Premier League and Championship clubs have been asked for expressions of interest to pilot safe standing areas this season.
Clubs have until 6 October to submit an application to the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA).
"If approved, they will be able to offer licensed standing areas from 1 January 2022," said the SGSA.
Since 1994, first and second-tier grounds in England and Wales have been required to be all-seaters by law.
Standing in English football's top two divisions was outlawed following recommendations made in the Taylor Report into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, in which 97 Liverpool fans lost their lives.