# English test scores for UK visas (2026): IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI > UK visas need a Secure English Language Test such as IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI. The minimum scores for B1 and B2, the Skilled Worker change to B2, and where to test in Nepal. - **Author**: Testmigo - **Published**: 2026-09-19 - **Category**: Visa & scores - **URL**: https://testmigo.com/blog/uk-visa-english-requirements --- ## The short answer Most UK visas need a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider, taken at an approved centre. Regular IELTS Academic and PTE Academic don't count; you need IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI (or another approved SELT). The Skilled Worker visa now needs level B2: at least 5.5 in each IELTS for UKVI skill, or 59 in each PTE Academic UKVI skill. ## Minimum scores by level | CEFR level | IELTS for UKVI (each skill) | PTE Academic UKVI (each skill) | | --- | --- | --- | | B1 | 4.0 | 43 | | B2 | 5.5 | 59 | | C1 | 7.0 | 76 | | C2 | 8.5 | 85 | *From the UK government's list of approved SELTs taken outside the UK, checked 19 September 2026. Every skill must meet the minimum, not just the overall score.* ## Which level your visa needs | Visa | English level | | --- | --- | | Skilled Worker | B2. If you got this visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending or updating it, B1 is enough. | | Student, degree level | B2. Your university may assess your English itself, but it must still be equivalent to B2. | | Student, below degree level | B1 | *From gov.uk visa guidance, checked 19 September 2026.* Some applicants don't need a test at all, for example nationals of majority English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA, or people with a degree taught in English. Check the exemptions on your visa's gov.uk page before booking. ## Where to take a UK visa test in Nepal SELT results only count if you sit the test at an approved centre. In Nepal, the UK government's approved-centre list (27 August 2026) includes IELTS for UKVI centres in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Chitwan and Itahari, PTE Academic UKVI centres in Kathmandu, LanguageCert centres in Kathmandu, and PSI centres in Kathmandu and Pokhara. SELT results are valid for 2 years from the date they're awarded. Book the UKVI version specifically. A standard IELTS or PTE Academic result, even with high scores, won't be accepted for a UK visa. Practise the format first with a [free IELTS mock](/ielts) or [PTE mock](/pte); the UKVI versions test the same skills. ## Common questions ### What IELTS score do I need for a UK Skilled Worker visa? Level B2: at least 5.5 in each skill in IELTS for UKVI. People extending a Skilled Worker visa granted before 8 January 2026 only need B1 (4.0 in each skill). ### Can I use regular IELTS Academic for a UK visa? No. UK visas that need a SELT require IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI or another approved SELT, taken at an approved centre. ### What PTE score is B2 for UK visas? At least 59 in each skill in PTE Academic UKVI. ### How long are UK SELT results valid? 2 years from the date the test is awarded. **Sources** - [GOV.UK: Prove your English with a SELT, last updated 28 August 2026 (checked 19 September 2026)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt) - [GOV.UK: approved SELTs taken outside the UK (ODS)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68da41cd750fcf90fa6ffb33/List_of_approved_Secure_English_Language_Tests_taken_outside_the_UK+_1_.ods) - [GOV.UK: approved test centres outside the UK from August 2026 (ODS)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a9158a7f5b35599aec18f05/List_of_approved_test_centres_outside_the_UK_from_August_2026_27.08.2026.ods) - [GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa, knowledge of English](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/knowledge-of-english) - [GOV.UK: Student visa, knowledge of English](https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english) ## Related guides - [IELTS to PTE score conversion (2026): Pearson's official concordance](https://testmigo.com/blog/ielts-to-pte-score-conversion) - [PTE Core vs PTE Academic: which should you take?](https://testmigo.com/blog/pte-core-vs-pte-academic) - [Paper-based IELTS is ending (2026): what changes, including in Nepal](https://testmigo.com/blog/ielts-paper-test-ending) [Practise with a free IELTS mock](https://testmigo.com/ielts) --- - [More Visa & scores articles](https://testmigo.com/blog/category/visa-scores) - [All articles](https://testmigo.com/blog)