Guides
The UK English test for settlement, explained page by page
60 guides, each checked against GOV.UK, the Immigration Rules and Trinity College London. Start with the section that matches your application.
ILR English test
ILR English test: B1 now, B2 from 26 March 2027, who is exempt and which test counts
B1 or B2, who is exempt, what changes on 26 March 2027, route by route.
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B1 or B2 for ILR? Check Your Level by Route and Date
Answer four questions and see whether your settlement or citizenship application needs B1, B2 or no English test, based on HC 1691 and GOV.UK rules.
4 min read
B2 English for ILR from 26 March 2027: HC 1691 Explained
HC 1691 raises the English level for settlement from B1 to B2 for applications from 26 March 2027. Routes affected, what stays the same, timeline.
8 min read
ILR English Test Exemptions: Age, Degree, Nationality
Exemptions from the English test for UK settlement and citizenship: under 18 or 65+, English-speaking countries, degrees in English, medical grounds.
6 min read
Spouse Visa English Test for ILR: B2 from 26 March 2027
The partner route English ladder: A1 at entry, A2 at extension, B1 at settlement until 25 March 2027, then B2 speaking and listening. Dates, preparation.
7 min read
B2 English Test for Citizenship? No, It Stays at B1: HC 1691
Naturalisation still needs B1 speaking and listening after 26 March 2027. Who reuses their settlement certificate, who sits a B1 test, Life in the UK.
5 min read
Skilled Worker ILR English Requirement: B2 from 2027
From 26 March 2027 settlement on Skilled Worker and other work routes needs B2 speaking and listening. Who is exempt (degree, previous B2, nurses).
5 min read
A2 English Test for Spouse Visa Extension: Tests, Price
The partner visa extension needs A2 speaking and listening unless you passed A2 or higher before. The four approved tests, prices, format, exemptions, and B1 instead.
6 min read
A1 English Test for Spouse Visa: Approved Tests, Format
A first partner or parent visa needs A1 speaking and listening unless exempt. The approved tests in the UK and abroad, prices, what the examiner asks, exemptions.
6 min read
GESE Grade 7
Trinity GESE Grade 7: the B2 speaking test for UK settlement, phase by phase
The Trinity B2 speaking test: three phases, six conversation subjects, the language the examiner listens for.
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GESE Grade 7 Topic Phase: Choose a Topic, Lead 5 Minutes
The Topic phase of Trinity GESE Grade 7: choosing a topic, the Topic Form, what the examiner listens for, a five-minute plan and the recitation trap.
6 min read
GESE Grade 7 Interactive Phase: Prompts and How to Lead It
The Interactive phase of GESE Grade 7: real example prompts, what to ask, the shape of a good four minutes, how candidates fail it, useful phrases.
6 min read
B2 English Test Conversation: 6 Subjects, Sample Answers
The Conversation phase of GESE Grade 7: six subject areas, the language each invites, a B1 answer against a B2 answer, repairing a misunderstanding.
5 min read
GESE Grade 7 Conversation: Education (Questions, Answers)
GESE Grade 7 subject "Education": the questions examiners ask, Grade 7 grammar with examples, a model exchange and free practice with an AI examiner.
6 min read
GESE Grade 7 Conversation: National Customs (Questions)
GESE Grade 7 subject "National customs": typical examiner questions, passive and second conditional in use, a model exchange and free AI practice.
6 min read
GESE Grade 7 Conversation: Village and City Life
GESE Grade 7 subject "Village and city life": examiner questions, advantages and disadvantages, second conditional, a model exchange, free practice.
6 min read
GESE Grade 7 Conversation: Produce and Products
GESE Grade 7 subject "National and local produce": what the word means, examiner questions, the passive in use, a model exchange, free practice.
6 min read
GESE Grade 7 Conversation: Early Memories (Questions)
GESE Grade 7 subject "Early memories": examiner questions, used to and would for past habits, expressing uncertainty, a model exchange, free practice.
6 min read
GESE Grade 7 Conversation: Pollution and Recycling
GESE Grade 7 subject "Pollution and recycling": examiner questions, advice modals and the passive in use, a model exchange and free AI practice.
6 min read
B2 English Test Topic Form Examples: 10 That Work (GESE 7)
Ten completed Topic Form examples for Trinity GESE Grade 7, written for settlement candidates, with the grammar each point invites, plus three to avoid.
7 min read
B2 English Test Grammar: The GESE Grade 7 Language List
Trinity’s language list for GESE Grade 7 (B2): second conditional, passive, used to, relative clauses, advice and possibility modals, with examples.
7 min read
B2 English Test Sample: Full GESE Grade 7 Transcript
A complete GESE Grade 7 mock transcript, all three phases, annotated with what the examiner is testing and which Grade 7 items the candidate produces.
10 min read
B2 English
What B2 English means when you speak: the CEFR definition, a B1 answer against a B2 answer, and the examiner’s checklist
What B2 means when you speak, how long it takes from B1, what the tests cost.
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B1 to B2 English: How Long It Takes, Month-by-Month Plan
B1 to B2 speaking takes 6 to 12 months for most adults in the UK. What moves the level, a 12-month plan, a 6-month plan, signs you are ready.
6 min read
B2 English Test Cost UK 2026: Trinity, IELTS UKVI, PTE
B2 SELT prices in the UK, October 2026: Trinity GESE £160, ISE II £200, IELTS for UKVI about £200 to £240, other settlement costs, paying once.
4 min read
Failed the B2 English Test for ILR? Your Options
A failed B2 SELT is not a refusal. Retake with no limit, reuse an earlier B2 or a degree, extend at A2, apply at B1 before 26 March 2027. The 75-hour myth.
7 min read
B2 English Test for ILR: What You Can Book Today (Live)
No B2 speaking-and-listening SELT is on sale yet; Trinity Grade 7 is register-interest only. The four-skills B2 tests you can book now, the right move by date.
5 min read
B2 English Test Practice: Free Speaking Mock, 4-Week Plan
Free B2 English test practice for settlement: an AI examiner asks Trinity Grade 7 questions, grades you A to D and lists the B2 grammar you used. Four-week plan, C, B and A answers.
7 min read
B1 English test
B1 English test for citizenship and settlement: Trinity GESE Grade 5, who still needs B1, how to prepare
GESE Grade 5 for citizenship and the routes that stay at B1.
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B1 English Test Topics: All 6 Subjects, Questions (GESE 5)
The six Trinity GESE Grade 5 conversation subjects with examiner questions, the Grade 5 grammar each invites, a model B1 answer and free AI practice.
5 min read
B1 English Test for Citizenship: Who Needs It, Which Test
Citizenship needs B1 speaking and listening, unchanged by the 2027 B2 rule. Who is exempt, when an old pass is reused, the four approved tests, how to prepare.
5 min read
B1 English Test Practice: Free Speaking Mock, 2-Week Plan
Free B1 English test practice for GESE Grade 5: an AI examiner asks real Grade 5 questions, grades you A to D and lists the grammar you used. Two-week plan.
6 min read
B1 English Test Example: Full GESE Grade 5 Transcript
A realistic Trinity GESE Grade 5 exam written out in full: greeting, topic, two conversation subjects, with notes on what the examiner listens for and why.
8 min read
B1 English Test Questions and Answers: All 6 Subjects
Grade 5 examiner questions on festivals, transport, occasions, entertainment, music and recent experiences, each with a merit-level answer and its grammar.
9 min read
B1 Topic Form: Rules, 8 Examples and a Free PDF (GESE Grade 5)
How to fill in the GESE Grade 5 Topic Form for the B1 English test: the rules, the question you must ask the examiner, points that lead to Grade 5 grammar, eight complete example forms and a free PDF builder.
6 min read
B1 English Test Cost and Booking: £160, Results Next Day
Trinity GESE Grade 5 costs £160, £35 more for a retake option. How to book, what to bring, provisional results by 9am next day, certificate in 4 to 7 days.
5 min read
How Long Is a B1 English Test Valid? Citizenship and ILR
Two years for a new application, but a B1 accepted at settlement is reused for citizenship with no time limit, and an earlier pass can serve for ILR. 7 cases.
5 min read
Trinity B1 Test (GESE Grade 5): Format, Booking, £160
The Trinity B1 test is GESE Grade 5: 10 minutes, one examiner, two phases, £160. How to book, what to bring, results, and how it compares with IELTS, LanguageCert and PTE.
6 min read
ESOL Entry 3 for Citizenship or ILR? Not Since 2015. Do This
ESOL Entry 3 is B1-level but has not counted for settlement or citizenship since November 2015. Why, the one exception in Appendix KoLL, and the four SELTs to book instead.
5 min read
Life in the UK Test and B1 English Test: Both? Order, Cost
Settlement and citizenship need the Life in the UK test (£50, 24 questions, 75%) and a B1 English SELT (from £160) unless exempt. Who needs which, exemption traps, order.
6 min read
SELT tests
SELT tests for UK visas, settlement and citizenship: approved providers, levels, validity, booking
Approved providers, Trinity against IELTS, LanguageCert and PTE, booking and test day.
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Trinity vs IELTS UKVI vs LanguageCert vs PTE for ILR B2
The four SELT providers compared for B1 and B2 settlement tests: skills, format, price, result time, human or machine marking, which suits you.
5 min read
SELT Test Centres UK: Trinity, IELTS UKVI, PTE, Booking Tips
Where to sit a SELT: Trinity’s 20+ UK centres, IELTS for UKVI, LanguageCert online, Pearson, approved centres abroad, booking well and the test day.
4 min read
IELTS Life Skills B1: Format, Price, vs Trinity GESE Grade 5
IELTS Life Skills B1: a 22-minute pass-or-fail speaking and listening SELT taken with another candidate. Phases, marking, UK fee from about £182, and Trinity instead.
5 min read
PTE Home B1: Format, £170 Price, Results, vs Trinity
PTE Home B1: Pearson’s speaking and listening SELT for settlement and citizenship. 22 minutes at a computer, software-scored, £170, results in 2 days. Who it suits.
5 min read
LanguageCert B1 SELT: Format, Pass Mark, Free Resit, Price
LanguageCert SELT B1 for settlement and citizenship: live examiner on screen, five parts in 11 to 13 minutes, 60/100 to pass, free resit, from about £160. Against Trinity.
5 min read
UKVI English Test: Which Test and Level for Your Visa
The Home Office English test by route: A1, A2 for partners, B1 or B2 for settlement, B1 for citizenship, four-skills B2 for Skilled Worker. Exemptions, providers, rules.
7 min read
In your language
The B2 English rule for ILR, explained in your language
The B2 rule explained in Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Arabic and more.
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B2 English for ILR 2027 Explained in Urdu (اردو)
The B2 English rule for UK settlement from 26 March 2027 in Urdu: who it affects, speaking and listening only, citizenship stays B1, exemptions.
4 min read
B2 English for ILR 2027 Explained in Hindi (हिन्दी)
The B2 English rule for UK settlement from 26 March 2027 in Hindi: who it affects, speaking and listening only, citizenship stays B1, exemptions.
4 min read
B2 English for ILR 2027 Explained in Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ)
The B2 English rule for UK settlement from 26 March 2027 in Punjabi: who it affects, speaking and listening only, citizenship stays B1, exemptions.
4 min read
B2 English for ILR 2027 Explained in Bengali (বাংলা)
The B2 English rule for UK settlement from 26 March 2027 in Bengali: who it affects, speaking and listening only, citizenship stays B1, exemptions.
4 min read
B2 English for ILR 2027 Explained in Arabic (العربية)
The B2 English rule for UK settlement from 26 March 2027 in Arabic: who it affects, speaking and listening only, citizenship stays B1, exemptions.
4 min read
B2 English for ILR 2027 Explained in Turkish (Türkçe)
The B2 English rule for UK settlement from 26 March 2027 in Turkish: who it affects, speaking and listening only, citizenship stays B1, exemptions.
4 min read
B2 English for ILR 2027 Explained in Portuguese (Português)
The B2 English rule for UK settlement from 26 March 2027 in Portuguese: who it affects, speaking and listening only, citizenship stays B1, exemptions.
4 min read
B2 English for ILR 2027 Explained in Tagalog (Tagalog)
The B2 English rule for UK settlement from 26 March 2027 in Tagalog: who it affects, speaking and listening only, citizenship stays B1, exemptions.
4 min read
B2 English for ILR 2027 Explained in Romanian (Română)
The B2 English rule for UK settlement from 26 March 2027 in Romanian: who it affects, speaking and listening only, citizenship stays B1, exemptions.
4 min read
B2 English for ILR 2027 Explained in Polish (Polski)
The B2 English rule for UK settlement from 26 March 2027 in Polish: who it affects, speaking and listening only, citizenship stays B1, exemptions.
4 min read
B2 English for ILR 2027 Explained in Albanian (Shqip)
The B2 English rule for UK settlement from 26 March 2027 in Albanian: who it affects, speaking and listening only, citizenship stays B1, exemptions.
4 min read
For teachers
SpeakPass for ESOL teachers and immigration advisers
ESOL teachers and immigration advisers: what SpeakPass gives your students.
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