The rules, answered · checked 7 November 2026
Who doesn’t need an English test for a spouse visa?
Quick answer
Nationals of 17 countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Jamaica, and the British Overseas Territories; anyone with a degree taught in English (a UK degree, or one from abroad confirmed by Ecctis); and people aged 65 or over.
What the rules say
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.
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.
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.