Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The 2-year rule
The SELT guidance lists three conditions for a result to be accepted: the test is on the approved list, it was sat at an approved test location, and it was awarded in the two years before the date of your application. Appendix English Language EL 6.1 says the same for routes it covers.
A test taken in the UK can be used for UK and overseas applications, and a test taken overseas can be used for applications made in the UK.
| Use | Expired SELT accepted? |
|---|---|
| A new visa (no earlier acceptance) | No, must be awarded in the 2 years before applying |
| Settlement (ILR) | Yes if B1 or higher, on the current list and accepted for an earlier UK application |
| Citizenship | Yes if B1 or higher and accepted when you settled, even if no longer on the list |
Where the exceptions come from
Gov.uk's approved qualifications page gives both exceptions in the table above. The caseworker guidance adds that a qualification from a provider not on the current SELT list is not acceptable for ILR even if accepted before.
Provider pages agree on 2 years for visa use: Trinity says its certificates are valid for life as a record, but it has recommended the Home Office accept only certificates under two years old.
Need a SELT for a UK visa?
Where the Home Office asks for a Secure English Language Test, IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are approved. Practise the format free.
Free IELTS for UKVI practice →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Retakes and combined results
Where 2 or more components of a test are examined and awarded together, gov.uk says you must reach the required score in every relevant component with the same provider, as part of that combined assessment (gov.uk).
In certain circumstances you may be allowed to resit one failed component. Gov.uk says to check the provider's terms and conditions before booking. A resit is a new result, so check its award date against your date of application.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2 years counted from the test date or the result date?+
Gov.uk's SELT page says results are valid for 2 years from the date the test is awarded.
Does the SELT need to be valid when the Home Office decides?+
The rules measure the 2 years back from the date of application. See our guide on a SELT expiring while you wait.
Can I use a SELT taken abroad for an application inside the UK?+
Yes. Gov.uk says tests taken overseas can be used for applications made in the UK.
Is my old LanguageCert ESOL SELT 4-skills result still valid?+
Gov.uk says that test was replaced on 6 July 2025, and results already held remain valid for 2 years.
Keep reading
Related
- What if your SELT expires while you wait?
- Reusing an English test from a previous visa
- English level for ILR and British citizenship
- The approved UK SELT list
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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