Book A2 English Test for Spouse Visa Extension

May 19, 2025
2:50 pm

Book A2 English Test for Spouse Visa Extension: The Complete Guide

Introduction
What Is the A2 English Test?
Why You Need the A2 English Test for Spouse Visa Extension
Who Must Take the A2 Test?
Test Format and Structure
Approved Providers for the A2 English Test
Booking Your A2 English Test
Documents Required for the A2 Test
Preparing for the A2 English Test
What to Expect on Test Day
After the Test: Getting Your Results
Rebooking or Retaking the A2 Test
How to Use A2 Certificate for Your Spouse Visa Extension
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking the Test
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tips for Non-Native English Speakers
A2 English Test vs. Other SELT Exams
Cost and Payment Options
Test Centre Locations in the UK
Final Checklist Before Booking Your Test
Conclusion

1. Introduction

If you are living in the UK on a spouse visa and are planning to extend your stay, one of the key requirements is demonstrating a basic knowledge of English. For many, this involves passing the A2 English test. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every detail you need to know to book A2 English test for spouse visa extension, from understanding the test format to choosing the right test centre.

2. What Is the A2 English Test?

The A2 English test is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) recognised by the UK Home Office. It is designed to assess the English language skills of individuals at the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) A2 level, which is a beginner-intermediate level.

At this level, candidates are expected to:

Understand and use everyday expressions
Communicate in simple tasks and routine matters
Describe their background and immediate environment

The A2 test is mandatory for some visa categories, especially for the spouse visa extension (FLR(M)) after living in the UK for 2.5 years.

3. Why You Need the A2 English Test for Spouse Visa Extension

If you’re on a spouse or partner visa, you’re initially granted a 30-month stay (2.5 years). When you apply for an extension to continue your 5-year route to settlement, the UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requires proof that your English has improved since your initial application.

If you used an A1 English test for your initial visa, you must now pass an A2 test for your extension. It ensures you can integrate into UK society and access services such as healthcare, education, and employment more efficiently.

4. Who Must Take the A2 Test?

You must take the A2 English test if:

You are applying for a spouse visa extension after 2.5 years in the UK.
You previously submitted an A1 English certificate for your initial application.
You are on a parent of a dependent child visa under similar circumstances.

Exemptions apply to individuals:

Aged under 18 or over 65
Suffering from physical or mental conditions preventing them from taking the test
From a majority English-speaking country

Check the official UK Home Office exemption list for clarity.

5. Test Format and Structure

The A2 test assesses your speaking and listening skills only. It is a short, face-to-face test with a live examiner, typically lasting 7–9 minutes.

Structure:

Part 1: Personal Information
- Introduce yourself
- Describe your home or daily routine
Part 2: Simple Conversation
- Answer and ask questions about familiar topics
Part 3: Communication Task
- Follow basic instructions
- Respond appropriately to questions

There is no reading or writing section for this test, making it easier for candidates with basic English ability.

6. Approved Providers for the A2 English Test

Only tests from UKVI-approved SELT providers are accepted for visa applications. As of now, the approved providers are:

Trinity College London
IELTS SELT Consortium
LanguageCert
PSI Services (Skills for English)

Each of these organisations has test centres across the UK. Be sure to book only through the official websites of these providers.

7. Booking Your A2 English Test

To book A2 English test for spouse visa extension, follow these steps:

Step-by-step Process:

Visit the website of a UKVI-approved provider
Select the A2 SELT – speaking and listening
Choose a date, time, and test centre
Pay the test fee (usually between £150 – £200)
Receive confirmation email with instructions

Ensure your name matches your passport or BRP exactly. Any errors may prevent you from sitting the test.

8. Documents Required for the A2 Test

You will need to bring:

Valid photo ID (passport or biometric residence permit/card)
Test booking confirmation email
Proof of payment (optional but recommended)

Make sure your ID is not expired and has not been damaged or defaced. Without a valid ID, you will not be allowed to take the test, and your fee will not be refunded.

9. Preparing for the A2 English Test

Key areas to prepare:

Speaking about familiar topics like family, hobbies, work, or daily routines
Understanding simple questions and instructions
Answering politely and confidently

Use sample tests, online tutorials, and practice with a tutor or friend who speaks English.

Recommended Resources:

Trinity College London Sample A2 videos
IELTS Life Skills practice tests
ESOL study books (A2 level)

Daily conversation practice improves fluency and builds your confidence.

10. What to Expect on Test Day

On the test day:

Arrive at least 30 minutes early
Bring all required documents
You will be registered and your photo will be taken
You will be guided into a room to speak with an examiner

The entire test is recorded for UKVI review, so honesty and authenticity are essential.

11. After the Test: Getting Your Results

Results are typically available:

Within 7 days for Trinity or LanguageCert
Within 3–5 days for IELTS Life Skills

You’ll receive:

A digital certificate
A physical certificate by post (depending on provider)

These results are valid for 2 years from the date of issue and must be submitted during your visa application.

12. Rebooking or Retaking the A2 Test

If you fail:

You can rebook immediately
There is no limit to the number of attempts
You must pay the full test fee again

To increase chances of success:

Practice more
Identify weak areas
Consider enrolling in an ESOL course

13. How to Use A2 Certificate for Your Spouse Visa Extension

During your visa application (Form FLR(M)), include:

Original A2 certificate
Test reference number
Proof of test centre approval

Upload these documents via the UKVCAS portal or include them in your postal application.

Failure to provide proof of English ability may result in visa refusal.

14. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking the Test

Booking with unapproved test centres
Using wrong test level (e.g., booking A1 or B1 instead of A2)
Not matching the name on the test application with your passport
Forgetting to bring valid ID on test day

Double-check all information before booking to avoid delays or test cancellation.

15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long is the A2 English test certificate valid?

A: It is valid for 2 years.

Q: Can I use my A2 certificate for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)?

A: No, for ILR you need to take a B1 English test and pass the Life in the UK Test.

Q: How soon can I retake the test if I fail?

A: Immediately, but you must pay the full fee again.

Q: Do I need to take a course before the A2 test?

A: Not mandatory, but highly recommended for non-native speakers.

16. Tips for Non-Native English Speakers

Practice speaking English daily
Listen to English podcasts or radio
Speak with friends, neighbours, or tutors
Record yourself and identify pronunciation errors
Take mock interviews

Confidence plays a big role. The more you practice, the more natural you’ll sound.

17. A2 English Test vs. Other SELT Exams

Level	Use Case	Duration	Skills Tested
A1	Initial spouse visa	5–7 mins	Speaking & Listening
A2	Spouse visa extension	7–9 mins	Speaking & Listening
B1	ILR / Citizenship	10 mins	Speaking & Listening

Do not confuse A2 with A1 or B1 – using the wrong test can jeopardize your visa.

18. Cost and Payment Options

Typical test fees range from £150 to £200.

You can pay using:

Debit or credit cards
PayPal (some providers)
Bank transfers (in rare cases)

Always book through the official website of your chosen SELT provider to avoid scams.

19. Test Centre Locations in the UK

Major UK cities have approved test centres, including:

London
Birmingham
Manchester
Glasgow
Cardiff
Leeds
Edinburgh
Leicester

Use the provider’s location finder tool to find your nearest centre.

20. Final Checklist Before Booking Your Test

Choose the correct provider
Ensure it’s an A2 SELT (speaking & listening)
Match name with ID
Have valid photo ID ready
Select a nearby test centre
Prepare for the test thoroughly
Keep payment receipt and booking confirmation

21. Conclusion

To successfully book A2 English test for spouse visa extension, you need to be informed, prepared, and organised. With this detailed guide, you now have everything you need to ensure a smooth booking process, efficient preparation, and a confident test performance. By meeting the English requirement, you’re not just fulfilling a visa condition—you’re taking a step closer to long-term settlement in the UK.

Start your journey today. Book your A2 English test confidently and take the next step in securing your future in the UK.