Which English test is best to take?

[NeilH76]

Hi all,

I will be getting married in March and we are going through the hard process of making sure we have all our documents for my fiances Visa application.

We are unsure which English test to enter there are many offered.
Cambridge English:
Key (KET) - Preliminary (PET) - First (FCE) - Advanced (CAE) - Proficiency (CPE)
Aya is very good at english and have passed a bachelors degree (although i understand this doesnt equal a uk degree ... grrrr).
So any advice on which is best to chose would be very helpful.

Also while i am asking about the english test can someone tell me how long it takes to get the results after taking the exam?

Many Thanks

[rani]

Hi neil! I took the KET at Cambridge Makati. I think its after a month before the certificate was issued. I am pretty sure that she will get the B1 level as well. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

I'd suggest seeking a test centre close to where she lives.

Check out the UKBA approved listed here (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf) and check out the details in the far right column.

Concerning which test to take, it really doesn't matter.
Everyone has their own idea which is best/easiest etc. The objective is to pass.
Given the new B1 English Language requirements for ILR & Citizenship applications it's a good strategy to go for a test with a passing grade at B1 level.
(even though a spouse visa only calls for A1 level)

[NeilH76]

Thank you to you both, the more i look into it the more confusing it gets :Erm: ... here goes another try

[Terpe]

Thank you to you both, the more i look into it the more confusing it gets :Erm: ... here goes another try

Neil, where does your fiancee live?
I wonder if it's worth considering to combine a visit to Manila for her TB test with an appoinment slot for an English Test at a test centre in Manila. Say TOEIC test with Hopkins in Makati.
Here are their details:-
Hopkins International Partners, Inc.
4th Floor, 407 Gil Puyat Avenue
Makati City 1200
Philippines

Phone: +632-895-9944
Phone: +632-896-5808
Fax: +632-897-2160
Email: inquiries@hopkins.ph
Website: www.hopkins.ph

Just an idea as she'll need a TB test certificate anyway and the only UKBA approved clinic is in Manila. Here are the details:-
International Organisation for Migration Health Centre,
15th Floor, Units A&B Trafalgar Plaza,
105 H.V. dela Costa Street,
Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227,
Metro Manila.

Contact details

Tel: (632) 883-9339 or (632) 511-8771
Mob: (917) 593-4688 (globe operator) or (917) 993-4667 (smart operator)
Fax: (632) 883-9377
Email: mhc.uk@iom.int

And here is the UKBA webpage with all the requirement details - Tuberculosis testing in the Philippines (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/philippines/applying/tb-test/?langname=UK%20English)

Good luck and keep checking in the forum for any help you need.
There's no better resource for you.

[NeilH76]

She is in Imus, Cavite. So commuting to Makati/Manila is not a problem.
Yes i was looking at Hopkins. I will have her book there.
I hadnt thought about the TB test yet, thats next on the list then, thanks very much.
How long would the results for the TB test take? I would like to go with her for that in march if she can get results in less than 4 weeks.

[NeilH76]

How long would the results for the TB test take? I would like to go with her for that in march if she can get results in less than 4 weeks.

i have looked at your link and my answer is 24 hours under normal circumstances ... thanks again

[NeilH76]

Ok another couple of questions on this subject.

I am about to apply to Hopkins for the test for the 26h of February.

How long does it take to receive the scores report (in papaer not online)?

I will apply for -
UKBA Listening and Reading
and
UKBA TOEIC Speaking-only
are these correct tests?

and finally ... on the application form i am unsure what need to be put in some places, can someone clarify these for me please?
Organization* .................
Address* ...................
Date of Arrival (for Foreigners).............
Date of Departure ..............
Date of latest TOEIC test..............

Thank you

[Terpe]

Ok another couple of questions on this subject.

I am about to apply to Hopkins for the test for the 26h of February.

How long does it take to receive the scores report (in papaer not online)?

I will apply for -
UKBA Listening and Reading
and
UKBA TOEIC Speaking-only
are these correct tests?

and finally ... on the application form i am unsure what need to be put in some places, can someone clarify these for me please?
Organization* .................
Address* ...................
Date of Arrival (for Foreigners).............
Date of Departure ..............
Date of latest TOEIC test..............

Thank you

May I kindly suggest you contact to Hopkins direct and they will provide you with all the up-to-date information etc

Just for your information, UKBA only requires passing grades in Speaking and Listening.
Although you may need to take other modules as part of an establised package.

Good luck and hope you'll find time to keep us updated......it'll be a help to those who will follow your path :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[NeilH76]

Ok will do that ... and shall keep you updated. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[NeilH76]

I am about to apply to Hopkins for the test for the 26h of February.

How long does it take to receive the scores report (in papaer not online)?

I will apply for -
UKBA Listening and Reading
and
UKBA TOEIC Speaking-only
are these correct tests?

and finally ... on the application form i am unsure what need to be put in some places, can someone clarify these for me please?
Organization* .................
Address* ...................
Date of Arrival (for Foreigners).............
Date of Departure ..............
Date of latest TOEIC test..............

Thank you


So here are the answers i got from Hopkins


In answer to your inquiry, UK spouse/fiance visa applicants are required to take the

(1) TOEIC Listening and Reading (L&R) test @ P2,000/examinee, AND
(2) TOEIC Speaking-only test @ P3,500/examinee.


Kindly be advised that the test results for the TOEIC L&R are released either on the same day (for Wednesday schedule in Makati) or after six days (when under the Public testing program in any test center). The score report for the TOEIC Speaking-only is released within the maximum period of 15 working days. For those who won't be able to personally pick-up their score report, we recommend paying the local mailing fee of P200.



Also, just key in NA or not applicable for the said selections (those are for group registration and foreigners only).

[Terpe]

Nice work....thanks for the update :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Good luck with your planning