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Secure English Language Testing - SELT

Secure English Language Testing (SELT) Frequently asked questions

What is a SELT provider?

For certain visa applications applicants must demonstrate a certain level of English language ability. This can be through passing a test with a Home Office approved Secure English Language Testing (SELT) provider.

Which immigration routes require a SELT?

You will need to demonstrate you have met the required level in English if you are applying in one of the following routes:

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)
Tier 2 (General)
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
Tier 4 (General)
Representative of an overseas business
Partner
Parent
Settlement
Citizenship

What tests are accepted as SELT?

From 6th April 2015, customers can only take a SELT test with one of the following:

Trinity College London (UK only);
IELTS SELT Consortium (UK or overseas).

The approved Trinity College London tests are:

Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE)

The IELTS SELT Consortium tests are:

IELTS (also know as IELTS for UKVI)
Life Skills

Further information can be found in Appendix O or on the published list of approved tests.

Which test should I take?

It is for you to decide which SELT test to take. These tests on the published list offered by Trinity College London and the IELTS SELT Consortium are acceptable for a number of Immigration routes. You should take the level of test required for the Immigration route you are applying for.

What is the difference between the tests?

There are two types of test as different immigration routes require different English language ability. The GESE and Life Skills tests will assess your speaking and listening abilities. The ISE and IELTS tests will test your reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities.

Should I sit a test that just assesses my speaking and listening abilities or the one that assesses all four abilities?

You will need to take the test required for the route you are applying under. You will need to sit a test that assesses all four abilities if you are applying in one of the following routes:

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)
Tier 2 (General)
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
Tier 4 (General)

You will need to sit a test that assesses all just your speaking and listening abilities if you are applying in one of the following routes:

Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
Representative of an overseas business
Partner
Parent
Settlement
Citizenship

What is the process for taking a SELT?

You can only take a SELT test offered by either:

Trinity College London (UK only); or,
IELTS SELT Consortium (UK or overseas).

You will need to book your test using the relevant online booking system. The details used to book your test must be as stated on your passport or other the identity document. On the day of the test you will need to take document you used when booking the test. The test centre will check this and record your identity. If you cannot pass the identity checks you will not be able to take a test that day. If you pass the test you will be provided with a unique reference number which you must use in your UK immigration application.

Where are the exam dates published?

Each provider has their own website where the exam dates are published:

Trinity College London www.trinitycollege.com/SELT

IELTS SELT Consortium http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/

What is the unique reference number?

From 6 April 2015 all candidates who pass a SELT test will be issued with a unique reference number. This number will be used to identify the candidate and to verify their results.

What if I don't have a unique reference number?

If you are not issued with a unique reference number the caseworker dealing with your application will be unable to verify the results. This may result in your application being refused.

Will you accept English language tests that are not on the SELT list?

No. Any tests taken from 6 April 2015 must be on the approved SELT list.

Will you accept English language tests that are on the approved list, but not taken at an approved test centre?

No. Any tests taken from 6 April 2015 must be at an approved test centre. The list of approved test centres is available on the Home Office webiste.

Will you accept all tests from an approved provider?

No. Any tests taken from 6 April 2015 must be on the approved SELT list. You can take IELTS or Trinity tests for many reasons at different centres but only those IELTS and Trinity tests specified for immigration use and taken at an approved centre can be used as part of an application for immigration purposes.

I sat a test in the UK; can I use it if I apply outside the UK?

Yes. Tests sat in the UK can be accepted in applications made in the UK and overseas. Similarly, tests sat overseas can be accepted in applications made in the UK.

What checks will the centre do?

On the day of your test, you will need to provide evidence of your identity at the test centre before you will be allowed to take the test. The only acceptable forms of identification for UK centres are:

a valid passport or travel document;
a valid EU Identity Card;
a valid Biometric Residence Permit.

The documents must be originals and include a photograph. Where the document contains a signature, this will also be verified on the date of the test. Where you are unable to prove your identity you will not be allowed to take the test.

Can driving licences be used as proof of identify?

No. Only the documents listed above can be accepted.

What are pop-up centres?

Pop-up centres are temporary test centres that are used on a periodic basis where there is no permanent test centre due to a low number of candidates wishing to book exams. We have introduced these centres to make sure customers continue to have easy access to a test centre wherever they are. The list of pop-up centres is available on our website.

There is no test centre in the country where I live. What can I do?

We work with our providers to ensure as many people as possible have access to a SELT test centre but we know there are no test centres or pop up centres in certain countries. If there is not a SELT test centre in the country where you live, you will have to travel to another country to take a SELT exam.

What if I can’t book a test at the location or date of my preferred choice?

If there is no availability of tests in your chosen area you should check the availability at the nearest test centre. If you are unable to book a test on the day of your choice or at the centre of your choice you should check with other test centres that may have availability. You should always be able to take a test within 28 days of booking but it may not always be at your chosen location.

Why have you reduced the number of tests?

We have consolidated the tests available in order to simplify the English language requirements for customers and to enable us to monitor and be assured of the security measures in place.

Have you reduced the number of centres?

The provision of approved SELT centres has been planned to ensure there is adequate global and UK coverage to meet anticipated customer demand. We have also increased the number of countries where testing is available. We have introduced “pop-up” test centres in locations where demand has historically been low or seasonal, to make sure customers continue to have easy access to a test centre wherever they are.

Why have you made changes to the tests that will be accepted for UK visa purposes?

The changes have improved standards and provide clearer timeframes for test bookings and results. The testing process is more secure with measures such as CCTV in centres, more frequent audits and mystery shopping in place to improve the integrity of test results. Pop-up testing has been introduced for the first time in places where there is lower demand and where testing may not previously existed.

I hear that some countries have high demand in test bookings, is this true?

We have planned the provision of test centres to give adequate global and UK coverage to meet anticipated customer demand. There are some countries where demand for test booking will be high at certain times during the year. However, you should be able to book a test at a permanent test centre within a 28 day period. I have a disability.

Am I exempt from the English language requirement?

There are no exemptions for applicants applying under Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 4. If you require support, for example because you have hearing difficulties, you should contact the test provider. You may be exempt from the requirement if you have a disability and are applying under the family route. Further information is available on our website.

I intend to study in the UK do I need to pass a SELT?

If you intend to study a course at degree level or above at a Higher Education Institution (HEI), the HEI can use its own methods to assess your English language ability. It is not necessary for you to pass a SELT test. However, the HEI may ask that you do. If you intend to study a course below degree level, you must have taken and passed a SELT test to meet the English language requirements. This applies to all education institutions. There are also exceptions to the English language requirement. Sponsors do not have to confirm English language ability for:

Tier 4 (Child) students;
applicants who have successfully completed a course as a Tier 4 (Child) student which was at least six months in length and ended within the past two years;
applicants from ‘majority English-speaking’ countries; and
applicants who have previously completed an academic qualification equivalent to a UK degree which was taught in a ‘majority English-speaking’ country.

Where can I get further information?

Information on Secure English Language Testing for immigration purposes is on our website.Or speak to one of our Advisors on 0207 237 3388.

Related FAQ's

We specialise in Immigration Law, Human Rights Law, British Nationality Law & European Law. Our lawyers provide honest, exceptional service to our clients. We believe that our service starts when we submit your application and we want our client to know we will keep them informed, answer there questions and your case worker will be just a phone call away.

Our speciality lies in the field of Immigration, Nationality and EU Law, so it means we always are dealing with this side of the law. We are able to support you in making a correct decision, avoid delays on your case, save money and time, not forgetting the stress of any doubts with your application.

There are many routes available to come to the UK, extend or switch, some of them do not allow extension or even switching. Knowing what is right can be a difficult task and this is why we are here. Simple task of not using the prescribed forms can mean your application is invalid, which means if you have no valid stay, you would have to return back and there is no appeal rights.

Our initial consultations are a chargeable service. We initially discuss the requirements of the application to ensure you meet the requirements and have the documentation required at hand for the submission. It gives you an opportunity to meet us and ask questions.

Each case will be checked thoroughly, everything will be cross referenced so guidelines are met and we will also add our legal document which would outline the Immigration Rules and how the client has satisfied the rules. We use documents that are used by Home Office case workers, so we know exactly what they would look for in your case.

The most important fact is that law constantly changes, policy guidelines and requirements are always changing, so it is best that you always use specialised services to support you. We never compromise our services, our fees remain very competitive but our expertise is at the very highest standard.

We are regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). OISC is the government regulated body and it is a criminal offence if someone is providing Immigration advice without being regulated by the OISC. We are also members of Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI). JCWI is an independent national voluntary organisation, campaigning for justice and combating racism in immigration and asylum law and policy.

Your case worker would take some background information regarding yourself. Relevant questions would be asked to ascertain whether your case can be handled by our team. You will also be able to ask questions, understand what is required to meet the Immigration Rules, Nationality Law and EU Law where relevant. Should we be able to provide assistance, your case worker will give you a customer care letter whereby it would outline the service agreement and the cost associated.

After each consultation we aim to provide a consultation report which would outline what was discussed, the action plan and what to do next.

We have a procedure in place for ensuring client confidentiality. We keep the affairs of our clients and all information relating to our clients confidential, except where we are compelled to disclose information by reason of a legal or regulatory obligation.

A customer care letter from us will ensure that we outline the service we would be providing, it would also provide a break down of the costs associated so you can rest assure that there are no hidden charges and that fees do not go up unless changes are made (i.e. Home Office fees etc).

We place our clients first, so when you sign the customer care letter and we go through your case file, and we believe that the case would not be successful, we will terminate the agreement and return your documents. We will also provide alternative solutions with no added costs. We also have a cancellation period should you feel you want to withdraw your file.

Please note that all cases cannot be guaranteed as circumstances depends and whether you met guidelines, however the Home Office caseworker can still refuse cases on the balance of probabilities and other factors. Our job would be to prepare your case in the best possible way.

Yes, we have a special provision with the Home Office and majority case decisions are made on the same day.

As a private legal firm, we want to ensure we can provide the service you want. Our fees are very competitive and that is why we do not provide a No Win No Fee service as we do not feel the need to over charge our clients with such schemes.

With us, you will know exactly what we would be charging. The fees are to be paid through cheque, cash or bank transfer. Home Office fees can be paid to us and we can make the payment on behalf of you. If there is any changes in Home Office fees, we will let you know immediately.

Our commitment to our clients is that we will update you every time we get an update from the Home Office. The waiting period can be a very daunting time as decisions can be life changing however the Home Office do set some guidelines on waiting times, but we intend to keep you updated throughout the process.

No, and this is the same even if you use a no win no fee service, it would be impossible for anyone to guarantee a successful application. The likelihood of an application being successful can be given based on previous cases or success rates, however we do not operate such a policy of selling our services based on previous applications.

We aim to ensure that this service is not used by any of our clients, but there are times where even with the best possible applications are unsuccessful. As we take our clients cases personally, we would like to provide a helping hand. We have designed an aftercare service whereby if your case fails, then your case worker would be able to help you look at other formalities of staying in the UK should you have valid leave still remaining or help you make an out country application. Please note should you require appealing on your matter, we can only deal with the initial appeal and your application will be straight away referred to an advisor who deals with representations.

It is vital that all our clients can provide honest feedback, we would encourage this and this helps us to become better on our service delivery.

No, we are a law firm which provides support in UK Immigration, Nationality and EU Free Movement Rights. However we have a subsidiary company which is jobslibrary.co.uk whereby you can look for work, apply and discuss with potential employers. We cannot influence any decisions and finding work is not something our team deals with.

1) You contact us through e-mail or phone.

2) We take some basic information, we ask some relevant questions to understand the type of query and what type of support is required.

3) Your case then gets passed to a case worker.

4) Case Worker would contact you to set up an initial meeting.

5) You attend a consultation, an action plan is drawn up and we find out whether ICS Legal can support your case. A report would be sent where there is a requirement to outline what was discussed and what to do next.

6) You authorise us to be your legal representative by signing our customer care letter.

7) We will then start to request documents and information about your case this will build up your case pack.

8) We will then write our legal report and use Home Office caseworker’s documents to ensure everything has been checked and all requirement have been met.

9) Where possible we will go through every aspect of your case before case submission.

10) We will continue to update you throughout the case life cycle .