UK Partner Visa: English Language Requirements

To apply for a UK Partner Visa, it's essential to meet specific criteria, which includes demonstrating proficiency in the English language. This article explains the English language requirements for UK partner visa applications, including the required levels, methods to meet them, and possible exemptions. This information applies to individuals applying to enter the UK as a fiancé, proposed civil partner, spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or same-sex partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.

Did You Know?

The English Test Requirements UK Spouse Visa, is similar to the requirements for the UK Unmarried and UK Same-sex Partner Visas

English Language Proficiency Level

The required English language level is determined by the applicant's stage in their immigration journey, measured using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

• First Visa Application: Applicants must show that they meet the A1 level or above in speaking and listening, unless an exemption applies. Level A1 is considered a basic, elementary level.
• Visa Extension: Generally, for an extension application, the requirement increases to A2 level.
• Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain): At the stage of applying for indefinite leave to remain, also known as settlement, the applicant must pass a test at B1 level.

If an applicant is in a position to meet the B1 level at the outset, they won't have to continue taking one or two more tests as they progress through their immigration journey.

Meeting the English Language Requirement

Applicants can meet the English language requirement in one of three ways:

1. Nationality: If an applicant is a national of a majority English-speaking country, they will be considered to have met the English language requirements. They can use their passport to confirm their nationality.
2. Academic Qualifications: Applicants can meet the language requirements if they possess the equivalent of a UK Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree that was taught in English. The evidence required varies depending on where the academic qualification was awarded.
• UK Degree: If the degree was awarded in the UK, the applicant needs to provide the degree certificate. The certificate should include the applicant's name, the title of the award, the date of the award, and the name of the institution. If the degree certificate is unavailable, an academic transcript or reference letter containing specific information may be provided.
• Degree from a Specified English-Speaking Country: If the degree was awarded outside the UK but in one of the specified English-speaking countries, the applicant must provide the degree certificate or a suitable alternative and a confirmation from Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) that the qualification meets or exceeds the recognised standard of a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in the UK.
• Degree from a Non-Specified Country but Taught in English: The applicant must provide a degree certificate, an academic qualification level statement from Ecctis, plus an English language proficiency confirmation from Ecctis.
3. Approved English Language Test: If an applicant cannot meet the requirements through nationality or academic qualifications, they can meet the requirement by passing an approved English language test. The Home Office will only accept specific tests administered by specific providers in specific locations. It is important to check the latest guidance for a list of approved tests.

The test certificate should include a reference number. To meet the requirement, the test should be passed in the two years before the application. However, it might be possible to use a test older than two years if the applicant has already demonstrated that they met the requirement in a previous successful application for entry clearance or permission to stay.

Read this article for a successful UK Spouse Visa application with the right steps

Exemptions

Exemptions from meeting the English language requirements are available in some cases:

• The applicant is over 65 years old at the date of the application.
• The applicant has a physical or mental condition that prevents them from meeting the requirement.
• Exceptional circumstances prevent the applicant from meeting the requirement. For example, the Home Office may grant an exemption if there is a war in the applicant's country, the applicant has been hospitalized for several months before making the application, or the applicant has caring responsibilities.

This article provides general guidance, and it is not legal advice. Because immigration law can be complex and is subject to change, it is important to consult the official Home Office guidance and seek professional legal advice when required.

Please Note:

This article provides general guidance, and it is not legal advice. Because immigration law can be complex and is subject to change, it is important to consult the official Home Office guidance and seek professional legal advice when required.