Do I need IELTS Academic or General for citizenship?

Neither. The citizenship and settlement routes use a B1 SELT such as IELTS Life Skills or Trinity GESE — not the academic or general IELTS modules.

If my degree is C1, do I still need a test?

If UK ENIC confirms your degree is an academic equivalent taught in English, it can meet the requirement without a separate SELT. The key is holding the correct ENIC document.

English test options for UK citizenship compared

There are three main ways to meet the English language requirement for citizenship or settlement: a B1 Secure English Language Test (SELT), an accredited ESOL course, or a degree taught in English. Here's a quick comparison — see our full guide for the detail.

	B1 SELT	ESOL course	Degree in English
What it is	Approved B1 speaking & listening test	Accredited English course + qualification	Academic degree taught in English
Where	Approved SELT centre	A college / approved provider	University (UK or overseas)
Best for	Most applicants	Building English while you qualify	Graduates of English-taught degrees
Proof you give	SELT certificate	ESOL certificate at the right level	UK ENIC confirmation letters
Meets B1 requirement

Which should you choose?

If you just need to prove your English, a B1 SELT is usually the quickest, most direct option. An ESOL-with-citizenship course suits people who want to improve their English while working towards the requirement. If you already hold a degree taught in English, UK ENIC can confirm it meets the requirement, so you may not need a separate test at all.

Whichever you choose, remember the English requirement and the Life in the UK test are separate — you need both. Read our full guide for the exact documents each route needs.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need IELTS Academic or General for citizenship?: Neither. The citizenship and settlement routes use a B1 SELT such as IELTS Life Skills or Trinity GESE — not the academic or general IELTS modules.
If my degree is C1, do I still need a test?: If UK ENIC confirms your degree is an academic equivalent taught in English, it can meet the requirement without a separate SELT. The key is holding the correct ENIC document.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change — always check current guidance on GOV.UK or with a regulated OISC adviser or immigration solicitor for your specific case.

Last checked against GOV.UK guidance: 17 June 2026.

Full English-requirement guide →Degree / ENIC route →Spouse visa English test →

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