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Navigating the journey of love often comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it involves crossing borders. If you’re planning to bring your partner to the UK, understanding the A1 English Test for UK Spouse Visa is crucial. This test isn’t just a bureaucratic hurdle; it’s a stepping stone to building a life together in a new country.
It would be amazing if you could show your love not just via romantic gestures but also through communication. In this blog post, you can learn all about the A1 English Test, including its goals, prerequisites, and potential career-enhancing effects. Together, we can open the door to a new beginning for you!
What is an A1 English Test for UK Spouse Visa?
The A1 English Test is offered by LanguageCert through its global network of SELT (Secure English Language Testing) centers, which are authorized by the UK Home Office for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) purposes. It is an English language test that covers both speaking and listening.
Those taking the test need to demonstrate their command of all four skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—in order to pass. If you are planning to study, work, or live with your spouse in the UK, you will need to take one of many tests. If you are looking to apply for a Spouse Visa to the UK, the best test to take is the IELTS Life Skills A1, which is more focused on listening and speaking.
What to Expect in the A1 Spouse Visa Test?
- Exam time: 6-8 Minutes
- Four brief online discussions with examiners
- Evaluation of each person (like an interview)
- Simple and actionable questions centered on specific topics.
Key Features of A1 English Test for UK Spouse Visa
Exam: A1 Level – English Certificate
Format: In-person interaction
Pass Mark: 25 out of 50 (50%)
Skills Assessed: Speaking proficiency
Grading Criteria for the A1 English Test for Spouse Visa
Candidates will receive the following designations:
- High Pass: 38 out of 50
- Pass: 25 to 37 out of 50
- Fail: 0 to 24 out of 50
Aim high and secure your spouse’s visa!
A1 Spouse Visa Test Sample
Part 1:
- Spell out the name
- Official country of birth
- Provide answers to 5 questions.
For more test samples in detail visit this site.
Part 2:
- The interlocutors provided two or three scenarios.
- You must give answers to the questions.
Part 3:
Exchange information to discover similarities and contrasts in images showing familiar situations.
Part 4:
- You have 30 seconds to get ready.
- Talk for thirty seconds about a subject given by the other person.
- Answer the following questions.
You need to listen and answer questions from the other person.
Part 4b: Long turn:
- You must deliver (say) a short, uninterrupted discussion on the topic specified by the interlocutor.
What is the best A1 English Test to get a UK Spouse Visa in 2025?
Most of the time, we suggest the IELTS Life Skills – A1 test because:
- In contrast to some other Secure English Language Tests (SELTs), this one only has one version, rather than two forms, and only one of them meets the English language requirement.
- You may get a variety of study materials and other resources for the test in bookshops and online. The test is also quite accessible globally, with facilities set up in the majority of countries.
In 2025, how much does the A1 English test for UK spouse visa cost?
It will cost about £150 to take the A1 Level English test for a UK spouse visa. If the test is taken outside of the UK, this may vary depending on the exchange rate.
How long are A1 English tests valid?
Both exams have a two-year validity period.
The exams are usually valid for two years, but you can use them again if you apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain or a spouse visa extension in time.
However, the caseworker from the Home Office would greatly appreciate it if you could provide a copy of the certificate.
Will we have to pay the A1 English test fee again if the applicant fails?
Yes. Every test often requires a fee to be paid.
Applicants are often required to pay for each test attempt, however, they are allowed to attempt the English language examinations as many times as needed in order to pass.
Additionally, applicants who have failed several English language tests will be able to meet the English language requirement if they pass.
Need Assistance?
As an OISC-registered immigration firm specializing in UK partner visas, we provide comprehensive support to ensure your visa application is managed smoothly from start to finish. Our team of experienced professionals has years of expertise in handling immigration cases.
What We Offer:
- End-to-end legal assistance with your UK spouse visa application
- A team of experts with an in-depth understanding of Home Office requirements
If you’d prefer to prepare your own application but would like personalized, step-by-step guidance, contact us now at 02033844389. We offer detailed written advice tailored to your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do I book the A1 English test for UK spouse visa?
Ans. Each test provider has its own website where you can book your test.
Q2: Is the A1 English proficiency certificate required to be submitted with the spouse visa application?
Ans. Specifically, no. On the other hand, the SELT unique reference number (URN) can be entered on the UK spouse visa application form online.
Q3: What if the applicant’s country doesn’t have A1 tests?
Ans. Applicants typically need to go to other countries to take the A1 level test if they do not have access to them in their home country. You could say that going to another country is not “practicable” or “reasonable,” in which case you won’t have to take an A1 level test. However, it’s important to keep in mind that usually, just being inconvenient isn’t enough…
Q4: Is it possible to take the A1 English test as a UK visitor?
Ans. Yes. The applicant can still take the test in the UK if they have a visitor’s visa.
Q5: How will we know whether the applicant passes A1 English?
Ans. You may find a variety of videos on YouTube with examiners and test takers practicing for an A1-level exam. These videos should give you a good idea of how much speaking and listening is needed.
Q6: Does the spouse visa A1 test assess reading and writing?
Ans. No. Only listening and speaking are evaluated in the A1 English language exams.
