English test - impossible situation help please

[DavRog747]

Guys,

The saga continues, you may recollect that my fiancee has a bachelors degree but UK Naric as recommended by UK Vac and the Border Agency do not offer a service to certify this as equal to an A1 Basic Standard which is on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) as being

Basic
User A1 Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

I have taken the excellent advice I received here and attempted to book an English Test. It would seem that the only UK Border approved test is the
Key English Test (KET) as prescribed by the University of Cambridge. The EARLIEST date that they MIGHT BE Able to offer the test (providing they can get at least 10 participants) is MAYBE the 18th November we are due to get married on 15th October 2011in the UK. But this combined with the anticipated processing time for the Visa would mean that she would be unable to come here at this rate until 2013.

I am at a loss here to know what to do next, UK Naric don’t offer a A1 certification service and the ONLY approved English Test providers can’t Guarantee even facilitating a test and even then not until November 18th.

Help and guidance to a very frustrated couple

Many thanks as always - DavRog

[Terpe]

DavRog,
Please don't take this the wrong way but I think you're getting yourself into a self-inflicted spin.

Take a look here at the UKBA approved listing:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/si...lish-tests.pdf

Now all down the left-hand column you will find the tests that are accepted.
KET is by no means the only test approved or available.
Plenty on this form will take IELTS, TOEIC and TOEFL all of which are on the list.

There is no such thing as an A1 test, A1 is the level that is required.

NARIC do offer a specialised service but UKBA require it to be aligned to the PBS Calculator.
From what you've said your fiancee would be easily capable of IELTS.

I know you already mentioned she has a bachelors degree and I previously outlined how she could satisfy the UKBA without using NARIC. I also indicated that personally I would consider it a risk and it would be better to take a test. Of course it will cost money, about P7000-P8000 but surely that's not a big issue.

Look at the listing, select a test, find a location and test centre and get something booked up.

[Arthur Little]

DavRog,

Of course it will cost money, about P7000-P8000 but surely that's not a big issue.

Perhaps not ... IF the parties concerned are still left with sufficient wherewithal to cover the extortionate fees payable in applying for Settlement Visas afterwards.

Apologies for the "rant" ... but, the whole Application Process was ALREADY [exceedingly] stressful enough prior to November 2010 - without the added strain and expense currently imposed on applicants having to take any tests in a language that has long been recognised as being the medium of instruction from a very elementary stage in Philippine schools. And it's steadily becoming increasingly more difficult due to UKBA limiting the number of Approved Testing Facilities available ... not to mention recent proposals to further restrict entry to those whose sponsors' incomes are above a certain level.

*Pressure is building up on the Government to [hopefully] abandon this (dare I say?) "racist", money-making racket ... and I, for one, fervently *it will succeed!

[lastlid]

We had a similar problem. My wife has a degree from a Philippine university but it isnt recognised by UK NARIC, even though it was taught entirely in English. All advice was that she took the A1 english test. Which she did and passed reasonably easily. The problem with it was extra time, stress and expense.

UK NARIC explained that the reason for non acceptance of her degree was because it was a vocational course and not like a degree in the UK.

[sars_notd_virus]

guys, just to let u know that english is our 2nd language in the Philippines..its widely taught in all schools public and private, but it doesnt mean that it always comes up to the Uk test standards expectation such as ESOL....also we are taught ''American English'' which puts us behind to start with

[Moy]

very true sars

[Arthur Little]

guys, just to let u know that english is our 2nd language in the Philippines ..its widely taught in all schools public and private, but it doesnt mean that it always comes up to the Uk test standards expectation such as ESOL....

... yes, Mari ... but the fact IS, it's the 'Medium of Instruction' in your country - as I keep pointing out endlessly to all and sundry [usually] to no avail. I even did so yet again earlier today ... in a "sister" thread: 'English Test /Bachelors' Degree'. And - like your goodself - the person I happened to be replying to, had the courtesy to respond. But, sadly, (as I've indicated above) very few members seem to take what I have oft-repeated in this context, seriously. Sometimes - like most folk - I get things wrong. And when I do, I'm generally the first to acknowledge my mistake(s). But ... being married to Myrna, who was a teacher for 22 years in the Phils, makes me all the more adamant that MOST educated Filipinos speak and understand English perfectly well - unlike the vast majority of continental Europeans ... whose presence in the UK is NOT determined by their linguistic abilities - or lack of - thanks to EEC directives.

That's why I am totally opposed to these trumped-up, money-spinners.

[Arthur Little]

....also we are taught ''American English'' which puts us behind to start with

It's STILL English, though ... laying aside that irritating drawl!

[toging]

It's STILL English, though ... laying aside that irritating drawl!

[sars_notd_virus]

That's why I am totally opposed to these trumped-up, money-spinners.

they are allowed to change rules as often as they want and costs us more money

[DavRog747]

Terpe, excellent advice as always, you are right I had lost the plot have found an IELTS review centre in Analyns home town Ormoc and will test in Cebu on the 24th September. We will need to put the wedding back until November now but better safe than sorry, thank you

[DavRog747]

... yes, Mari ... but the fact IS, it's the 'Medium of Instruction' in your country - as I keep pointing out endlessly to all and sundry [usually] to no avail. I even did so yet again earlier today ... in a "sister" thread: 'English Test /Bachelors' Degree'. And - like your goodself - the person I happened to be replying to, had the courtesy to respond. But, sadly, (as I've indicated above) very few members seem to take what I have oft-repeated in this context, seriously. Sometimes - like most folk - I get things wrong. And when I do, I'm generally the first to acknowledge my mistake(s). But ... being married to Myrna, who was a teacher for 22 years in the Phils, makes me all the more adamant that MOST educated Filipinos speak and understand English perfectly well - unlike the vast majority of continental Europeans ... whose presence in the UK is NOT determined by their linguistic abilities - or lack of - thanks to EEC directives.

That's why I am totally opposed to these trumped-up, money-spinners.

Thank you Arthur and Terpe, not a Rant Arthur you are pointing out what a rip off of it is and a minefield for the uninitiated like myself. Suffice to say UK Vac / UK Naric and the Manila Embassy have not replied thank god for you guys. I am sure many people say it but a big thank you for the guidance and support.

[DavRog747]

they are allowed to change rules as often as they want and costs us more money

Could not agree more nothing short of extortion they just need the stripey shirts now and masks to make the process complete