Which English Language Exam Should I Take?
| Type of UK Visa you require |
CEF/NQF level | Trinity Exam | Skills Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living in the UK – Spouse or Partner visa -form FLR (M) for further leave to remain/ to extend your existing stay | A1 ESOL Entry Level 1 |
GESE 2 or above |
Speaking and Listening |
| Living in the UK – Parents of dependents – FLR (O) – further leave to remain ‘Other’ visa | A1 ESOL Entry Level 1 |
GESE 2 or above |
Speaking and Listening only |
| Living in the UK – Settlement or ILR (indefinite leave to remain) or Naturalisation visa | B1 ESOL Entry Level 3 |
GESE 5 or above |
Speaking and Listening only |
| Studying in the UK – Tier 4 Student Visa, for studying below degree level – some course requirements may vary so please check actual requirements with your own sponsor, university or college) |
B1 ESOL Entry Level 3 |
ISE I | Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing |
| Working in the UK – Tier 2 for a general Visa for a Sponsored skilled worker | B1 ESOL Entry Level 3 |
ISE I | Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing |
| Working in the UK – Tier 1 for an Entrepreneur type Visa | B1 ESOL Entry Level 3 |
ISE I | Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing |
| Studying in the UK – Tier 4 for a Student Visa when studying at degree level, however, please note that certain universities & some courses may have higher requirements – please check with your own sponsor/university) | B2 ESOL Level 1 |
ISE II | Speaking and Listening, Reading and writing |
| Working in the UK – Tier 2 Religious worker or minister of religion Visa | B2 ESOL Level 1 |
ISE II | Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing |
| Working in the UK – Tier 1 General including Highly skilled worker Visa | C1 ESOL Level 2 |
ISE III | Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing |
| Studying in the UK – Tier 4 for General Student Visa – (This level may be specified for certain courses at degree level or above. Universities’ requirements may vary – please check with your own sponsor or university) | C1 ESOL Level 2 |
ISE III | Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing |
GESE = Graded Examinations in Spoken English – | – ISE = Integrated Skills in English
NQF = National Qualifications Framework – | – CEF = Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Please treat the above information as a general guide only. Many candidates and visa applicants may have their own individual circumstances. Therefore it is very important that all candidates and applicants check their own particular English language exam or test requirements for themselves with a qualified agency.
For living in the UK, spouse/partner visa, further leave to remain (FLR), indefinite leave to remain (ILR), settlement or naturalisation you should check the with the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) and the Border Force, or with a qualified immigration adviser or proper immigration solicitor.
For a worker or student visa, you must check the level of English language exam you require with your own particular sponsor – for example – your employer or educational institution. You should also check the with the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) and the Border Force, or with a qualified immigration adviser or proper immigration solicitor.
You will always need to check your own separate requirements for the Knowledge of Life and Language in the UK test with either the Home Office or a registered immigration adviser/solicitor.
We are always happy to help you, but do please remember, it is always your, the candidate’s, sole responsibility to choose the correct exam or test for your or their own particular circumstances.