English language requirements for work visas depend on the country, the visa type, and sometimes the specific role. The level required ranges from A1 for basic family reunification visas to B2 for skilled worker visas in some countries. This guide covers the main destinations and what they require.
United Kingdom
The UK Skilled Worker visa requires B1 English as a minimum. Applicants must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider. Accepted tests include IELTS for UKVI, LanguageCert International ESOL SELT, and Trinity College London SELT.
Standard IELTS Academic or General Training is not accepted for UK visa purposes, it must be the specific UKVI version. The test must be taken at an approved test centre, not online.
Some applicants are exempt from the English requirement: nationals of majority English-speaking countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, and others), and applicants who have a degree taught in English.
Canada
Canada's Express Entry immigration system uses a points-based system where English proficiency affects your score. Higher English scores mean more points, which improves your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Accepted tests for Canadian immigration are IELTS General Training and CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program). Most skilled worker streams require at least CLB 7, which corresponds roughly to B2 on the CEFR scale.
Australia
Australia's skilled migration programme requires a minimum score on an approved English test. Accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and OET (Occupational English Test, for healthcare workers).
The minimum requirement for most skilled visas is "competent English," which corresponds to IELTS 6.0 in each band, roughly B2. "Proficient English" (IELTS 7.0, or C1) and "superior English" (IELTS 8.0) attract additional points in the points-based system.
European Union
Most EU countries do not require a formal English test for work visas. Language requirements for EU work permits typically apply to the local language of the country, not English. However, some roles and employers may require proof of English proficiency independently of the visa itself, this is a hiring requirement, not an immigration requirement.
Requirements by country
| Country | Min. CEFR level | Accepted tests |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | B1 | IELTS for UKVI, LanguageCert, Trinity SELT |
| Canada | B2 (CLB 7) | IELTS General Training, CELPIP |
| Australia | B2 (competent) | IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, OET |
| EU countries | Not required | Local language may be required |
| United States | Not required | Employer may set own requirements |
How to prepare
Start with a free CEFR test to find your current level. If you need B1 for a UK visa and your result shows A2, you need to close roughly 150 hours of study before taking the official test.
Official visa tests have specific formats. IELTS for UKVI covers listening, reading, writing, and speaking, the same format as standard IELTS but taken at an approved centre. Practice with official IELTS materials rather than general English study.
Find out your current English level before preparing for your visa test
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