PTE Academic UKVI is a Home Office-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), used for the Skilled Worker visa and other points-based work routes. PTE Academic, the same question types taken outside a UKVI centre, is accepted by UK universities for course entry.
PTE Academic UKVI is a Home Office-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) accepted for UK student visa routes.
Meets the English-language requirement for the Skilled Worker and other points-based work visas.
Also approved for four-skill SELT routes such as the Innovator Founder and Minister of Religion visas.
PTE Academic is accepted by UK universities and colleges as proof of English for course entry.
The Skilled Worker route moved to a higher English standard on 8 January 2026. Two figures matter, one for new applicants and one for people already on the route. gov.uk states them as CEFR levels, so each card also gives the PTE score that level starts at.
B2 in each of the four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) rather than an average across them. On the PTE scale, B2 starts at 59.
Extensions of an existing Skilled Worker visa continue at the earlier B1 standard, which starts at 43 on the PTE scale.
The Student route requires B2 for degree-level courses, the same 59 floor as the Skilled Worker route.
PTE Academic UKVI runs the same task list and scoring gates as PTE Academic, taken at an approved UKVI test centre so the result carries Home Office recognition. Kooroo's practice and mocks are built around the exam Pearson refreshed in August 2025, so your Skilled Worker or Student route prep targets the current format, not an outdated one.
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Requirements are set by the relevant authority and change. Confirm the current numbers against the official source before you book a test or lodge an application.
Kooroo PTE is an independent practice tool. We do not provide immigration, visa or legal advice.