity ISE III (CEFR C1) offers:
- Test of four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening
- Test taken in 1 day
- Guaranteed digital certificate delivery within 21 days.
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