English Test

[malchard888]

For the avoidance of doubt I wondered if those more knowledgeable than me could clarify the position regarding the current english test prior to applying for ILR later this year.
My wife took the IELTS test and passed prior to applying for a fiancee visa to come to the UK and we have since got married etc, however it would appear that this certificate has a shelf life of 2 years which suggests that she will have to take the test again in order to satisfy the current requirements of the UKBA to stay here indefinately.It is not obvious to me despite reading through page after page in the UKBA website if this needs to be addressed before taking the life in the Uk test so I would be grateful if one of the learned colleagues in this forum could confirm what I suspect.:smile:

[Terpe]

For the avoidance of doubt I wondered if those more knowledgeable than me could clarify the position regarding the current english test prior to applying for ILR later this year.
My wife took the IELTS test and passed prior to applying for a fiancee visa to come to the UK and we have since got married etc, however it would appear that this certificate has a shelf life of 2 years which suggests that she will have to take the test again in order to satisfy the current requirements of the UKBA to stay here indefinately.It is not obvious to me despite reading through page after page in the UKBA website if this needs to be addressed before taking the life in the Uk test so I would be grateful if one of the learned colleagues in this forum could confirm what I suspect.:smile:

If your wife passed an English Test at B1 level or above then she will not need to re-take the test.
The only requirement is the test she took must still be listed on the latest UKBA approved listing.........which IELTS does.

All's good to go :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I'll try to locate previous posts with 'chapter and verse' as stated by UKBA to enable your research and validation.

Your wife must include her certificate with the application.

[malchard888]

If you wife passed an English Test at B1 level or above then she will not need to re-take the test.
The only requirement is the test she took must still be listed on the latest UKBA approved listing.........which IELTS does.

All's good to go :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I'll try to locate previous posts with 'chapter and verse' as stated by UKBA to enable your research and validation.

Your wife must include her certificate with the application.

thanks Terpe, at least thats a little less of the rip off fees we have to find this year just to keep legal and above board.

[Terpe]

thanks Terpe, at least thats a little less of the rip off fees we have to find this year just to keep legal and above board.

Here you are malchard, some UKBA formal statements of clarification:-

Firstly, here's an extract from the original Home Office statement of Intent (http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130925160031/http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/britishcitizenship/kol-uk)


We will accept a range of English language qualifications as evidence that an applicant has met
the requirement to hold a B1 level speaking and listening qualification. This will help ensure that all
those needing to take a test will be able to find one suitable for their needs and, so far as possible, that no one who already has an English language qualification at B1 level or above will be required to take another one.

I've highlighted in bold the key part which indicates that if a B1 level has been achieved already then no further tests are required.

However, seemingly this wasn't specific enough (Maybe as the statement mentioned Tier 2 but no mention of Spouse/Partners and resulted in a number of Freedom of Information requests for
specific clarification.

Here's one that was asked (https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/settlement_ielts#incoming-446576) and received a successful response quoted below in part:-


The fact that an applicant’s qualifying English language certificate had expired would not prevent them from using their pass notification as evidence that they had reached level B1 (CEFR) English for a settlement or British citizenship application. They would not be expected to take another English Language test, but will need to pass the Life in the UK test.

Here's another FOI reply (https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/knowledge_of_english_language#incoming-451622) which states:-


If your qualification is on the list of acceptable qualifications published on our website (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-...), you will not need to retake an English test. The expiry dates for those tests do not apply to settlement and citizenship applications. You should send your certificate with the application.

Hope that puts you mind at ease

[malchard888]

Thank u so much Terpe for your valuable time seeking out the answers, it put our minds at rest so all we need to worry about now is that awful life in UK test and having looked at the books and previous test questions, there are many that I don't have a clue about so they appear to enjoy putting obstacles in the way of those who play by the rules and pay too!

[Terpe]

Thank u so much Terpe for your valuable time seeking out the answers, it put our minds at rest so all we need to worry about now is that awful life in UK test and having looked at the books and previous test questions, there are many that I don't have a clue about so they appear to enjoy putting obstacles in the way of those who play by the rules and pay too!

We all have differing strategies for learning.............

The strategy that worked best for my wife was 'rote learning'.
She practised many many sample tests and CD's until she consistently scored enough.
It's multiple choice so the 'prompt' is always there.

Might not be at all suitable for everyone, but it worked for her.

The Life in UK test does take time and effort.............sadly it seems no benefits are gained apart from meeting the UKBA requirement. :NoNo:

I do wish her very best of luck. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Jentobeharrison]

Hi terpe, is the scorecard that was given by Hopkins the English test certificate that UKBA is requiring to be submitted?

[Terpe]

Hi terpe, is the scorecard that was given by Hopkins the English test certificate that UKBA is requiring to be submitted?

Yes it is. It should be submitted along with all other evidential documentations. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Jentobeharrison]

Cool! Thank you :))