The United Kingdom’s Home Office has unveiled revised English language test requirements for visa applicants, effective January 1, 2025, replacing the previously used LanguageCert ESOL SELT 4-skills test with two newly designed assessments.
In an official statement released on Monday, the UK government confirmed the introduction of LanguageCert Academic SELT and LanguageCert General SELT, designed to better reflect the specific needs of different visa categories and purposes.
The change marks a shift away from the one-size-fits-all model of the former 4-skills test—previously required for both study and work visa applicants—which assessed listening, reading, writing, and speaking simultaneously. The new format introduces tailored testing approaches:
- LanguageCert Academic SELT: Geared towards student visa applicants and those seeking university admission in the UK, focusing on academic English proficiency.
- LanguageCert General SELT: Designed for work visa applicants such as skilled workers, healthcare professionals, and those entering under other employment routes. This version emphasizes practical language use in everyday and workplace settings.
Though both new tests assess the four key language skills, they are now contextualized based on visa type, offering a more targeted evaluation method.
The Home Office also outlined the specific language skills required for various visa categories:
Applicants required to demonstrate reading, writing, speaking, and listening:
- Student
- Skilled Worker
- Health and Care Worker
- Scale-up Worker
- High-Potential Individual
- Minister of Religion
- Innovator Founder
- Start-up
- Temporary Work (International Agreement, Private Servants in Diplomatic Households)
Applicants required to demonstrate speaking and listening only:
- Citizenship
- Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
- Partner
- Parent
- International Sportsperson
- Representative of an Overseas Business
The government clarified that previously taken **LanguageCert ESOL SELT** results will remain valid for **two years**, and **unused test vouchers** can still be used for up to **12 months**.
The list of approved English test providers remains unchanged. In the UK, these include **Pearson, Trinity College London, the IELTS SELT Consortium**, and **LanguageCert**. International applicants can choose from **Pearson, IELTS SELT Consortium, LanguageCert**, and **PSI Services (UK) Ltd – Skills for English (UKVI)**.
The new policy is part of broader efforts to ensure the immigration system remains efficient, fair, and aligned with applicants’ intended activities in the UK.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
World Bank Verdicts On Nigeria! More Nigerians To Become Poor By 2027
Once Again, Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas Fails To Appear Before Reps Panel
Newly Wedded Man Killed, Wife Kidnapped By Gunmen In Nasarawa
2Face Idibia's Woman Rocks Idoma Attire As He Introduces Her To His People
Singer Kcee And Wife, Ijeoma Celebrate 15th Wedding Anniversary