What Is the New English A Level Requirement?
In its 2025 immigration update, the UK government confirmed that certain visa applicants must meet an A Level-equivalent English standard, a level mapped to CEFR B2–C1. This requirement ensures applicants can communicate effectively in everyday, academic, and professional situations.
Application
Applies to specific immigration routes
Requirement
Requires A level–equivalent English ability
Skills Tested
Tests speaking, listening, reading, and writing
Approved Test
Must be fulfilled through a Secure English Language Test (SELT) exam with an approved provider
Note: Alison is not a SELT test provider. We provide free preparation only.
Who Needs The English A Level Standard Test?
This requirement only affects certain categories of migrants. Check your group below
Settlement & long-stay applicants (ILR)
Long-term migrants, including those applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), may need to show higher English proficiency.
Skilled workers & professionals
People applying for long-term UK work visas must show A level English proficiency across all four skills.
International graduates transitioning to work
International students completing degrees in the UK may need to meet the updated English criteria when switching to post-study or skilled routes.
Family route applicants
Spouses and partners joining or staying with UK residents may be required to meet the new English level depending on their specific visa path.
Note: this is not required for tourists and visitors, minors, short-term entrants, or most humanitarian pathways.
Step-By-Step: How To Prepare For The UK Requirement 
STEP 1
Take the free English level test
Find out your current CEFR level.
STEP 2
Identify your learning pathway
Start at A1, A2, B1, B2, or C1 depending on your results.
STEP 3
Begin your English A level course path
Study through grammar, vocabulary, conversation, and comprehension modules.
STEP 4
Work towards B2 or C1
Focus on advanced listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills.
STEP 5
Book a SELT exam with an approved provider
Only official providers can issue recognised results.
STEP 6
Submit your SELT result with your UK visa application
You’ll need the official score when applying for qualifying routes.
Prepare For Immigration English Requirements A1 to C1 With Alison
Course levels are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an international standard for measuring language ability.
Course Level
Alison’s English courses support learners at every stage of the immigration journey, helping you meet official English language requirements from A1 through C1. Whether you are applying for a visa, settlement, or work-related route, these self-paced courses build the practical language skills needed for real-life communication, assessments, and compliance with immigration standards. Alison’s English courses support learners at every stage of the immigration journey, helping you meet official English language requirements from A1 through … Read More
1
Diploma in English - A1 Level
10-15 hrs
183,598 enrolled
Learning the English language has never been easier. This A1-level diploma course will help you gain the confidence to talk about many topics at a basic level. We have designed each module to guide you through ... Read More
Cambridge
N/A
TOEFL
0-29
IELTS
2.5
TOEIC
120-220
2
Diploma in English - A2 Level
15-20 hrs
53,459 enrolled
Talking with people and answering questions in English can be challenging yet rewarding. This diploma course in A2 level English will help you enjoy the learning process by exposing you to vocabulary words abou ... Read More
Cambridge
KET
TOEFL
30-41
IELTS
3.5
TOEIC
225-545
3
Diploma in English - B1 Level
15-20 hrs
57,195 enrolled
This diploma course in B1 English is designed to help you expand your vocabulary and solidify your understanding of grammar. It focuses on building your vocabulary through reading and listening exercises, as we ... Read More
Cambridge
PET
TOEFL
42-71
IELTS
5
TOEIC
550-780
4
Diploma in English - B2 Level
15-20 hrs
70,964 enrolled
Delve further into the intricacies of English with this in-depth diploma course in B2-level English. Immerse yourself in learning new vocabulary and apply it to reading, listening, and writing activities while ... Read More
Cambridge
FCE
TOEFL
72-94
IELTS
6
TOEIC
786-940
5
Diploma in English - C1 Level
15-20 hrs
185,047 enrolled
Acquire the knowledge of a native English speaker by taking this C1-level diploma course in the world’s most popular language. Ensure you are up-to-date with the latest vocabulary and grammar skills needed for ... Read More
Cambridge
CAE
TOEFL
95-113
IELTS
7.5
TOEIC
945-990
Take The Free English Test
Alison will recommend the best courses for you to improve your English skills.
Take The Test
How Long Does It Take To Reach C1?
Learning speed depends on your starting level and study routine. It is also beneficial if you are studying full-time. The below estimate is for learners doing their courses full-time:
Beginner
Starting from A1/A2
DURATION:
12-24 months
Intermediate
Starting from B1
DURATION:
8-12 months
Upper-Intermediate
Starting from B2
DURATION:
6-8 months
Why Learn With Alison?
Why Learn With Alison?
Free preparation from A1 to C1
No fees, no deadlines - learn whenever you choose
CEFR-aligned English A Level course pathways
Structured programs designed for real-world use and exam readiness.
Skill-based learning for SELT success
Courses cover the four test areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Trusted worldwide
Millions use Alison to advance their language and career skills
Master Specific Language Skills
For learners with a strong English foundation, Alison’s English certificate courses are bite-sized versions of the topics presented in the English Vertical diplomas. Use these courses to enhance your existing knowledge and review specific A Level grammar points.
Beginner
Elementary
Intermediate
Upper-Intermediate
Advanced
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain when the /y/ sound is used as a consonant or a vowel
- Compare the present simple to the present continuous form
- Identify seasonal clothing
- State when to use present participles
- Recall how to ask questions regarding the weather
- Explain the months and how they relate to the weather
- Classify countries and how their seasonal months might differ
176 liked this course
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how to link words correctly
- Discuss the basic elements of pronunciation
- Describe positive, negative, formal and informal uses of modals
- Compare gerunds to the present continuous tense
- Identify gerunds and how to use them
- Recognize the vocabulary needed to describe activities and actions
- Define 'modal verbs' and explain how to use them in a sentence
- Recall 'adverbs of manner' relating to actions
141 liked this course
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain contractions and the use of the apostrophe
- Compare the present future to the present continuous
- Identify how to use the possessives with nouns to refer to people or things
- Describe using the simple present with a future time expression
- Recall the use of the present continuous with a future time expression to talk about future plans
- Relate when to use the expression 'would like to' to express hopes and dreams about the future
- Distinguish when to use ‘in/on/at’ to talk about scheduled events using the present simple tense
- Outline travel vocabulary and use travel words in a conversation
196 liked this course
