What are the 2022 English language test requirements for UK Spouse Visa - a complete latest guide by The SmartMove2UK
                     UK Spouse Visa 
English Test Requirements 2022
English Language Test Requirements UK Spouse Visa
The ‘English Test Requirements UK Spouse Visa’ is one of the most searched queries on the 
internet, as per our team’s research.
So, our experts decided to create guidance for a UK Spouse visa and Family & Partner Visa 
English Language Requirements.
Our experts in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru have always shared the 
TOP 10 tips for making a successful spouse visa application. And meeting the English-language 
requirement is a part of it.
Needless to say, meeting these requirements and eligibility for the UK Spouse visa is essential, 
since getting the paperwork or any of the requirements wrong, can lead to a delay in the 
processing time for your UK Spouse visa application or refusal of the application.
Did You Know?
The English Test Requirements UK Spouse Visa, is similar to the 
requirements for the UK Unmarried and Same-sex partner visa routes.
Here is the list of approved English language test centres for the UK Spouse visa
A test from the following providers will be accepted if you are applying from outside 
the UK:
• PSI Services (UK) Ltd
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• LanguageCert
• Pearson
PSI Services (UK) Ltd
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) describe PSI as a Secure English Language Test for 
UK English language tests, as they are a requirement of English language proficiency 
for UK visa applications.
You can book the test online and whenever you like, although it has to be delivered in 
a single session. The test is totally computer-based and does not require  an examiner 
or assessor.
Get the list of all the UK Home Office approved 
English language test-centres
Download this PDF with the important details and the 
list of all English language test-centres to meet the 
2022 English test requirements for the UK Spouse visa.
DOWNLOAD NOW
The English Language Test (IELTS)
IELTS stands for International English Test System that is recognised by more 
than 11,000 organisations worldwide, including government and professional 
bodies, educational institutions, and workplaces.
The English Language Test (IELTS) evaluates your performance across four areas 
of the English language: speaking, listening, and reading in academic, higher 
education, or practical, everyday contexts.
You can take a variety of tests, such as the IELTS Academic, General Training, 
and Life Skills (A1, A2, or B1) tests. Why you’re going to the UK (the visa 
category you are applying for) will determine the kind of test you need to take.
LanguageCert
For all types of visas needed to live, work, or study in the UK, LanguageCert provides SELT 
tests that have been authorized by the UK Home Office and are linked to the Common 
European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) globally.
Pearson
Pearson English Tests provides secure English language tests for visa applications for work and 
immigration in the UK, Australia, and other countries for study applications anywhere else.
They offer completely computer-based English tests, practice tests and involve a machine-
scoring system.
Smart Tip!
When popular test centres like IELTS are busy, you can get your test from Pearson or 
LanguageCert; to make sure you don’t have to wait for a slot!
Click here to find your nearest approved English language test centre within the UK
Click here to find your nearest approved English language test centre outside the UK
Is English language requirements compulsory for partners?
Our experts based in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru have been asked by clients 
‘Is English language requirements compulsory?’.
Yes, it is! Not providing one increases the 
chances of refusal of your UK Spouse visa application. However, candidates are 
excluded from the English language requirement in some cases. We’ll get to 
that.
Which visa routes need to provide proof of English language proficiency?
According to the UK immigration rules, proof of English language proficiency is a mandatory for 
qualifying for many long-term and short-term business, student and family visa routes, like:
Work & Study routes:
• Innovator visa
• Start-up visa
• Skilled Worker visa
• Representative of an Overseas Business
• Sportsperson
• Student visas
• Minister of Religion
Family & Settlement routes:
• Partner
• Parent
• Settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain)
• Citizenship
Who doesn’t need to provide proof of English language proficiency
Even though it is mandatory, there are some cases where you can qualify for an English language 
requirement exemption.
Candidates are excluded from the English language requirement if:
•They are over 65
•They are unable to fulfil the criteria because of a physical or mental impairment
•They are nationals of countries that have most English-speaking citizens.
Candidates are excluded from the English language requirement if they are nationals from the 
following countries:
•Antigua and Barbuda •Jamaica
•Australia •Malta
•The Bahamas •New Zealand
•Barbados •St Kitts and Nevis
•Belize •St Lucia
•Canada •St Vincent and the Grenadines
•Dominica •Trinidad and Tobago
•Grenada •USA
•Guyana
What alternative means are there to fulfil the English language requirement for the spouse visa?
If you hold a degree or other academic qualification that was earned while studying or conducting 
research in English, you can demonstrate your command of the language.
Only your degree certificate is required if your education was obtained from a UK university or 
college.
If the certificate is from a university outside the UK:
• You must present a certificate from Ecctis (previously UK NARIC) to prove that your degree is 
equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher
• and that it was taught in English
There are two categories of certificates:
• a visa and nationality statement,
• and a statement of comparability
Imp read: UK spouse visa extension documents guidance
How can The SmartMove2UK be of help for your UK Spouse visa application?
Our team at The SmartMove2UK understands the challenges of meeting complicated family & 
partner visa English language requirements and criteria, and we are here to assist you!
Our UK Spouse visa experts have assisted many partners looking to 
join their partner in the UK, in understanding the English Test Requirements UK Spouse Visa 
and other aspects of the route and have a 99% success rate.
Contact our experts in India – Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and in the United Kingdom – London, 
if you need expert assistance in understanding or making your UK Spouse visa application.
You can get in touch with our UK immigration lawyer to book a consultation!
+91 9819127002 +91 9819127002
Book your Consultation [email protected]