The rules, answered · checked 7 November 2026
Which English test do you need for a UK spouse visa?
Quick answer
A1 speaking and listening for the first visa, A2 for the extension and B1 for settlement (B2 from 26 March 2027), from an approved test taken within the last two years, unless an exemption applies.
What the rules say
The English requirement
The applying partner needs English at A1 (speaking and listening) for the first visa, A2 for the extension and B1 for settlement, from a test taken with an approved provider within the last two years. From 26 March 2027 the settlement level rises to B2. A degree taught in English also meets it: a UK degree certificate, or a degree from abroad with confirmation from Ecctis.
From GOV.UK, checked 7 November 2026.
Who doesn’t need an English test
Nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British Overseas Territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA meet the requirement by nationality. People aged 65 or over, and those with a physical or mental condition that prevents them meeting it, can be exempt.
From GOV.UK, checked 7 November 2026.
On your tracker
Answer seven questions and the tracker lists these, where they apply to you, with the dates each must fall between and every requirement to tick:
- An A1 English speaking and listening test pass
Information, not immigration advice. Whether your documents meet a rule is a judgement only a regulated adviser can make: have your bundle checked.