IELTS for 65+

Hi all,

Thank you for the support that has been shared by this platform, through out the years.

I have been informed by immigration consultants, that 65+ are exempt from having to meet the English language requirements for a skilled worker visa.

Another consultant has informed me otherwise. Hence I am here looking for support to reach a conclusion.

This is related to one of the specialist resource required on-site for a few months with high urgency. Client have shortlisted this specific resource and if IELTS is not required a significant amount of time and trouble can be saved.

Kind regards,
Aizaz

Going by the immigration rules:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... h-language

EL 1.1. An applicant for settlement is exempt from the English language requirement if at the date of application any of the following apply:
(a) they are aged 65 or over; or

But OP doesn't care about settlement - they need entry clearance as skilled worker.
My conclusion is that there's no exemption at this stage, but I'm happy to be corrected; other mods will give their insight .

Thank you for the response.

The technicality in between the lines is:
"Skilled worker visa is a settlement route as well", therefore exemption should apply.

Awaiting further feedback from other members.

aizazali wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 30, 2023 9:32 pm

Thank you for the response.

The technicality in between the lines is:
"Skilled worker visa is a settlement route as well", therefore exemption should apply.

Awaiting further feedback from other members.

In my honest opinion, settlement visas are issued for family members whose intention is to settle in the UK.
The initial intention of a Skilled Worker application is to be employed in the UK under licensed sponsorship, which may later enable them to apply for permanent residence (ILR).

The 65+ applicants under a Skilled Worker visa aren't excluded from the English language requirement, unlike the family route categories.

I agree

An applicant for settlement

where

“Settlement” means indefinite leave to enter or remain

is someone applying for ILE or ILR.

It’s not someone who is applying for an entry clearance or leave to remain under Skilled worker.

Thank you for the clarity, much appreciated.