Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What the rules say
Appendix English Language EL 6.1 accepts an approved test passed to the required level "in the 2 years before the date of application". Appendix KoLL 2.2(c) asks for a test taken no more than two years before the date of application. Gov.uk's SELT page also says the test must be awarded in the two years before the date of your application.
| Application type | Date of application (Immigration Rules) |
|---|---|
| Online, to stay, no fee waiver | Date submitted and fee paid |
| Online, to stay, with fee waiver | Date the fee waiver request is submitted, if the full application follows within 10 working days of the waiver decision |
| Entry clearance | Date the fee is paid |
| Paper, by Royal Mail | Date of posting on the tracking or postmark |
Where people get caught
The Immigration Rules introduction defines these dates. If your SELT is close to 2 years old, submit and pay before that point; starting a form does not fix the date.
The Home Office checks results online through each provider's verification system using your SELT reference number (gov.uk), and the caseworker guidance says an application does not meet the requirement if the test does not appear on that system.
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.
If you reapply later
A later application has a new date of application. For ILR, an expired B1 or higher SELT can still be used if it is on the current list and was accepted for an earlier UK application; for citizenship, if it was accepted when you settled (gov.uk).
Frequently asked questions
My IELTS for UKVI expires a week after I apply. Is that a problem?+
Not for the 2-year rule, which looks back from the date of application. Make sure that date (submit and pay) falls inside the 2 years.
Does booking a biometrics appointment change the date of application?+
The Immigration Rules definition for online applications to stay uses the date the application is submitted and the fee is paid.
If my application is refused, can I reuse the same SELT?+
Only if it is still inside 2 years on the new date of application, unless one of the expired-test exceptions applies. Those need an earlier accepted application.
Is the rule the same for entry clearance?+
Yes, the look-back is from the date of application; for entry clearance that is the date the fee is paid.
Keep reading
Related
- How long a UK SELT is valid
- Where to find your SELT reference number
- 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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