Approved by the UK Home Office for migration and settlement visas
Linked to your UKVI application with a SELT URN (Unique reference number)
Results typically within 2 days
Which SELT test do you need?
All tests approved by UK Home Office. Choose the one that matches your visa requirements.
PTE Home
Settlement & family visas
For joining family in the UK, extending your stay, applying for indefinite leave to remain, or British citizenship – plus some limited work visas.
| Skills tested | Speaking & listening |
| Duration | 20-30 minutes |
| CEFR Levels | A1/A2/B1 |
| Results | Usually within 2 days |
PTE Academic UKVI
Work and study visas
For student visas, skilled worker visas, and other routes that require all four English skills to be assessed.
| Skills tested | All four skills |
| Duration | Around 2 hours |
| CEFR Levels | B1/B2/C1 |
| Results | Usually within 2 days |
All SELT tests at a glance
| Test level | Used for | Duration | Skills tested | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTE Home A1 | First-time family visas Sportsperson or Representative of an Overseas Business work visas |
22 minutes | Speaking and listening | Book PTE Home A1 |
| PTE Home A2 | Family visa extensions (after 2.5 years) | 25 minutes | Speaking and listening | Book PTE Home A2 |
| PTE Home B1 | Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain/ILR), British citizenship, permanent residency | 22 minutes | Speaking and listening | Book PTE Home B1 |
| PTE Academic UKVI | Skilled worker visas Studying below degree level (ie, not at a Higher Education Institution) |
2 hours | Speaking, writing, listening and reading | Book PTE Academic UKVI |
Not sure which test your visa requires? Check the visa requirements on GOV.UK
No. They are different tests approved for different visa routes. PTE Home tests speaking and listening only and is typically required for settlement, family and citizenship visas, and some work visas. PTE Academic UKVI tests all four skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) and is typically required for work and study visas.
Each visa route specifies which test is accepted, so always check your visa requirements on GOV.UK before you book.
The UK Home Office lists the approved tests for each visa route on GOV.UK. We strongly recommend that you check the page for your specific visa type to confirm which test you need for your visa.
PTE SELT results are valid for two years from the date of your test. Make sure your results will still be valid on the date you plan to submit your visa application.
Get test ready for your SELT test today
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