Rules checked 12 October 2026

Spouse visa English: from A1 to settlement

Enter the date your first partner visa starts. See when you extend at A2, when you can first settle, and whether settling then needs B1 or B2.

Your first partner visa startsYou applied

Enter the date your first partner visa starts to see each step and its English level.

A1First visa, up to 2 years 9 months
A2Extension, up to 2 years 6 months more
5 yearsThen you can apply to settle
26 Mar 2027Settling from this date needs B2

Take the free speaking and listening check Check your visa's English rule

The four steps

First visa: A1 in speaking and listening. From outside the UK it lasts up to 2 years and 9 months.
Extension: A2 in speaking and listening, for up to 2 years and 6 months more. An A2 or higher result from your first visa can be used again.
Settlement after 5 years: B1 in speaking and listening if you apply before 26 March 2027.
Settlement on or after 26 March 2027: B2 in speaking and listening. On today's list every B2 test examines all four skills.

Skipping a step

You can take a higher level than you need. GOV.UK says a B1 or higher pass for your first visa can be used again to settle, if the test is still approved. From 26 March 2027 settlement needs B2.

From Pakistan or another country

The first-visa A1 test is usually taken in your home country. Pakistan has 66 approved centres on the list dated 9 October 2026; IELTS Life Skills costs PKR 53,000 there on IDP's fee table.

Questions

What English test do I need to extend my spouse visa?

A2 in speaking and listening, unless you passed A2 or higher for your first visa. If you were exempt the first time, you need to pass A1.

When does a spouse need B2?

Only for a settlement application made on or after 26 March 2027. Before that date, settlement needs B1.

Do I need an English test after 5 years on a spouse visa?

To settle, yes, at B1 or B2 by date. If you are extending as a partner after 5 years instead of settling, GOV.UK says you do not need to prove it.

On GOV.UK

Get ready for your B1 test

Practise the speaking and listening a B1 test asks for, then book when your results say you are ready.

ListeningTwo recordings, 10 questions, marked with reasons
SpeakingA two-minute task and three questions, read for feedback
TestsFour, each with new recordings and a new task

Try the free speaking and listening check first

B1 Visa English

£29 once. No VAT is charged.

Four B1 speaking and listening practice tests, marked against our B1 line, for 12 months.

Four B1 practice tests: two recordings and ten questions each
Every answer marked, with the reason and the transcript
A speaking task in each test, read against the band descriptors
Your first sitting of each test saved, so you can see your progress

Access for 12 months, until 13 October 2027. Sit all four B1 practice tests, the last at least four weeks after the first. If your last test is below our B1 line and no higher than your first, we refund the £29 in full. Or ask for a full refund within 14 days of paying, for any reason.

By paying you agree to our Terms and get access straight away, which ends your 14-day cancellation right. Your full refund within 14 days, for any reason, still applies.