ESOL or Life in the UK Test

[jimeva]

She had to pass an English Test before submitting her application for an Entry Clearance Visa to the Embassy in Manila. This was granted very quickly and was good for a stay of 27 months. After 2 years in UK she passed her "Life in UK" Test and was granted her " Indefinite Leave To Remain " Biometric Permit. We can't understand why she needs to pass an ESOL Test before she can apply for Citizenship. Please give us all the advice you can. I phoned the Home Office and spoke to a very pleasant young man who agreed they would not have issued an "ILR" if they did not have proof of my wife's english abilities but was almost certain the application would be declined unless she took a new test.

[Terpe]

She had to pass an English Test before submitting her application for an Entry Clearance Visa to the Embassy in Manila. This was granted very quickly and was good for a stay of 27 months. After 2 years in UK she passed her "Life in UK" Test and was granted her " Indefinite Leave To Remain " Biometric Permit. We can't understand why she needs to pass an ESOL Test before she can apply for Citizenship. Please give us all the advice you can. I phoned the Home Office and spoke to a very pleasant young man who agreed they would not have issued an "ILR" if they did not have proof of my wife's english abilities but was almost certain the application would be declined unless she took a new test.

1. Which test and what level/score did she attain for initial entry clearance?
2. When was she granted ILR ? From 28 October 2013, applicants for both ILR and Naturalisation are required to pass the Life in the UK Test and to hold a B1 level English language speaking and listening qualification. The test should be listed on the UKVI approved list.
3. If your wife already has English language speaking and listening at B1 level she will not be required to re-take a test.....even the certificate validity has expired......provided that test remains on the UKVI approved list.
4. It does not need to be an ESOL test at all................it can be any of the tests listed.

Luckily your wife already holds ILR so she's under no time pressure.