Meeting English language requirements is an essential part of your Sole representative visa application. The level of the language test is determined by the type of visa application.
As per the Home office guidance, the applicant needs to demonstrate A1 level of proficiency in English speaking and listening. To understand how you can prove this, you can take the IELTS test- which is a Secure English Language Test for UK visas, listed by the Home Office.
The English language test can be taken either from within the UK or outside the UK
If you are giving the test from within the UK, then following are authorized providers
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- Pearson
- LanguageCert
- Trinity College London
If you giving the test from outside the UK, then you can choose from the following authorised providers,
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- PSI Services (UK) Ltd
- LanguageCert
- Pearson
It is important that you note whether you take up the test from within the UK or outside the UK, you will be asked to choose any one of the providers.
Which CEFR level I must pass?
The level of English proficiency as per CEFR will depend on your visa application type. For a sole representative visa application, you must demonstrate that you have A1 level of English proficiency in speaking and listening.
A1 level of CEFR is equivalent to IELTS 4.0 score overall.
What do you need to sit for the test?
You will need to have a valid photo identification card, your BRP and passport.
After test results arrive
If you pass the test, you receive a Unique number which you must fill in your sole representative visa application. The test is valid for 2 years. Even if you apply again for any visa category within 2 years,you need not retake the test.
Also, if you choose to apply for settlement(ILR) after successfully completing 5 years on a sole representative visa, you will be required to sit again for the test to demonstrate B1 level of proficiency, which is an advanced level as compared to A1.
Option 2: Proving you possess a graduate degree from a UK university
You won’t need to take SELT if you already have a Bachelor’s degree from any recognised UK university and you can prove the same.
You must also include certified copies of transcripts along with your Bachelor’s degree.
Exemption applied
If you are a resident of any of these countries then you may be exempted from giving the test as they have English as their first language. The list goes,
Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Guyana, DominicaJamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, any of t
If you need any legal assistance for making a sole representative visa application, then get in touch with A Y & J Solicitors. They are the leading immigration specialists with 10+ years of experience in UK visa and immigration.