What is English Language Requirement for Spouse Visa?

The English language for Spouse Visa is one of the core criteria that applicants must meet when applying to join their British or settled partner in the United Kingdom. The Home Office requires that applicants demonstrate a basic understanding of English to support integration into life in the UK — socially, professionally, and legally.

This blog by Axis Solicitors, experts in UK immigration law, offers a detailed look into the English language for Spouse Visa requirement. We explain what level of English is needed, which tests are acceptable, how to prove your proficiency, and in what situations you might qualify for an exemption.

Why is the English Language for Spouse Visa Required?

The UK government believes language proficiency is essential for successful community integration. Spouse Visa applicants are expected to demonstrate the ability to communicate in English so they can function independently in everyday situations — from working and studying to accessing healthcare and education for their children.

What Does the Requirement Entail?

To meet the English language for Spouse Visa requirement in 2025, you must prove that you can speak and understand English to at least level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). If you’re applying for an extension after 2.5 years, the required level increases to A2. For Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), it rises to B1.

This initial A1 standard is not about fluency — it’s about demonstrating basic survival English, enough to get by in daily interactions.

Who Needs to Meet the English Language for Spouse Visa Requirement?

The requirement applies to anyone applying under the Spouse or Partner route, including:

• Spouse of a British citizen or settled person

• Civil partner of a British citizen or settled person

• Unmarried partner (if in a relationship akin to marriage and living together for at least 2 years)

You must meet the English requirement if you’re applying from both inside and outside the UK, unless you are exempt.

Accepted English Tests and Proving Your Language Ability

To satisfy the English language for Spouse Visa requirement, applicants must prove they have passed an approved English test or possess other qualifying evidence. The Home Office accepts only certain tests taken under specific conditions, and the burden is on the applicant to provide valid proof.

What Level of English is Required?

The required level of English depends on the type and stage of the Spouse Visa application:

• Initial Spouse Visa (entry clearance or leave to remain): CEFR Level A1

• Spouse Visa extension after 2.5 years in the UK: CEFR Level A2

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): CEFR Level B1

Each level corresponds to progressively higher proficiency in listening and speaking. For Spouse Visa purposes, only speaking and listening are assessed — reading and writing are not required.

Approved English Tests for Spouse Visa

To meet the English language for Spouse Visa requirement, applicants must take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved test provider and test centre.

The Home Office currently approves the following providers:

• IELTS SELT Consortium (IELTS Life Skills A1, A2, or B1)

• Pearson PTE Home (A1, A2, or B1)

• LanguageCert SELT

• Trinity College London (UK only)

Only test results from centres specifically approved for UK visas and immigration purposes will be accepted.

Test Format and Validity

Tests are designed to evaluate basic communication skills. The format typically involves:

• Short conversation with an examiner

• Describing familiar topics (family, work, daily life)

• Answering and asking questions

Each test certificate is valid for two years. If your application is submitted after the expiry date, you must retake the test — even if you previously passed it.

Where to Take the Test

Tests must be taken at a Home Office-approved SELT test centre. Locations are available in the UK and many countries overseas. Booking links and lists of approved centres are available via the UK Government website and test provider platforms.

Using a Degree to Prove English Language for Spouse Visa

If you hold a degree taught or researched in English, you may not need to take a test. However:

• The degree must be equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher

• If obtained outside the UK, you must obtain confirmation from Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC)

The Ecctis statement must confirm:

• The qualification is comparable to a UK degree

• It was taught in English

• It meets the required CEFR level

Axis Solicitors frequently assists clients with Ecctis applications and submission formatting to ensure this alternative pathway is accepted.

Who is Exempt from the English Language for Spouse Visa Requirement?

Not every applicant is required to meet the English language for Spouse Visa requirement. The Home Office recognises that certain individuals may not be able to meet the standard due to their circumstances and has established clear categories for exemption.

Understanding these exemptions is critical. If you qualify, you can avoid unnecessary testing and documentation — but you must still provide solid evidence to support your claim.

1. National of a Majority English-Speaking Country

Applicants are automatically exempt from the English language for Spouse Visa requirement if they are nationals of one of the following countries:

• Antigua and Barbuda

• Australia

• The Bahamas

• Barbados

• Belize

• Canada

• Dominica

• Grenada

• Guyana

• Jamaica

• New Zealand

• St Kitts and Nevis

• St Lucia

• St Vincent and the Grenadines

• Trinidad and Tobago

• United States of America

Evidence required: Valid passport from the qualifying country.

2. Applicants with Certain Degrees

As noted earlier, if you have a degree that:

• Was taught or researched in English, and

• Is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher

you may qualify for an exemption from taking a formal English test. However, a confirmation from Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) is required unless your degree is from a UK university.

Evidence required:

• Degree certificate

• Ecctis Statement of Comparability (if awarded outside the UK)

3. Age-Based Exemptions

The English language for Spouse Visa requirement does not apply to applicants who are:

• Under 18 years old at the time of application

• Aged 65 or over

Evidence required: Valid passport or official birth certificate.

4. Physical or Mental Disability

Applicants who have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents them from meeting the English language requirement may be exempt. This is not a general exemption — it is granted in limited cases where language acquisition is genuinely impossible.

Evidence required:

• Medical evidence from a doctor or consultant

• Description of how the condition prevents learning or demonstrating English

5. Exceptional Circumstances

In rare cases, an exemption may be granted under “exceptional circumstances” — such as war, persecution, or extreme personal hardship that makes it unreasonable to expect the applicant to meet the English language for Spouse Visa requirement.

These are judged on a case-by-case basis and must be backed with robust supporting documentation. Simply claiming hardship is not enough.

Common Mistakes in Proving English Language for Spouse Visa Applications

Even when applicants meet the English language for Spouse Visa requirement, their applications can still be refused due to avoidable errors. At Axis Solicitors, we routinely see these mistakes cause delays, rejections, or unnecessary appeals — all of which can be avoided with the right guidance.

This section outlines the most common pitfalls in proving English language ability and how to steer clear of them.

1. Using the Wrong Test or Centre

One of the most frequent errors is submitting an English test that isn’t approved by the Home Office.

Examples:

• Taking a general IELTS test rather than IELTS Life Skills A1 for Spouse Visa

• Booking a test at a centre not authorised for UK visa applications

Solution:
Always choose a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider and ensure the test centre is on the UKVI approved list.

2. Using an Expired Test Result

Even if you passed an approved English test, the certificate must be valid on the date of application. Test results are typically only valid for two years.

Solution:
Check the date on your certificate and schedule a new test if your results have expired.

3. Submitting a Degree Without Ecctis Validation

Many applicants wrongly assume that having an English-taught degree is sufficient on its own. If the degree was awarded outside the UK, Ecctis validation is mandatory.

Solution:
Apply to Ecctis early for your Statement of Comparability and English Language Assessment. Axis Solicitors can assist with this process to ensure accurate submissions.

4. Applying Too Early After a Previous Visa Refusal

Some applicants rush into reapplying without resolving the original reason for refusal, especially in cases where their English test was rejected or considered invalid.

Solution:
Carefully review the refusal notice. Reapply only after the language issue is fully resolved — ideally with new supporting evidence.

5. Misunderstanding Who Needs to Meet the Requirement

Some dependants mistakenly believe they’re exempt based on their sponsor’s status, or that marriage alone exempts them.

Solution:
Every applicant applying as a spouse or partner must prove English ability unless they meet an official exemption. Axis Solicitors can assess your individual circumstances.

6. Incorrect or Incomplete Supporting Evidence

Even when exemptions apply, failure to provide the right documents can lead to rejection.

Examples:

• Missing passport proof for English-speaking nationals

• No medical letter for disability exemption

• Ecctis statement missing or incomplete

Solution:
Ensure that all exemption claims are supported by clear, official documents. We provide a tailored checklist for each client to avoid omissions.

How Axis Solicitors Can Help With Your English Language for Spouse Visa Application

Meeting the English language for Spouse Visa requirement can be straightforward — or incredibly complex, depending on your personal circumstances. At Axis Solicitors, we help clients ensure every aspect of their application is correct, complete, and presented in the strongest possible light.

Whether you’re submitting your first application, an extension, or applying for settlement, our team provides expert legal support from start to finish.

Tailored English Language Assessments

Before any documents are submitted, we conduct a detailed assessment of your case, including:

• Current visa and immigration status

• Country of nationality

• Age and medical background

• Degree qualifications and study history

• Test history or planned test dates

We’ll advise you on whether you need to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT), whether you qualify for an exemption, or whether your degree can be used as evidence.

Assistance With Booking and Documentation

Booking the wrong test, using the wrong provider, or submitting incomplete documents can lead to refusal. We handle:

• Booking SELT tests with the correct test and level (A1, A2, or B1)

• Confirming test centre compliance with UKVI rules

• Reviewing test certificates for accuracy

• Verifying and submitting degree equivalency via Ecctis

Proving Exemptions Properly

Claiming an exemption isn’t enough — it must be proven with specific documentation. Axis Solicitors has experience securing exemptions based on:

• Nationality from a majority English-speaking country

• Age (under 18 or over 65)

• Physical or mental condition (long-term disability)

• Exceptional circumstances (conflict, displacement, or other humanitarian grounds)

We help gather and present medical letters, passport documentation, and supporting evidence to ensure your exemption claim is fully documented and Home Office-compliant.

Comprehensive Application Preparation

When you instruct Axis Solicitors, you get more than form-filling. We provide:

• A fully prepared visa application with accurate English language documentation

• A legal covering letter explaining your eligibility

• Management of dependants’ applications where needed

• Liaison with UKVI if clarification or follow-up is required

Support for Refusals and Appeals

If your application was refused due to language evidence, we can:

• Advise on whether to appeal or reapply

• Rectify errors in test documentation or Ecctis statements

• Prepare a stronger, fully updated reapplication

• Submit detailed representations explaining previous issues

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the English language for Spouse Visa requirement?

The English language for Spouse Visa requirement is a mandatory condition set by the UK Home Office. It ensures that applicants joining a British or settled partner in the UK can communicate in basic English. This is essential for integration and accessing services in the UK. All applicants must meet this requirement unless they qualify for an exemption.

What level of English is required for the UK Spouse Visa?

For an initial application, the required level is CEFR A1. For an extension after 30 months in the UK, applicants must meet CEFR A2. If applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the required level increases to CEFR B1. The English language for Spouse Visa requirement focuses on speaking and listening skills — reading and writing are not assessed at these stages.

Which English tests are approved for the English language for Spouse Visa requirement?

Only Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) from Home Office-approved providers are accepted. These include:

• IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, B1)

• PTE Home

• LanguageCert SELT

• Trinity College London (UK only)

Your test must be taken at an approved test centre and the certificate must be valid on the date of your application.

Can I use my university degree to meet the English language for Spouse Visa requirement?

Yes, if your degree was taught or researched in English, and is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher. If your degree was awarded outside the UK, you must provide a certificate from Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) confirming the degree’s level and that it was taught in English. This can exempt you from taking a test, but only if properly evidenced.

What happens if my English test result has expired?

English test certificates used for the English language for Spouse Visa requirement are only valid for two years. If your result has expired by the time of your application, you must retake the test unless you are applying for an extension and have already met the requirement at the correct level. Always check certificate validity before applying.

Who is exempt from the English language requirement for Spouse Visa?

You may be exempt from the English language for Spouse Visa requirement if:

• You are a national of a majority English-speaking country

• You are under 18 or over 65

• You have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you from learning or demonstrating English

• You qualify under exceptional circumstances, such as humanitarian reasons or civil conflict

All exemption claims must be supported by evidence, such as a passport, medical report, or legal documentation.

Do dependants need to meet the English language for Spouse Visa requirement?

No, dependants such as children are not required to meet the English language requirement for Spouse Visa. The requirement applies only to the main applicant — the spouse or partner seeking to join or remain with a British or settled person in the UK.

Can I switch to a Spouse Visa from within the UK without meeting the English language requirement?

No. The English language requirement for Spouse Visa must be met even when switching from another visa route within the UK. If you don’t qualify for an exemption, you must take an approved English test or present valid alternative evidence before applying.

What if I fail my English test?

If your test fails and your UK Spouse visa is refused then, you must retake it. Applications submitted with failed or incomplete test results will be refused. We recommend preparing thoroughly and using an official Home Office-approved provider.

Let Axis Solicitors Help You Get It Right The First Time

Axis Solicitors has helped thousands of clients successfully meet the English language requirement for Spouse Visa — from advising on which test to take, to proving complex exemptions for medical or humanitarian cases.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your Spouse Visa journey or preparing for your next step in the UK, our immigration solicitors offer the expertise, clarity, and legal backing needed to succeed. Contact us Today.