LanguageCert for UK Spouse Visa 2026: A1 Test Guide for Indian Applicants

The LanguageCert for UK spouse visa is the simplest and shortest English test you will ever take — just 11 to 13 minutes of Speaking & Listening at CEFR A1 level. Yet this brief test is a mandatory requirement for every Indian applicant joining their spouse, partner, or fiancé(e) in the UK. This 2026 guide from EEC — trusted by thousands for UK immigration support — covers the exact A1 test format, fee (~₹16,800), preparation tips specifically for Indian applicants, what happens after the test, the complete spouse visa timeline, and how EEC combines LanguageCert for UK spouse visa coaching with dedicated visa filing support — all at one branch.

UK Spouse Visa English Requirement

The UK Home Office requires all spouse/partner visa applicants to prove English language ability at CEFR A1 level for the initial application. This is the most basic level — you need to demonstrate ability to introduce yourself, answer simple personal questions, and understand basic spoken English. For extension applications (further leave to remain), the level increases to A2.

LanguageCert SELT S&L at A1 is one of the two accepted tests (alongside IELTS Life Skills A1). Many Indian applicants prefer LanguageCert because the test is shorter (11–13 minutes vs ~22 minutes for IELTS Life Skills), results come faster (3–5 days vs up to 7 days), and scheduling is more flexible. For a full comparison, see LanguageCert vs IELTS for UK. Check test centers in India for locations. You can also explore IELTS Life Skills as an alternative.

A1 S&L Test Details

Fee

The LanguageCert SELT S&L test fee starts from £160 (approximately ₹16,800). This is comparable to IELTS Life Skills (£150 / ~₹15,750). The small fee difference is offset by LanguageCert's faster results and more flexible scheduling. For full fee details, see LanguageCert fee and registration.

Preparation Tips for A1 (Spouse Visa Applicants)

1. Practice self-introduction: Name, age, nationality, where you live, your spouse's name, how you met.
2. Learn family vocabulary: Husband, wife, spouse, partner, children, parents, brother, sister.
3. Practice daily routine vocabulary: Wake up, breakfast, work, cook, sleep, go shopping, visit friends.
4. Master simple question forms: What, where, when, who, how many.
5. Practice pronunciation: Clear, slow speech at A1 is better than fast, unclear speech.
6. Listen to British English: BBC Learning English beginner level is perfect for A1 preparation.
7. Take a mock test: Simulate the 11-minute format at least 3 times before the real test.

For more detailed speaking and listening strategies, read our LanguageCert speaking and listening tips. For general preparation guidance, see LanguageCert preparation tips, or book a free consultation with EEC's coaching team.

Common Questions About the A1 Test

Do I speak to a person or a computer? A computer. You respond to recorded prompts and your responses are recorded for later assessment.

Can I ask for questions to be repeated? This depends on the test format — in some cases you may hear the prompt twice, but do not count on it. Practice understanding prompts on the first listen.

What topics are covered? Personal information, family, home, daily routine, basic preferences. All topics are simple and everyday.

What if I make grammar mistakes? At A1, minor grammar mistakes are expected and acceptable. The focus is on whether you can communicate basic information clearly.

What Happens After the Test

After completing your LanguageCert SELT S&L test, results are available in your online account within 3–5 working days. If you pass, you can immediately use the result for your UK spouse visa application. The result includes a Unique Reference Number (URN) that is linked to your visa application. Your visa caseworker will verify your test result directly with LanguageCert — you do not need to submit the certificate physically.

Complete Spouse Visa Timeline

EEC: Coaching + Visa Support Combined

EEC is uniquely positioned for spouse visa applicants because we offer BOTH LanguageCert A1 coaching AND dedicated UK spouse visa guidance at EEC at the same branch. Your journey:

Step 1: Free consultation — our visa specialist confirms you need the A1 S&L test.
Step 2: LanguageCert A1 online coaching (₹7,500) — focused preparation for the 11-minute test.
Step 3: Pass the LanguageCert A1 with confidence.
Step 4: EEC's visa team helps with spouse visa document preparation and filing.

While this guide focuses on the UK spouse visa, note that LanguageCert Academic is also accepted for Australian visa applications since August 2025 — making LanguageCert a dual-destination test. If your family is considering Australia as an alternative, a single LanguageCert preparation covers both countries.

Book a free consultation today. Explore LanguageCert complete guide, check which LanguageCert for your UK visa, or learn about online coaching options. For ILR after your spouse visa, see LanguageCert for ILR and citizenship. For alternative tests, explore IELTS coaching at EEC or study in the UK with EEC.

“The A1 English test should be the easiest part of your UK spouse visa application. With EEC's coaching, it becomes a 2-week formality rather than a source of stress.”

— EEC UK Visa Advisory, EEC Education Consultant

FAQs: LanguageCert for UK Spouse Visa