Knowledge of English
For a skilled worker visa in the UK, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of English. The English language requirement for this visa is set at CEFR level B1 or above. CEFR stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Level of English
Skilled Workers must prove they can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
They can prove their knowledge of English by:
- passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider
- IELTS: You would need to score at least 4.0 in each component (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) of the IELTS test to meet the B1 requirement.
- TOEFL iBT: You would need a total score of at least 22, with at least 4 in each component (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: You would need a score of at least 36 in each component (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
- Cambridge English: B1 Preliminary (PET), B2 First (FCE), or C1 Advanced (CAE): You would need to achieve the required score or higher in these exams.
- having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that they began when they were under 18
- having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English – if they studied abroad, they’ll need to apply through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) for confirmation thattheir qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD
It is important to note that you must take an English language test at a test center approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for visa purposes. There needs to be a UKVI reference number in your certificate.
Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English
They do not need to prove their knowledge of English if they’re a national of one of the following countries or territories:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- the Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- the British overseas territories
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- USA
If they’re a doctor, dentist, nurse, midwife or vet
They do not need to prove their knowledge of English if they’ve already passed an English Language assessment that is accepted by the relevant regulated professional body.
If they’re a vet, they may need to prove that they passed an English Language assessment with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Our solicitors are experienced in all aspects of sponsorship and preparing Skilled Worker route applications. If you require advice, our team would be happy to have an initial complimentary discussion with you. Please contact us or complete the enquiry form below.
- Source: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/knowledge-of-english
