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Visas: English Language

Asked by Blake StephensonConservativeHome OfficeTabled Answered 16 January 2026UIN 104256

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department holds on the number of other countries that are using methods similar to the proposed remote and digital by default testing for English language requirements for UK visas.

Answered by Mike Tapp

Home Office English Language Testing, post procurement and implementation in late 2027/ early 2028 will be one of the first primarily remote language testing services for government, with significant benefits to customers, strengthened identity management and security and much greater visibility and control over the service for the department. The service will include proven elements of existing Home Office delivery including identification technology to assure identity, audit and assurance processes and robust oversight of services and delivery.

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