Changes to 'knowledge of language and life' requirements and application details

[raynaputi]

Once I receive a response from UKBA, I will post the letter here and I'm hoping it's the same with the one ckman posted. Ckman's post is the 2nd time I've heard it from another person with the same answer from UKBA.

[Terpe]

Once I receive a response from UKBA, I will post the letter here and I'm hoping it's the same with the one ckman posted. Ckman's post is the 2nd time I've heard it from another person with the same answer from UKBA.

I can't remember where I posted this previously. Maybe should have made it a sticky.

Here's what the Home Office Statement of Intent says:-

English Language Qualifications
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 or above will be required to take another one. So, for example, a person applying for settlement as a Tier 2 (General) migrant who has already demonstrated a knowledge of English equivalent to B1 level in order to qualify for entry clearance, will not have to take a further test at settlement stage.

I've highlighted the key part which seems to indicate that if B1 level is achieved already then no further tests are required.

However, this wasn't quite clear enough for many folks. Maybe as it mentioned Tier 2 but didn't make any mention to Spouse.
Subseqyently a good number of Freedom of Information questions were formally raised.

Here's one that was asked 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.

This appears to provide the needed clarity to the stated Home Office position.

Here's another FOI reply here which I show below:-

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.

The important point being that the test certificate being held MUST still appear on the UKBA approved listing