United Kingdom visas

PTE is accepted by the United Kingdom Home Office for all visa and immigration applications.

Minimum PTE score requirements for UK visas

Type Visa Minimum CEFR level PTE score equivalent Skills assessed PTE test type
Work Start-up visa B2 59 or higher in each of the four sections of the test Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening PTE Academic UKVI
Work Innovator visa B2 59 or higher in each of the four sections of the test Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening PTE Academic UKVI
Work Representative of an Overseas Business A1 Pass Speaking and Listening PTE Home A1*
Work Skilled Worker visa (initial applications and most switches) B2 43 or higher in each of the four sections of the test Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening PTE Academic UKVI
Work Skilled Worker visa (extensions and updates) B2, except where applicant’s previous permission as a Skilled Worker was subject to a B1 requirement (pre Jan 2026) Not required if already proven Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening Not required if already proven
Work Tier 2 Sportsperson visa A1 Pass Speaking and Listening PTE Home A1*
Work Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa B2 59 or higher in each of the four sections of the test Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening PTE Academic UKVI
Study Student visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa) below degree level e.g. pre-sessional courses B1 43 or higher in each of the four sections of the test Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening PTE Academic UKVI
Study Student visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa) – degree level and above B2 59 or higher in each of the four sections of the test Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening PTE Academic; PTE Academic UKVI** (dependent on institution visa approval status)
Family Family Route; Spouse/partner; Fiance, fiancee or proposed civil partner; Parent of a dependent A1 Pass Speaking and Listening PTE Home A1*
Family Family route (extension); Spouse/partner; Parent of a dependent A2 Pass Speaking and Listening PTE Home A2*
Settlement Settlement (indefinite leave to remain);Citizenship B1 Pass Speaking and Listening PTE Home B1*

The guidance on our site is for information only. Please check the GOV.UK website for the most up-to-date information.

*You can use a higher-level test. For example, PTE Home B1 could be used for a spouse/partner visa application. You can also take the PTE Academic UKVI for a family visa provided that you score the minimum CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) level of A2 or above (ie, a PTE score of 30).

**There is no difference in test content between PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI. Book PTE Academic UKVI if you require a SELT Unique Reference Number (URN) for inclusion on your visa application.