English Tests for Skilled Worker Visa becomes more than just a phrase when you realise how much weight it carries for anyone hoping to build a career in the UK. Stepping into this journey isn’t simply about ticking off requirements; it’s about preparing yourself to communicate confidently, navigate a new environment, and show that you’re ready for the opportunities ahead. Before diving into the details of proficiency levels, approved tests. What applicants need to bring to the table is to understand why the language element feels so central to the entire visa experience.
What Does the Skilled Worker English Requirement Look Like in 2025?
Current vs Upcoming Requirement
- Currently (up to 7 Jan 2026): Applicants usually must show CEFR B1 proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- From 8 January 2026: The requirement increases to B2 across all four language skills.
Who is affected: First-time Skilled Worker visa applicants and those switching to Skilled Worker from another visa will need to meet B2 when applying from this date.
How to Prove B2?
There are several routes to demonstrate the required English level:
- Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
- Academic qualification (degree) taught in English:
- A UK degree taught in English is acceptable.
- For degrees awarded outside the UK, you’ll typically need to use Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) to verify equivalency and that the course was taught in English.
- Exemption based on nationality: Nationals of certain majority English-speaking countries do not need to prove English.
English Tests (SELTs) You Can Take for the Skilled Worker Visa
To satisfy the B2 requirement, you must take a SELT (Secure English Language Test) from a Home Office–approved provider. Approved providers are: Pearson, Trinity College London, IELTS SELT Consortium, LanguageCert, and PSI Services (outside the UK).
Here are some of the main test types and providers:
| Provider | Test Name | Notes |
| IELTS SELT Consortium | IELTS for UKVI (Academic / General) | A four-skills test approved for visa applications. |
| Pearson | PTE Academic UKVI | UKVI-specific version, approved for immigration. |
| LanguageCert | LanguageCert Academic SELT & General SELT (replacing ESOL SELT from Jan 2025) | |
| Trinity College | Integrated Skills in English (ISE) UKVI | Four-skills option. |
| PSI Services (UK) | Skills for English UKVI | Another four-skill SELT for visa use. |
2025 Pass Score Thresholds for B2?
As the B2 standard becomes mandatory from January 2026, it’s useful to understand what scores you need for some of the major SELTs:
- IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas & Immigration): For B2, candidates need at least 5.5 in each of thefour components (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
- LanguageCert SELT B2 Communicator: According to equivalency tables (e.g., from Nottingham University), a B2 Communicator requires a minimum of 33 in each skill (out of 50) for the 4-skill test.
- PTE Academic UKVI: According to the older approved tests list, B2 corresponds to a minimum of 51 in each component (listening, reading, writing, speaking) for Pearson’s PTE Academic.
Important caveat: While these numbers offer a guide, always check the latest published SELT pass score requirements from both the test provider and the GOV.UK, especially given the rule change.
Tips to Prepare for B2-Level English Test
- Understand the CEFR B2 level
- At B2, you should be able to communicate quite fluently and spontaneously in English, handle technical discussions, and deal with more complex texts. The B2 level represents a higher “working proficiency” than basic conversational B1.
- Choose the right SELT provider
- Consider test availability, cost, and your comfort: some prefer IELTS, others may feel more confident with PTE Academic or LanguageCert.
- Make sure the test centre is officially approved for UKVI/SELT.
- Take mock tests
- Use practice tests from your chosen provider. For example, IELTS, PTE, and LanguageCert all offer practice materials and sample papers.
- Brush up on weak areas
- If you struggle with writing or speaking, consider taking a short preparatory course or using online resources (YouTube channels, language platforms, etc.)
- Focus on vocabulary, grammar, and understanding the test format (timing, question types).
- Book your test in advance
- Slots for SELTs can fill quickly, especially in visa-heavy seasons.
- Remember: your result must be valid at the time of visa application — most SELT results are valid for two years.
- Use your SELT reference number correctly
- After taking the test, you’ll receive a unique SELT reference number (URN) — you must include this in your visa application so UKVI can verify your result.
When you have already passed a Test Before the Change?
If you have taken an approved SELT in the past, whether your result satisfies the upcoming B2 requirement depends on:
- When you took it: SELT results are typically valid for 2 years for visa purposes.
- The level you passed: If you passed at B1 previously, that will not meet the new B2 requirement once the rule changes in January 2026.
- Your application history: If you’ve already proved your English in a previous successful visa application, sometimes that can be reused, but only if the previous test met or exceeded the level now required.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Booking a non-UKVI test: Make sure you register for a SELT (Secure English Language Test) version; standard academic tests may not be accepted.
- Expired SELT result: If your result is over two years old, you may need to retake.
- Wrong test centre: Only tests taken at approved test locations count.
- Incorrect reference number: On application forms, be precise when entering your Unique Reference Number (URN).
- Misreading score requirements: Some test providers list different “B2” tests — ensure you’re looking at the SELT-verified versions, and check the minimum required score for each component, not just the overall.
Final Thoughts!
Reaching the point where you feel prepared for your English test is as much about confidence as it is about technique. Once you’ve gathered the right tools, found a study rhythm that works for you, and committed to steady practice, the entire process feels far less intimidating. Your path to a Skilled Worker visa becomes clearer with every step you take, and the journey feels much more manageable when you approach it with intention. For more guidance, insights, and ongoing support, make sure you follow Skilled Worker Mag.
