Great news for those planning to move to the United Kingdom! Starting in April 2025, the UK Home Office is updating the Secure English Language Test (SELT) options, bringing in more flexibility and clarity to the visa and citizenship application process.
Here’s everything you need to know about these changes and how they’ll make your journey to the UK smoother.
What’s Changing with the SELT Tests?
Beginning January 1, 2025, the LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT will be replaced with two new versions:
- LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT
- LANGUAGECERT General SELT
If you’ve already taken the previous ESOL SELT, don’t worry! Your results are still valid for two years from the date of issue, and any vouchers you’ve purchased can still be used for up to 12 months.
The UK Home Office will continue to accept SELT results from trusted providers, including:
- Pearson
- Trinity College London
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- PSI Services (Skills for English UKVI)
- LANGUAGECERT
Who Needs to Take the SELT Test?
For many UK visa categories and citizenship applications, you’ll need to prove your English language proficiency. These categories fall into two groups based on the skills assessed:
Full 4-Skills Test (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)
You’ll need to take the 4-skills test if applying for the following:
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Health and Care Worker Visa
- Student Visa
- Start-up / Innovator Founder Visa
- Scale-up Worker Visa
- High-Potential Individual Visa
- Minister of Religion Visa
- Temporary Work (International Agreement route)
Speaking and Listening Only
For these visa and citizenship applications, only the Speaking and Listening skills are assessed:
- UK Citizenship
- Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
- Partner / Parent Visa
- International Sportsperson Visa
- Representative of an Overseas Business
Where Can You Take the SELT?
SELT test centres are available both inside and outside of the UK:
Inside the UK:
Approved providers include:
- Pearson
- Trinity College London
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- LANGUAGECERT
Outside the UK:
Approved options include:
- Pearson
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- PSI Services (UKVI)
- LANGUAGECERT
Important: Ensure that your test is taken at an approved test centre, listed on the official UK Home Office test list, and completed within two years of your visa or settlement application.
How to Book Your SELT Test in 2025
Booking your SELT test is easy! Simply visit the website of your chosen test provider, select your location, and follow the booking process. You can also refer to the official UK government page for step-by-step guidance.
👉 Book a Secure English Language Test (SELT)
Test slots are typically available within 28 days, but availability may vary depending on your location. Make sure the details you provide match your identity documents exactly.
Accepted ID documents include:
- Passport (most common)
- UK BRP or BRC (for residents)
- EEA National ID (if applicable)
- Government-issued photo ID (if applicable)
Note: Emergency or photocopied documents will not be accepted.
What Happens After the Test?
Once you pass, you’ll receive a SELT reference number. This number links your test results to your visa or citizenship application. Here’s what the reference will look like for each provider:
Test ProviderReference FormatTrinity College LondonUERIIELTS SELT ConsortiumUKVI NumberLANGUAGECERTCandidate URNPearsonSELT URNPSI (Skills for English)URN
You don’t need to send physical certificates. The UK Home Office will verify your results directly using these reference numbers.
More Choices, More Flexibility for Your UK Visa
These updates make it easier for UK visa and citizenship applicants to meet the English language requirements, thanks to more options and flexibility. Whether you’re a student, skilled worker, or applying for settlement, the new test formats and trusted providers offer a simpler process.
Pro Tip: Be sure to book early, double-check that your ID matches your application, and choose the right test based on your visa type!
With these new changes, applying for a UK visa or citizenship has never been clearer or more convenient. Good luck with your journey to the UK!
