UK Home Office Announces New SELT Test Formats for Visa & Citizenship Applicants – Effective April 2025

If you’re planning to move to the United Kingdom, there’s some important news you should know. The UK Home Office has announced a major update to the list of Secure English Language Tests (SELT) that will take effect in April 2025.

This update is designed to simplify the visa and citizenship application process, giving applicants more flexibility and clearer options when proving their English language skills.

📘 What’s Changing with SELT?

Starting January 1, 2025, the current LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test will be replaced with two new versions:

  • LANGUAGECERT Academic SELT

  • LANGUAGECERT General SELT

✅ Already taken the old ESOL SELT test? Don’t worry — your results are still valid for two years from the test date. Any vouchers already purchased can be used within 12 months.

🏢 Approved SELT Providers (2025)

The UK government continues to recognise SELTs from these trusted providers:

  • Pearson

  • Trinity College London

  • IELTS SELT Consortium

  • PSI Services (Skills for English UKVI)

  • LANGUAGECERT

👤 Who Needs a SELT Test?

Proving your English language ability is required for many UK visa and immigration routes. Depending on the visa, you may need a test that assesses either all four skills or just speaking and listening.

4-Skills Test (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) – Required for:

  • Skilled Worker Visa

  • Health and Care Worker Visa

  • Student Visa

  • Start-up / Innovator Founder Visa

  • Scale-up Worker Visa

  • High-Potential Individual Visa

  • Minister of Religion Visa

  • Temporary Work (International Agreement route)

Speaking & Listening Only – Required for:

  • UK Citizenship

  • Settlement (ILR)

  • Partner / Parent Visa

  • International Sportsperson Visa

  • Representative of an Overseas Business

🌍 Where to Take the SELT?

Inside the UK:

  • Pearson

  • Trinity College London

  • IELTS SELT Consortium

  • LANGUAGECERT

Outside the UK:

  • Pearson

  • IELTS SELT Consortium

  • PSI Services

  • LANGUAGECERT

📌 Important:
Make sure your test is:

  • Taken at a Home Office-approved centre

  • On the official UK SELT provider list

  • Completed within 2 years before applying

📝 How to Book Your SELT in 2025

Booking is easy:

  1. Visit your preferred test provider’s website

  2. Choose your test and location

  3. Follow instructions to book your slot

💡 Need help? Visit the official page:
👉 Book a Secure English Language Test (SELT) – GOV.UK

Note: Make sure the name on your booking matches your ID exactly.

🆔 Accepted ID Documents

Document Type Notes
Passport Most commonly accepted
UK BRP/BRC For residents
EEA National ID If applicable
Government-issued photo ID Accepted for tests taken abroad

🚫 Not accepted: Photocopies, emergency documents, or screenshots

✅ After the Test: What’s Next?

Once you pass your SELT, you’ll receive a unique reference number. This is crucial for your visa or citizenship application — the Home Office uses it to confirm your test result.

Provider Reference Format
Trinity College London UER
IELTS SELT Consortium UKVI Number
LANGUAGECERT Candidate URN
Pearson SELT URN
PSI (Skills for English) URN

📬 No need to send any certificates. The results are verified digitally.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Easier, Flexible English Test Options

With the introduction of new SELT formats and more test providers, applying for a UK visa or citizenship in 2025 just got easier. Whether you’re a student, skilled worker, or future citizen, you now have more options and time to prepare.

Quick Tips:

  • Book your test early

  • Use the correct ID

  • Choose the right test for your visa type