Tier 2 (General)
English language
This page explains what proof of your English language skills you must send to support your application to the skilled worker category (Tier 2 General) of the points-based system to work in the United Kingdom.
On this page
Full details of these requirements are in the immigration rules at paragraph 245ZB - 245ZH of part 6a, which you can find on the right side of this page. You must read the policy guidance before you apply under this category. You can download the guidance and application form from the Applying section.
National of a majority English speaking country
If you are a national of a majority English speaking country, you must send your current original passport or travel document.
If you are inside the United Kingdom, and are unable to send your current original passport or travel document at the time you apply, you must give full reasons under the passport information section of the application form. The only valid exceptional circumstances that alternative specified documents may be sent are where your current passport or travel document has:
- been lost;
- been stolen;
- expired - returned to national authorities; or
- submitted to another part of the UK Border Agency.
The alternative specified documents you must send in the exceptional circumstances above (as detailed in Appendix B of the immigration rules) are:
- your current national identity document; or
- an original letter from your home government or embassy.
This document must be original, on the headed paper of the government or embassy and must have the official stamp of that institution. It must have been issued by an authorised official of that institution and must confirm:
- your full name;
- your date of birth; and
- your nationality.
English language test
If you have passed an English language test you must send your certificate. The original test result certificate must clearly show:
- your name;
- the qualification obtained; and
- the date of the award.
We have a list of approved English language tests (PDF 44K opens in a new window) that have been assessed as meeting our requirements.
Degree taught in English
If you have been awarded a qualification
If you have been awarded a qualification that was taught in English, you must send the original certificate of award.
If you have confirmation of your degree from UK NARIC, you must include the confirmation letter and certificate with your application.
If you cannot find your qualification on the points-based calculator, and are sending a letter from your university, the letter must be original, issued by the awarding institution on the official headed paper of the institution and include:
- your name;
- the title of the award;
- the date of the award; and
- confirmation that the degree was taught in English to the level closest to A1 on the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference.
The original certificate of award must be on the institution's official paper clearly showing:
- your name;
- the title of the award;
- the date of the award; and
- the name of the awarding institution.
We will not accept original provisional certificates. The original certificate of award must always be sent unless you are awaiting graduation or you no longer have the certificate and the institution that issued the certificate is unable to issue a replacement.
If you are awaiting graduation
If you are awaiting graduation, you must provide the original academic transcript.
The original academic transcript must be on the institution's official paper clearly showing:
- your name;
- the name of the academic institution;
- the course title; and
- confirmation of the award.
Terms explained
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Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
A series of descriptions of abilities, accepted worldwide, that sets clear targets for achievement in learning a language.
Policy & Law
Related documents
- Tier 2 - approved English language testsPDF 135KB opens in a new window