Tests for UK Visas, British Citizenship, Leave to Remain

Secure English Language Tests

Trinity provides Home Office approved Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) across the UK. These tests are approved for applications to UKVI for visas, British Citizenship and Leave to Remain:

  • Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) - A1, A2 and B1 tests
  • Integrated Skills in English (ISE) - B1, B2 and C1 tests

There are ten Trinity SELT centres in the UK, providing exam sessions throughout the week. You can prepare for a Trinity SELT at one of these course providers.

Which test do I need?

Trinity GESE and ISE tests are available for the following UK visa categories. Click on the links shown below for further information, guidance and preparation materials.

  • Note: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires non-EEA nationals to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in speaking and listening at level A2 after 2.5 years in the UK, in order to qualify for further leave to remain on the five-year partner or parent route to settlement.
  • Download the Trinity SELT tests for UKVI brochure.

Special needs requests
Application type
CEFR level required
Skills required
Trinity exam

Further Leave to Remain:

  • Family life as a partner of a settled person (Spouse/Partner)
  • Family life as a parent (Parent of a dependant)

This is the current A1 English language requirement.

A1

Speaking and listening

GESE Grade 2

Representative of an Overseas Business visa

A1

Speaking and listening

GESE Grade 2

Further Leave to Remain (visa extension):

  • Family life as a partner of a settled person (Spouse/Partner)
  • Family life as a parent (Parent of a dependant)

An A2 English language SELT is required for family route Leave to Remain applications after 2.5 years in the UK.

A2

Speaking and listening

GESE Grade 3

Indefinite Leave to Remain — ILR

(Settlement/Permanent Residency)

B1

Speaking and listening

GESE Grade 5

British Citizenship (Naturalisation)

B1

Speaking and listening

GESE Grade 5

Tier 2 (General) visa

B1

Reading, writing, speaking and listening

ISE I

Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa

B2

Reading, writing, speaking and listening

ISE II

Innovator visa

B2

Reading, writing, speaking and listening

ISE II

Start-up visa

B2

Reading, writing, speaking and listening

ISE II

Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa

A1

Speaking and listening

GESE Grade 2

Tier 4 (General) Student visa — below degree level

Although UKVI requires a B1 test, some institutions require B2 — please check with your sponsor

B1

Reading, writing, speaking and listening

ISE I

B2

Reading, writing, speaking and listening

ISE II

Tier 4 (General) Student visa — degree level and above

Although UKVI requires a B2 test, some institutions require C1 — please check with your sponsor

B2

Reading, writing, speaking and listening

ISE II

C1

Reading, writing, speaking and listening

ISE III

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