UK Govt Introduces New English Language Test Rules for Nigerians Applying for Work, Study Visas

UK Govt Introduces New English Language Test Rules for Nigerians Applying for Work, Study Visas

  • UK now has new English language proficiency test requirements for Nigerians, others looking to relocate into the country
  • The test is important for immigrants to demonstrate English proficiency to ensure effective integration into UK society and workforce
  • Nigerians and other international students must pass the English test as a prerequisite for immigration

Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of experience covering Tech, Energy, Stocks, Investments, and Economy.

The United Kingdom has introduced two types of English language exams mandatory for Nigerians and foreigners applying to enter the country.

In an updated announcement published on the UK government’s website on Monday, February 5, 2024, the requirements include reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

UK announces new rules for immigration
UK announces new rules Photo credit: Justin Tallis
Source: Facebook

The new test is for health and care workers, high-potential individuals, innovator founders, ministers of religion, scale-up workers, skilled workers, start-ups, and students.

Read also

Malta invites Nigerians, others with special work permit, offers employee initiative

The statements from the UK government website reads:

“There are 2 types of test as different immigration routes require different levels of English language ability.
“The test you will need to take depends on what you are applying for"

For the following application routes, you will need to take a test that assesses your reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities:

  • Health and Care Workers
  • High Potential Individual
  • Innovator Founder
  • Minister of Religion
  • Scale-up Worker
  • Skilled Worker
  • Start-up
  • Student

More details on UK new tests

It added that only speaking and listening abilities are prerequisites for citizenship, international sportsperson, parent, partner, Representative of an Overseas Business, and settlement.

The statement reads:

“For the following application routes, you will need to take a test that assesses your speaking and listening abilities: citizenship, International Sportsperson, parent, partner, Representative of an Overseas Business, and settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain).

Read also

Corruption or Insecurity: Senator Shehu Sani, Rahaman Abiola, Others Discuss FG’s Priority in 2024

“The level of test you will need, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, will depend on the route you are applying for. To find out which level you need, see the specific guidance for your immigration route.”

Approved test providers

Speaking about approved test providers, the UK government said:

“If you are in the UK, you can only take a SELT with one of the following providers: LanguageCert, Pearson, Trinity College London, and IELTS SELT Consortium.
“If you are outside of the UK, you can only take a SELT with one of the following providers: LanguageCert, Pearson, PSI Services (UK) Ltd – Skills for English (UKVI), and IELTS SELT Consortium.”

For results to be accepted, your test must:

  • be on the list of approved English language tests
  • have been sat at an approved test location
  • have been awarded in the two years before the date of your application

Read also

Thousands strike in Finland over labour reform

UK implements new visa application fees for Nigerians

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigerians looking to travel to the United Kingdom will pay new visa fees.

The UK home office announced that a visit visa to the United Kingdom for less than six months will now cost £115 (about N106,922) using the official exchange rate of N929.76/£.

The new fee represents a 15% increment compared to the price of £100(N92,970).

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dave Ibemere avatar

Dave Ibemere (Senior Business Editor) Dave Ibemere is a senior business editor at Legit.ng. He is a financial journalist with over a decade of experience in print and online media. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. He is a member of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigation (AAOSI), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other media think tank groups. He previously worked with The Guardian, BusinessDay, and headed the business desk at Ripples Nigeria. Email: dave.ibemere@corp.legit.ng.