Tier 2 English Language Requirements

Tier 2 English Language Requirements

To gain entry into the UK under all categories * of Tier 2 it is necessary to fulfill the English Language Requirement. This is intended to demonstrate an applicant's ability to succeed in his or her new job and to successfully integrate into UK society.

* Please see the notes at the bottom of this page

Applicants must be able to speak English at a level that shows familiarity with everyday expressions and basic phrases. They must be able to introduce themselves to others and answer basic personal questions about themselves.

An applicant can demonstrate the necessary competence in English in one of three ways.

1. By being a national of a majority English-speaking country
2. By successfully completing a degree equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree taught in English
3. By passing an acceptable English language test

1. By being a national of a majority English-speaking country

Nationals of the majority English-speaking countries listed below automatically meet the English Language Requirement:

• Antigua & Barbuda
• Australia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Canada
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Jamaica
• New zealand
• St Kitts & Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent & the Grenadines
• Trinidad & Tobago
• The USA

Documentary evidence of nationality can be in the form of a current valid original passport or travel document, current national identity card or an original letter from the applicantš home government or embassy

2. By successfully completing a degree equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree taught in English

An applicant may provide evidence that he or she holds a degree which:

• is equivalent to a UK Bachelor's level or higher (as recognised by the Recognition Information Centre for the UK (UK NARIC).
• has been taught or researched in English (If the degree was taken in one of the majority English-speaking countries listed above, with the exception of Canada, then it will be assumed that it was taught in English otherwise it must be proved)

3. By passing an acceptable English language test

The test certificate must have been issued by an organisation approved by the UK Border Agency.

As an example, the following test and pass mark is acceptable in the general category:

• International English Language testing System (IELTS) - Level B1 - score 4.0

Notes

1. It is assumed that people applying for entry under Tier 2 for Ministers of Religion, generally require a higher level of English language ability as they must address a congregation. For them an IELTS - Level B2 - score 5.5 is the required minimum if the English language test is their chosen method of demonstrating their necessary competence in English
2. People applying for entry under Tier 2 for Intra Company Transfers do not have to satisfy the English Language Requirement unless they are applying for leave extension which takes their total leave under this scheme beyond 3 years