What is the English language requirement for a partner visa? The A1 test, exemptions and A2 at extension

Who does this apply to?

• This is general information. It does not assess anyone's personal situation. It is for people applying for a UK family visa as a spouse or partner. It is based on the GOV.UK "Family visas: Knowledge of English" page (October 2026).

The requirement at the first application

• You need at least CEFR level A1. You can choose a higher level if you prefer.

How can you prove your English?

• A UK degree: a degree-level qualification taught in English and awarded by a UK institution. Your degree certificate is enough.
• A non-UK degree: a degree taught in English from an institution outside the UK. You need an Ecctis assessment, which gives a code confirming it is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree or higher and was taught in English. An Ecctis assessment you already have can be reused.
• A SELT: a Secure English Language Test passed with an approved provider.
• A previous application: if you proved it in an earlier successful visa application, you may not need to prove it again.
• The GOV.UK page does not name specific test providers; it points to the approved list. What is in the test, and its questions, is not described here either; see the provider's preparation materials.

Who does not have to prove English?

• People who have been on a family visa for 5 years and are extending as a partner or parent.
• People over 65.
• People with a physical or mental condition that prevents them meeting the requirement.
• Nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British overseas territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, or the USA. Türkiye is not on this list.

The next steps

• The extension at 2.5 years: those who came on A1 must pass at least A2 in speaking and listening. If you passed a test from A2 to C2, you can reuse the result if the provider has not withdrawn it. If you were exempt, you must pass an A1 test at this stage.
• Settlement after 5 years: a test at B1 or higher can be reused if it is still on the approved list and has not been withdrawn.

Points to watch

• Rules and approved tests change. This post is a general summary.

What can you do?

• Read Family visas: Knowledge of English.
• For personal immigration questions, find a registered adviser: GOV.UK: Find an immigration adviser. Money paid to an unregulated adviser cannot be recovered.