Home office reply for English language requirement

[samira_uk]

It is still unclear. According to Paragraph 2.2(b) of Appendix KoLL, Tier 1 General migrants do not have to do another tests and it is confirmed in their own guidance. I dont know why in none of the replies from Home Office they accepted and they simply ignored that questions.

I hope Home Office change application form shortly

[s_saini]

Hi

I got replay from UK NARIC for my my Master degree from Punjab, India. My qualification is listed in Point Based Calculator and awarded points for English etc.

Dear Mr xxxx,
Thank you for contacting UK NARIC. However, we are unable to process your application for the following reason(s):
In order for an overseas qualification to meet the UK NARIC English Language Assessment criteria, the comparable level of the qualification must be British Bachelor degree standard. The qualification that you have submitted is higher than this level. Unfortunately, your qualification does therefore not meet the criteria for this service.
If you require confirmation of the comparable level of your qualification, please refer to our website for details of how to apply for a statement of comparability.
If you have already submitted a payment for an English Language Assessment, this will be refunded to you. If you wish to transfer this payment towards a different UK NARIC service, please contact us by telephone (0871 330 7033) to discuss this further.
Kind regards
UK NARIC

[Damanisshallo]

Hi

I got replay from UK NARIC for my my Master degree from Punjab, India. My qualification is listed in Point Based Calculator and awarded points for English etc.

Dear Mr xxxx,
Thank you for contacting UK NARIC. However, we are unable to process your application for the following reason(s):
In order for an overseas qualification to meet the UK NARIC English Language Assessment criteria, the comparable level of the qualification must be British Bachelor degree standard. The qualification that you have submitted is higher than this level. Unfortunately, your qualification does therefore not meet the criteria for this service.
If you require confirmation of the comparable level of your qualification, please refer to our website for details of how to apply for a statement of comparability.
If you have already submitted a payment for an English Language Assessment, this will be refunded to you. If you wish to transfer this payment towards a different UK NARIC service, please contact us by telephone (0871 330 7033) to discuss this further.
Kind regards
UK NARIC

Don't know how far this is true but this was raised in the past.

[suds19]

It is still unclear. According to Paragraph 2.2(b) of Appendix KoLL, Tier 1 General migrants do not have to do another tests and it is confirmed in their own guidance. I dont know why in none of the replies from Home Office they accepted and they simply ignored that questions.

I hope Home Office change application form shortly

Note sure what you meant by UKBA not accepting in any of their replies. In fact in all UKBA replies posted in this tread, they have accepted this fact that you do not have to take test again, but simply provide your "old expired test" or "bachelor degree+PBS printout", whichever way you satisfied English requirement during EC.

[imrantak]

Dear Mr Tak,

Thank you for your e-mail.

The answer to your question can be found at section 6 of the attached factsheet.

I hope this helps.

Jane Whitehead


Jane Whitehead
Nationality Operational Policy | Operational Policy & Rules Unit
Immigration & Border Policy | Home Office



========================================

Degree Qualifications
5. Will my degree meet the requirement?
If you have a qualification that was taught or researched in English you can meet the language part of the requirement if:
- Your qualification is deemed by UK NARIC to meet the recognised standard of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or PhD in the UK, or
- Your qualification was taught or researched in an English speaking country other than Canada (see list below).
You will need to send your certificate as evidence of your qualification.

6. How do I show that my qualification is deemed by UK NARIC to be the recognised standard?
UK NARIC regularly update the online points based calculator (which is on our website) with information about various degrees. If you obtained a degree overseas and were awarded ten points for English language skill, you can submit evidence from the online points calculator, together with the original degree certificate, to demonstrate that you can satisfy the English language element of the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KOLL) requirement.
Alternatively, you can obtain confirmation from UK NARIC that your qualification was taught or researched in English by requesting an English Language Assessment (ELA). Details of how to contact UK NARIC can be found at: http://ecctis.co.uk/naric/Contact%20Us.aspx

[s_saini]

Hi
I have received the above message form UKBA, I asked them the same question about English.

Thanks

[s_saini]

About dependent they write
"Your dependent can also provide a copy of the points based calculator to demonstrate her eligibility. She should complete the calculator as if she were a Tier 2 migrant."

Thanks

[BalajiSundaram]

About dependent they write
"Your dependent can also provide a copy of the points based calculator to demonstrate her eligibility. She should complete the calculator as if she were a Tier 2 migrant."

Thanks

Hi, Please could you copy paste the entire email content along with your email. Do you mean to say even if a dependent is a Tier 1 General dependent, he/she needs to complete the calculator as a Tier 2 migrant and not as a Tier 1 General?

Thanks

[samira_uk]

It is the latest reply I received from HO and it comforts the rules:

Thank you for your enquiry regarding the revised knowledge of Language and Life in the UK requirement that came in to force on 28th October 2013.

Applications for settlement in the UK must be supported by evidence that the applicant:
· has passed the Life in the UK test; AND

· has an English language speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or an equivalent level qualification

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.

Those who achieved a language qualification in English at B1 or higher in a previous application can rely on this same qualification to demonstrate the language ability for settlement purposes. Applicants should submit a copy of this language certificate with their application.

When completing the application form applicants should indicate that you have an English language speaking and listening qualification.

Applicants will also need to show that they have passed the life in the UK test to demonstrate their knowledge of life in the UK.

[s_saini]

Please see the full reply from Knowledge Of Life Policy Queries
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answer
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Dear Mr Xxxx

Thank you for your enquiry regarding the revised knowledge of Language and Life in the UK requirement that came in to force on 28th October 2013.



Applications for settlement in the UK must now be supported by evidence that the applicant:



· has passed the Life in the UK test; AND

· has an English language speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or an equivalent level qualification



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.



In addition, those who have obtained an academic (not professional or vocational) qualification deemed by UK NARIC to meet the recognised standard of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or PhD in the UK and

a) UK NARIC has confirmed that the qualification was taught or researched in English; or

b) The qualification was taught or researched in the UK or a majority English speaking country


will not be required to show a formal speaking and listening qualification.

UK NARIC regularly update the online points based calculator (which is on our website) with information about various degrees. If you obtained a degree overseas and were awarded ten points for English language skill, you can submit evidence from the online points calculator, together with the original degree certificate, to demonstrate that you can satisfy the English language element of the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KOLL) requirement.



Your dependent can also provide a copy of the points based calculator to demonstrate her eligibility. She should complete the calculator as if she were a Tier 2 migrant.



Applicants will also need to show that they have passed the life in the UK test to demonstrate their knowledge of life in the UK.



Regards



Mrs C Richards


Mrs C Richards
Nationality Policy Advisor | Operational Policy & Rules Unit
Immigration & Border Policy | Home Office
Home Office, The Capital, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L3 9PP.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question Asked
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Xxxxxx
Sent: 13 November 2013 16:25
To: Nationality Policy Team - Liverpool
Subject: Settlement Knowledge of language (New rule effective 28th October 2013) query - Tier 1 General category

Dear Sirs,

I have been in the UK legally from 11-Mar-2009, for almost 5 years.

I would like to get clarification on applying for ILR, based on the new rule effective 28th October 2013 regarding knowledge of language requirement.

I have done my Master's Of Computer Application degree from one of the university in India, this university is recognized in points based calculator (PBS) and I have already proved my English language requirement when I applied for my initial Tier 1 General visa in the year 2009.

My query is do I need to prove my knowledge of English for my settlement? If yes original Master degree certificate is sufficient?

a) Is it mandatory to submit UK NARIC statement of comparability certificate for my Master's degree while I apply for my settlement as my degree and university is recognized in the Points based calculator (PBS) ?

b) However I have a dependent applying with me for settlement and can the dependent use the same PBS calculator to show that she has met the English language requirement through her degree or does she need to get a statement of comparability from UK NARIC. As I understand the PBS calculator is used only for the main applicant. My dependent has a bachelors and masters degree both are recognized in the PBS calculator when i tried it.

Please could you kindly advise on this?


--
Thanks & Regards
Mr Xxxxx

[BalajiSundaram]

Thank you s_saini.

[Damanisshallo]

The news about how an applicant can use the Points Calculator is now published on UKBA's website.

[Ashwin G]

The news about how an applicant can use the Points Calculator is now published on UKBA's website.

Agree that in principle, points awarded for English language should be enough and probably that is what UKBA intend to say - but still not crystal clear.

The point about online PBS being enough is mentioned on the page about KOLL when one goes through British Citizenship link -

British citizenship > Applying > Application types > Naturalisation > Life in the UK > English language qualification

link below

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/briti ... ification/

If one goes through the settlement link the KOLL page is different!!! it doesn't mention PBS being sufficient -

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas ... nstrating/

Not sure whether to take chance

[akb]

Please see the full reply from Knowledge Of Life Policy Queries
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Answer
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Dear Mr Xxxx

Thank you for your enquiry regarding the revised knowledge of Language and Life .............


Your dependent can also provide a copy of the points based calculator to demonstrate her eligibility. She should complete the calculator as if she were a Tier 2 migrant.


Applicants will also need to show that they have passed the life in the UK test to demonstrate their knowledge of life in the UK.


Regards

Mrs C Richards


Mrs C Richards
Nationality Policy Advisor | Operational Policy & Rules Unit
Immigration & Border Policy | Home Office
Home Office, The Capital, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L3 9PP.

Is this tier-2 or tier-1, bit confused ?

[s_saini]

Hi akb

I think she is asking to access dependent English as if he/she were a Tier 2 Migrant, because tier 2 migrant need to demonstrate English at B1 level.

Tier 1 (General) assessment validate your degree on Online Calculator equivalent to C1 English requirement, which is higher than the ILR KOLL requirement(i.e B1).

Thanks

[akb]

Hi akb

I think she is asking to access dependent English as if he/she were a Tier 2 Migrant, because tier 2 migrant need to demonstrate English at B1 level.

Tier 1 (General) assessment validate your degree on Online Calculator equivalent to C1 English requirement, which is higher than the ILR KOLL requirement(i.e B1).

Thanks

Thank you for the explanation.

[srivathsa]

I am in the same boat, having a graduate and a post graduate degree from Indian university, which is accepted in the PBS calculator, and have used the same for my previous Tier 2 ICT applications.

Can I use the box 'eligible based on previous application'
or
Use the PBS calculator to show the eligibility for english requirement?

Has anyone sucessfully used this in their application post 28th Oct?

Thanks

Sri

[Damanisshallo]

I am in the same boat, having a graduate and a post graduate degree from Indian university, which is accepted in the PBS calculator, and have used the same for my previous Tier 2 ICT applications.

Can I use the box 'eligible based on previous application'

Which form are you referring to?

or
Use the PBS calculator to show the eligibility for english requirement?

Has anyone sucessfully used this in their application post 28th Oct?

Thanks

Sri

[srivathsa]

I am using the Set (O) form, but just realised that the form doesn't have the option for 'eligible based on previous application', which I remember seeing somewhere in the heaps of forms and pages on UKBA or immigration websites. Got it confused, sorry about that.

I guess, I can click the 'A degree taught or researched in English,' option and back it up with a PBS printout & original certificate?

It would be interesting to hear of anyone successfully used this in their application.

[Damanisshallo]

From: Knowledge Of Life Policy Queries <KnowledgeOfLifePolicyQueries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk>
Date: 25 November 2013 14:18:36 GMT
To: Something@nothing.com>
Cc: Knowledge Of Life Policy Queries <KnowledgeOfLifePolicyQueries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk>
Subject: RE: English Language Requirement: Naturalisation using PBS Calculator

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your enquiry.

The PBS calculator is designed specifically to assess the English language skills for entry as a PBS migrant, but in the absence of a calculator which assesses English language skills for the KOLL requirement, non-PBS applicants can also use it to evidence this requirement. It should be noted however that, if entering details as a Tier 1 (General) where the degree may have met level B1 CEFR, but does not meet level C1 CEFR, the applicant would not be awarded 10 points for English language, as to enter the Tier 1 (General) category, the migrant needs C1 level English.

Applicants wishing to use the PBS calculator to evidence the KOLL requirement, should therefore enter details of their degree as a Tier 2 (General) migrant, as entry to this category requires level B1 CEFR only.

I trust this clarifies the situation.

Regards

Ann


Ann Woodall | Nationality Operational Policy| Operational Policy & Rules Unit|Immigration and Border Policy Directorate | Home Office

Blue Zone, 5th Floor, The Capital | Liverpool | L39PP
Tel: 0151 213 4247

[Damanisshallo]

I guess, I can click the 'A degree taught or researched in English,' option and back it up with a PBS printout & original certificate?

It would be interesting to hear of anyone successfully used this in their application.

Read a successful story.

[mego_1980]

What about expired IELTS test??? will they accept it?

[Damanisshallo]

Read point 3

[adi.sharma80]

I do not have my degrees with me however I have the UK Naric statement of comparability and my marksheets. Will that count.

Pls help

[bhabal]

Dear all,

I need a big favour. Recently I got the letter from liverpool office as they need NARIC documents both comparability and english language assessment to further process the application. My wife applied for indefinite leave set(m) after two year spouse two year visa. They just given 10 working days .

Please kindly guide me how to respond to this
Can i send them point based calculator printout as her degree satisfies the point criteria
or any possibility of extending time deadline.