In written answers to MPs published on 16 January 2026, the Home Office gave its clearest timetable yet for the Home Office English Language Test (HOELT). It said that after the procurement and set-up, the service should be running in late 2027 or early 2028, and that it will be one of the first mainly remote language testing services used by a government.
Key facts
- Stated 16 January 2026 (written parliamentary answer)
- Expected start Late 2027 or early 2028
- Delivery Primarily remote, digital by default
- Today SELTs are taken in person at approved centres only
How it differs from today
In a separate answer the same day, the Home Office confirmed that the current Secure English Language Test (SELT) contract was let for physical test sites, so remote testing is not offered now. Under HOELT, remote delivery is intended to be the main way of taking the test.
Later answers, in March and April 2026, said the department had weighed the security risks of remote delivery and that a full cyber security and threat assessment would be done before remote testing is formally included. The IELTS partners withdrew from the tender on 17 March 2026, citing concerns about fully remote high-stakes testing.
What this means
For now, nothing changes: UK visa applicants must use an approved SELT taken at an approved centre, such as IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI or the other tests on the GOV.UK list. A SELT result is generally valid for two years, so a test you take in 2026 is unlikely to be caught by the switch. If you plan to apply in 2027 or later, keep an eye on GOV.UK for the start date and any transition rules, and do not pay for courses or vouchers that claim to prepare you for HOELT until the test design is published.