Search

How can we help?

Icon

English Language Requirements for Spouse Visa

The UK spouse visa requirements are governed by Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. There are numerous requirements, however this blog will only focus on the English language requirement.

The Home Office requires an applicant to possess a good knowledge of English language. An applicant can meet the English language requirement by one of the following:

1. The applicant is a national of a majority English speaking country, namely:

Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; the Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Canada; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; New Zealand; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago; or the United States of America.

2. The applicant has passed an English language test in speaking and listening at a specified minimum level (see below) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages with a provider approved by the Home Office. The level of proficiency will depend on the stage of the spouse visa:

  • Entry clearance – minimum of level A1
  • Leave to remain – minimum of level A2
  • Settlement – minimum of level B1

3. The applicant has an academic qualification which is either a Bachelor’s, Master’s degree or PhD awarded by an educational establishment in the UK.

However, if the applicant gained their qualifications from outside of the UK, the institution must be deemed by a UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) to meet or exceed the recognised standard of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or PhD in the UK. Importantly, it is required that UK NARIC has confirmed that the degree was taught or researched in English to level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or above.

4. The applicant is exempt from the English language requirement if at the date of the application any of the following applies:

  • the applicant is aged 65 or over;
  • the applicant has a disability (physical or mental condition) which prevents the applicant from meeting the requirement; or
  • there are exceptional circumstances which prevent the applicant from being able to meet the requirement prior to entry to the UK.
Pierre Dutton

Associate

View profile

+44 118 960 4656

The Home Office requires an applicant to possess a good knowledge of English language

About this article

Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.

Pierre Dutton

Associate

View profile

+44 118 960 4656

About this article

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

art
  • 01 June 2023
  • Employment

Facts employees should know about their personal data

We previously published an article on facts an employer should know about holding personal data, so it is only fair that we also write about the other side of the coin – facts employees should know as individuals whose personal data is held by their employer.

art
  • 01 June 2023
  • Immigration

What is the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) and how much do you have to pay?

The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) is a levy on companies who sponsor migrant workers. This levy was imposed on 6 April 2017. The Government states that the charge has been levied to contribute towards addressing the skills gap in the local economy.

art
  • 26 May 2023
  • Employment

Avoiding discrimination in flexible working requests

The right to request flexible working is currently available to employees with at least 26 weeks’ service and is set to be extended further under new Government reforms.

art
  • 25 May 2023
  • Corporate and M&A

Management Buyout – Top 5 things to consider

A management buyout is a financial transaction in which a member of the management team purchases the company from its registered owner. MBO’s usually occur in private companies in an effort to enhance profitability and simplify strategies.

art
  • 25 May 2023
  • Employment

Carer’s Leave Bill set to become law

On 19 May 2023, the Carer’s Leave Bill had its third reading in the House of Lords, and upon receiving Royal Assent, will become law. There is not yet a date for the implementation of this bill, however it is likely that this will happen relatively quickly upon receiving Royal Assent, so is definitely one to keep an eye on.

art
  • 18 May 2023
  • Immigration

Navigating SOC Codes

When it comes to UK immigration, understanding the intricacies of the system is vital. One significant aspect of the process revolves around Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes. SOC codes play a crucial role in determining the eligibility for an individual to apply for a work visa, assessing skill levels, and matching individuals to appropriate job roles.