Spouse Visa Extension: A2 and B1 English Tests

Extending your spouse or partner visa in the UK? You will usually need A2 English in speaking and listening when extending after your first 30 months on the five-year partner route.

An approved B1 test also meets the A2 requirement. If you already have an English test result, check whether you can reuse it before booking another test.

Do I need A2?

If you used an A1 test for your initial partner visa, you will normally need an approved test at A2 or above for your extension after 30 months.

This must be a Secure English Language Test (SELT) accepted by the Home Office. A general English course certificate does not automatically meet the requirement.

Your previous application, immigration route and any exemption must also be checked.

Can I use B1 instead?

Yes. An approved B1 speaking and listening test meets the A2 requirement because B1 is a higher level.

Taking B1 may also help you prepare for settlement later. Whether you can reuse it for a future application depends on the rules and evidence requirements applying at that time.

Before booking, make sure the test and test centre are approved for UK immigration applications.

Can I reuse my test?

You may not need another test if you already passed A2, B1 or a higher level and used the result in a successful application.

A result previously accepted by the Home Office may remain usable after its usual validity period, subject to the relevant conditions. It must meet the required level and must not have been withdrawn by the provider.

We can check your certificate and previous visa decision before you pay for another test.

English test exemptions

Some applicants meet the English requirement through their nationality or an eligible degree instead of a test.

An exemption may apply if you:

• Are aged 65 or over.
• Have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting the requirement.
• Have exceptional circumstances that prevent you from meeting the requirement before applying.

Supporting evidence may be required. Difficulty passing a test does not, by itself, establish an exemption.

Cannot pass A2 in time?

Contact us before your visa expires. We can check whether you can use existing evidence, meet the requirement another way, or qualify for an exemption.

A ten-year family route may be available in some circumstances. However, failing A2 does not automatically qualify you for that route.

Eligibility depends on your family circumstances and the Immigration Rules. Changing routes can also affect when you qualify for settlement.

Documents you need

English evidence is only one part of your spouse visa extension. Depending on your circumstances, you will also need evidence of:

• Your relationship and continuing life together.
• Your finances.
• Your accommodation.
• Your identity and immigration status.
• Your residence together in the UK.

We assess your circumstances and provide a tailored document checklist.

Our service and fees

Our professional fee for a standard spouse or partner visa extension is £995.

Our service includes:

• Eligibility and immigration history checks.
• A tailored document checklist.
• Review of your English language evidence.
• Checks of your supporting documents.
• Application preparation and submission assistance.
• Help with the biometric appointment process.

Home Office fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, English tests and optional appointment or priority services are separate.

Find out more about our spouse and partner visa extension service .

Read the official GOV.UK English language guidance . Immigration rules can change. Your application must meet the requirements applying when you apply.