Guide
Do I need an English test for a Skilled Worker visa?
Since 8 January 2026, new Skilled Worker applicants need English at CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Many people don't need to sit a test: a UK degree, an English-taught degree confirmed by Ecctis, or an exempt nationality can each cover it.
Quick check
| Your situation | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| In the UK with a UK degree (for example on a Graduate visa) | A degree-level qualification taught in English and awarded by a UK institution normally counts as proof, so no test. |
| A degree from outside the UK, taught in English | You can ask Ecctis to confirm it is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher and taught in English, instead of sitting a test. |
| A national of an exempt country | No test. The list is below. |
| On a Skilled Worker visa since before 8 January 2026, extending | B1 level, and you don’t need to prove it again. |
| Switching from a Health and Care Worker visa | No new proof needed. |
| None of these | You’ll need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at B2. |
Source: GOV.UK, Skilled Worker visa: knowledge of English. This is a summary of the rules, not a decision about any one person.
What B2 means
B2 is the upper-intermediate level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The Skilled Worker rules ask for it in all four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Ways to prove it
GOV.UK lists these:
- A GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Higher or Advanced Higher in English, started before you were 18, from a UK school.
- A degree-level qualification taught in English and awarded by a UK institution, even if you studied outside the UK.
- A degree from outside the UK taught in English, with an Ecctis confirmation (see below).
- Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
- Having proved English at the required level in a previous successful visa application, in which case you may not need to again.
Approved English tests (SELTs)
A SELT is a Secure English Language Test from a provider approved by the Home Office. GOV.UK lists these providers and tests (page last updated 5 October 2026).
| Provider | Tests | Where |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS SELT Consortium | IELTS for UKVI, IELTS Life Skills | In and outside the UK |
| Pearson | PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Home | In and outside the UK |
| LanguageCert | LanguageCert Academic SELT, LanguageCert General SELT, LanguageCert International ESOL SELT | In and outside the UK |
| PSI | Skills for English UKVI | Outside the UK only |
| Trinity College London | ISE / GESE SELT | UK only |
- The test must be taken at an approved test location. There is no at-home option.
- Results are valid for 2 years from the date they are awarded.
- Check the test covers all four skills at B2. For a Skilled Worker visa a four-skill test is normally needed, such as IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General), PTE Academic UKVI, LanguageCert Academic or General SELT, or Skills for English UKVI. IELTS Life Skills and PTE Home are lower-level tests, so check with the provider.
Source: GOV.UK, prove your English with a SELT. Provider links go to the official UKVI pages. SponsorJobs has no commercial link with any of these providers.
The Ecctis route
If your degree is from outside the UK and was taught in English, the rules let you apply to Ecctis online. Ecctis confirms whether the degree is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree or higher and was taught in English, and gives you a reference number. That reference goes in your visa application. Fees and timing are on the Ecctis website.
Exempt nationalities
The rules say you don't need to prove your English if you are a national of:
- 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
- the USA
Doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives and vets who passed an English assessment accepted by their regulated professional body (vets may need to show the RCVS pass).
Common questions
Is IELTS required for a Skilled Worker visa?
No. IELTS for UKVI is one of several approved SELTs, and a test is only one of the ways to prove your English. A UK qualification, an English-taught degree confirmed by Ecctis, or an exempt nationality can each mean no test is needed.
Does a Graduate visa holder need an English test to switch?
The rules set B2 for anyone switching from another visa, including Graduate. A degree-level qualification taught in English and awarded by a UK institution is one of the accepted ways to show it, so a test isn’t needed if that applies.
Can I take the test online at home?
No. GOV.UK says the test must be taken at an approved test location. Taking it at home is not accepted.
How long are SELT results valid?
2 years from the date the result is awarded.
Do I need to prove my English again when I extend a visa I held before 8 January 2026?
The rules say B1 level applies and you don’t need to prove it again.