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• Updated: 1 January 2009

Resources and training to learn English.

• Updated: 5 December 2024

How you can show you know English when you apply for citizenship and to settle in the UK, and when you do not have to.

• Overview

  You might need to prove your knowledge of the English language if you’re…

• Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English

  You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re either: aged…

• Approved English language qualifications

  You can prove your knowledge of English by having a recognised English…

• If your degree was taught or researched in English

  You can prove your knowledge of English by having a degree that was taught…

• Updated: 15 July 2022

• Updated: 16 July 2014

For visa or citizenship applications, you may need to prove your knowledge of English by passing a secure English language test (SELT).

• Updated: 14 April 2025

• Updated: 1 January 2009

• Updated: 17 March 2025

• Updated: 5 March 2024

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides lists of English-speaking translators and interpreters abroad to help British nationals find the support they need.

• Updated: 19 June 2024