The immigration policy sets out the guidance when applying for the Tier 2 visa and the requirements of the English language is required.
To meet the English language requirements, the Home Office uses 4 methods to assess whether that English language requirements have been met:
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If you are a national from a majority English speaking country, then you would be exempted.
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Approved English language tests.
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Degree that have been taught in English.
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Exempted from the English language requirements or that you do not need to meet the English language requirements.
Taking an approved English language test
The Home Office publishes the approved English language tests that are available, which can be taken in the UK or outside of the UK. If you do not complete an approved test with an approved test provider, your visa application can be refused.
List of majority English-speaking countries
Here is a list of countries of nationals that are exempted from the language requirements:
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Antigua & Barbuda.
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Australia.
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The Bahamas.
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Barbados.
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Belize.
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Dominica.
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Grenada.
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Guyana.
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Jamaica.
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New Zealand.
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St Kitts & Nevis.
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St Lucia.
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St Vincent & the Grenadines.
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Trinidad & Tobago.
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The USA.
To use this requirement, you must provide the specified evidence as required by the immigration rules. There may be exception policy if you do not have the prescribed evidence and will need to make a formal submission to have discretion being applied.
Having a degree taught in English
In order to qualify, you must hold a suitable degree and this must be acceptable as proof of English ability. Your degree must be equivalent to a UK Bachelor's level or higher.
You must also demonstrate that the degree have been taught or researched in English. Where the degree was taken in one of the majority English-speaking countries listed above, and then it will be assumed that it was taught in English.
You must send your original degree certificate with your application. If you have lost this, the original copy of a letter from the university you attended on official, headed paper would suffice.
The Home Office will conduct a verification checks when you submit evidences to satisfy the English language requirements.
Taking legal advice on the Tier 2 English language requirements
At ICS Legal, we will advise you on the correct process of applying under the Tier 2 General visa, advice on the language requirements and support you throughout the visa application process.
You can speak to one of our UK Immigration Lawyers on the Tier 2 General visa requirements by sending us an email on info@icslegal.com or you can call us on 0207 237 3388. We also have a free visa assessment form that you can complete and allows us to advise you on the next process of extending your visa.
