English language requirement for UK visa applications from South Africa

English language requirement for UK visa applications from South Africa. Image credit: AdobeStock

English language requirement for UK visa applications from South Africa

(Partner Content) We are glad to inform clients that some of the English test centres in South Africa are re-opening again, and it is possible to book and sit these approved SELT tests.

English language requirement for UK visa applications from South Africa

English language requirement for UK visa applications from South Africa. Image credit: AdobeStock

South Africans who apply for certain types of UK visas have to fulfil an English Language Requirement. The requirement can be fulfilled in more than one way, but most common is to write an approved English Language test. If you pass a Home Office approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a SELT provider, this will fulfil the English Language requirement. 

We are glad to inform clients that some of the English test centres in South Africa are re-opening again, and it is possible to book and sit these approved SELT tests.

Approved SELT tests and providers 

The Home Office provides a list of approved English Language test centres.  It is important that an applicant takes an approved English test at the required level for the applicable immigration route. We highly recommend that visa applicants check with their Breytenbachs consultant that they book an English test at the correct level and with an approved test centre. The Home Office does not accept English language tests from providers who are not on their approved SELT list. 

UK Immigration Routes requiring a SELT test 

Applicants have to fulfil an English Language requirement for the following immigration routes:  

  • Innovator, 
  • Start-up, 
  • Tier 2 (General), 
  • Tier 2 (Minister of Religion), 
  • Tier 2 (Sportsperson), 
  • ier 4 (General), 
  • Representative of an overseas business, 
  • Partner, 
  • Parent, 
  • Settlement and British Citizenship. 

Please note that different levels of the SELT test are required for the different immigration routes. 

Other ways to fulfil the English Language Requirement 

If a person is a national from a majority English speaking country, they will not be required to undertake the separate English test.  Unfortunately, for our South African clients, South Africa is not considered to be a majority English speaking country by the Home Office. South African applicants, even those whose mother tongue is English, have to fulfil the English language requirement.  

Applicants who obtained a degree from a UK educational institution will automatically fulfil the English Language requirement. If they obtained their degree from another country, and it was taught in English, they will have to provide some evidence. If the applicant can through a NARIC process, prove that the degree is equivalent or at a higher standard than a UK bachelor’s degree, and provide evidence that the degree was taught in English, the applicant will fulfil the English Language requirement. 

Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Ltd has their head office in London and three affiliate offices in South Africa. Please feel free to contact us for assistance with your UK immigration matter. For more information, or to apply for a UK visa, please send an email to info@bic-immigration.com You can also visit our website at www.bic-immigration.com 

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.