Applying to Work in the UK
Are you hoping to work in the UK? Have you been offered a job role and seek permission to work here? Our immigration lawyers are experts in the operation of UK and European legislation that affects foreign workers.
Approved English Language Tests
Most immigration categories now require an applicant to prove they can speak and understand English to a minimum level.
What are the requirements?
For family applications, this requirement starts at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), moving to A2 CEFR for an extension application and, finally, B1 CEFR for settlement.
For most work related and study routes, B1 CEFR is the minimum English language ability needed to enter into that route, but there are exceptions: for sole representatives of an overseas business it’s A1, for ministers of religion it’s B2.
How else can I prove my knowledge of English?
Where someone cannot meet the English language requirement through being a citizen of a majority English speaking country or by having a relevant degree taught in English, they are required to sit an English language test approved by UKVI (also known as a Secure English Language Test – SELT).
Currently, in the UK the following providers are approved:
- Trinity College London
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- LanguageCert
- Pearson
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Outside the UK, the following are approved:
- IEL
- TS SELT Consortium
- LanguageCert
- Pearson
When booking an English language test for immigration purposes, it is always important to check that the centre you are sitting the test at is approved. For example, some IELTS tests can be sat at centres and colleges which do not offer SELT tests; thus, they are not approved by UKVI. You can check whether a centre is on UKVI’s approved list here.
Which test do I need to book?
Even when you are confident that the centre you will be sitting the test at is approved, you also need to ensure you have booked to take a SELT. This causes unnecessary confusion for applicants. Each provider has a list of tests which they are approved to offer, and availability can differ between test centres run by the same provider. For example, IELTS General and Academic tests can be booked as both SELTs and non-secured tests. Even though the tests are probably identical in content, only the SELT will produce a Unique Reference Number (URN), which will need to be included as part of the visa application process. If your test doesn’t include this number, it is unlikely to be a SELT test; thus, will not be accepted by UKVI in the visa application. This will normally lead to refusal of an application.
Another important point to remember is that most of the approved tests are only valid for two years. It may be that a new test will be needed at a later stage of the application process, although there are some exceptions to this. Again, the position is confusing, and it’s important to get it right.
If you would like to find out more about how the English language requirement may apply to you, arrange an appointment with one of our solicitors now. You can contact our offices by calling 0161 234 6800 (Manchester and London) or 0151 305 9600 (Liverpool).
Why choose Latitude Law?
Our aim is to help professionals to navigate the complex UK immigration system and exceptional talent rules. Our lawyers are experts in immigration rules, Home Office policy and the case law which guides the courts and tribunals. Our passion for immigration law, legal expertise and advocacy skills have allowed us to help countless clients reach their end-goal of living and working in the UK.
Applying for a Entrepreneur Extension & Settlement Visas
If you need help securing a visa through the entrepreneur route, the immigration solicitors at Latitude Law are here to help. We can help you through the application process and provide legal advice and guidance on complex matters, such as appeals.
Sponsor Licensing
Whether you represent a business employing migrant workers, or an educational institution looking for help with a sponsor licence, the lawyers at Latitude Law will be happy to guide you through the requirements of the PBS sponsorship schemes.
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What our clients say…
UK Entry Clearance Granted
I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to Joel Reiss for his amazing service in relation to my visa application.
Reiss was outstanding as a consultant and adviser and my family and I highly value the efforts he took; we are deeply appriciative of his work and knowledge in the legal matters, processes and proceedings. He prepared our application including a covering letter from scratch, which he refined through discussion before making it an impeccable one to refuse. There were a few complicated elements surrounding our application and we believe had it not been for Mr.Reiss and his flawless services together with the expertise of Latitude Law, we would not have recieved our visa.
He was quick in clarifying our queries and made it a point to reply as soon as possible. Even when we had to be away from work, Reiss made sure our application was not interrupted and it could be filed on time. The constant communication and the replies continued even after the application was submitted and the services were paid for all the way till we recieved the decision. We have even been informed of the travel guidelines and quarantine regulations, and I honestly believe the fee we paid did not include these supplementary services.
I would also like to extend my upmost appreciation to Gary McIndoe, the Director, Latitude Law and everybody else at the firm including Jessica Lee for their service and cooperation.
I would not think twice in recommending Joel Reiss and Latitude Law for visa application and allied services.
Mr Vineesh
Success for the Bouameur Family
I am writing this on behalf of the whole family, we would like to say thank you. These two words are such small words for the gratitude and high regard we all hold you in.
Your firm and especially you have been with us throughout the difficult years we have had and you have always been there when we needed picking up, our shoulder to cry on that saw us through with honesty and realistic advice.
I cannot recommend your firm and you enough to people who find themselves at the mercy of a system that at best can be described as confusing.
You have given us back our lives and for that you will always be a cherished member of our family and never forgotten
Many many thanks to you and your team for everything
The Bouameur Family
Naturalisation success for a medical doctor
I shall have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Latitude Law, which is clearly an extremely proficient unit, exemplified by helping clients with patience, attention to detail and sensitivity in equal measure.
Particular mention is merited to Ms Gemma Wylie, whose professionalism is par excellence. I couldn’t thank her enough.
Dr LG
All content on this page was reviewed by Latitude Law and is accurate as of 08/09/2021