English language for spouses of UK citizens: A1, A2 or B1?

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When you are applying for your 1st Spouse visa, you need the most basic A1 level. This is true whether you are applying outside the UK or switching from another category inside the UK. 

After the 1st Spouse visa you will need an extension. At this stage, after 2.5 years in the UK, you will need A2 level. 

After that you could normally apply for a permanent visa, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain. This is where an even higher B1 level would be needed. 

If you chose to have a Fiancée visa first, you need A1 level for this and then again A1 level when you get married and apply for your 1stSpouse visa. In this case you meet the A1 rule automatically. Then you need A2 at extension and B1 at the permanent visa stage.

The rules for Unmarried Partners are the same as for spouses. 

We also have a very good post earlier on the confusion between A1 and B1 level when applying for “settlement”, as many spouses applying outside the UK are told – incorrectly – that they need a B1 level:  You can read here about 2 meanings of the legal term “settlement” there and why there is a confusion. This is a post from 2013 and still applicable on the date of publishing of this. 

We also have a post on how many levels there are.


1st4Immigration is one of the most experienced and prominent UK immigration law companies, accredited by the OISC at the highest Level 3. We have been in business for over 10 years, our OISC reference is 200800152, in which 2008 stands for the year accreditation. Office address: 68 King William Street, City of London, London, EC4M 7DZ.

For individual advice or to make your application as successful please contact us: info@1st4immigration.com or visit our website: https://www.1st4immigration.com/

We also provide immigration training and CPD for lawyers and those preparing for OISC exam. We have classroom/livestream courses and online self-study courses, accredited by CPD Standards Office, ref 80001, and accepted by The OISC. Visit our OISC training courses.

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