ESC

Click the "allow" button if you want to receive important news and updates from immigrationboards.com


Immigrationboards.com: Immigration, work visa and work permit discussion board

Welcome to immigrationboards.com!

Login Register Do not show

Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

A section for posts relating to applications for Naturalisation or Registration as a British Citizen. Naturalisation

Moderators: Casa, push, JAJ, ca.funke, Amber, zimba, vinny, Obie, EUsmileWEallsmile, batleykhan, meself2, geriatrix, John, ChetanOjha, archigabe

Vk2014
Newly Registered
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon Jan 20, 2014 11:07 pm

Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by Vk2014 » Wed Apr 27, 2016 9:15 pm

Hi all,
I am an Indian citizen applying for British citizenship in May.

Do I need to write a test to prove knowledge of English language?

I recieved ILR in May 2015. At that time I submitted NARIC letter confirming that my degree is equivalent to UK bachelors degree and a print out of PBS tier 2 calculator.

Does this mean I do not need to prove this requirement again,

Thanks, VK

geriatrix
Moderator
Posts: 24755
Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2006 3:30 pm
Location: does it matter?

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by geriatrix » Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:03 pm

Life isn't fair, but you can be!

Vk2014
Newly Registered
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon Jan 20, 2014 11:07 pm

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by Vk2014 » Thu May 19, 2016 5:31 am

Hi geriatrix

I have read the FAQs, but still not sure if my application will be successful if I do not provide any evidence.

The form says we need to provide evidence for English language.
I called the call center and they said I can provide the PBS calculator print out. But that PBS calculator is not available.

Will be helpful if anyone can clarify this point.

Thanks.

sanjaywakhare
Junior Member
Posts: 90
Joined: Mon Feb 08, 2010 10:09 am
Location: India

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by sanjaywakhare » Fri May 20, 2016 4:44 pm

Hi Geriatrix, Vk2014,

The FAQ's are very good but the below on gov.uk site still confuses a lot
https://www.gov.uk/english-language/exemptions
(this page is updated on 6 April 2016)

If you’re applying for citizenship
There are no other exemptions if you’re applying to become a British citizen. You must have a relevant English language qualification even if you were exempt when you were granted settlement.


This clearly states that a language qualification is required.

The only relief is for Citizenship they accept certificates that has expired. So English language certificate used at the time of entry clearance 6 years ago can still be used
(https://www.gov.uk/english-language/app ... ifications)

SKJMR
Member
Posts: 132
Joined: Thu Jun 28, 2012 5:50 pm

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by SKJMR » Sun May 22, 2016 9:21 pm

Hi guys,

even i am in the same boat.

my wife used a letter from Jntu university plus points based calculator for ILR in jan 2015
but i am really confused, whether i can use the same docs now for naturlisation,
NCS, says fine, but people say rules changed
homeoffice website says somethings else
any information guys please let me know

blackeyed
Junior Member
Posts: 72
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2010 9:55 am

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by blackeyed » Tue May 24, 2016 11:01 am

Hi All, can anyone answer above query?
I got TIer 1(General)->ILR shpwing print out of tier 2 pbs calculator showing 10 points for my Indian degree.

Can this be used for naturalisation or I need UK NARIC certificate and letter from university (almost impossible to get)

Thanks

spzenthil
Member
Posts: 133
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2011 4:43 am

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by spzenthil » Tue May 24, 2016 3:45 pm

Hi,

I have raised the same question here as well.

http://www.immigrationboards.com/britis ... l#p1345861

I did some research and have talked to Home office as well. I think they no longer accept PBS print out so we need to get a letter from NARIC along with the university degree.

Hope that helps.

Thanks,
-Senthil

blackeyed
Junior Member
Posts: 72
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2010 9:55 am

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by blackeyed » Tue May 24, 2016 5:46 pm

Thanks for your reply mate. I called my university staff and they are not going to issue letter as degree and transcripts clearly show subjects taught in English.

I think the only option left is SELT or any other English test :(

Noetic
Member of Standing
Posts: 425
Joined: Wed Mar 30, 2016 5:34 am

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by Noetic » Tue May 24, 2016 5:58 pm

Make sure the provider is on the list in this link https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... uage-tests

blackeyed
Junior Member
Posts: 72
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2010 9:55 am

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by blackeyed » Tue May 24, 2016 6:38 pm

Thanks mate, just to confirm GESE Grade 5 (B1) from Trinity will be sufficient?

spzenthil
Member
Posts: 133
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2011 4:43 am

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by spzenthil » Wed May 25, 2016 8:57 am

@ blackeyed, why do you need to write the test?

You can use NARIC service and just get a letter from them to confirm that the degree is taught in english.
The letter from the university is no longer relevant as per the current application form. Am I missing something here?

Thanks,
-Senthil

blackeyed
Junior Member
Posts: 72
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2010 9:55 am

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by blackeyed » Wed May 25, 2016 11:07 am

@senthil - UK Naric is requesting Degree, Transcripts and Letter from university for medium of education to verify and confirm that.

Noetic
Member of Standing
Posts: 425
Joined: Wed Mar 30, 2016 5:34 am

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by Noetic » Wed May 25, 2016 12:29 pm

blackeyed wrote:Thanks mate, just to confirm GESE Grade 5 (B1) from Trinity will be sufficient?
As long as the test centre is on the Home Office list of approved providers.

spzenthil
Member
Posts: 133
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2011 4:43 am

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by spzenthil » Wed May 25, 2016 1:36 pm

@blackeyed What service you are requesting from NARIC?

I have just applied for the NARIC certificate as well and it was asking for degree certificates and transcripts (consolidated marksheet) only.

Thanks,
-Senthil

blackeyed
Junior Member
Posts: 72
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2010 9:55 am

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by blackeyed » Wed May 25, 2016 2:07 pm

@senthil I was using UK NARIC UK visa and nationality service https://www.naric.org.uk/visas%20and%20 ... apply.aspx

I called there helpline as well but may be they misguided me :x

hussainkothari
Member of Standing
Posts: 444
Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 2:33 pm
Location: UK

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by hussainkothari » Wed May 25, 2016 2:43 pm

Hello,

Are we saying we cannot tick the option of "I met the knowledge of language and life requirement to qualify for settlement on or after 28th October 2013" and leave Question 1.23 blank?

Do we need a NARIC or B1 qualification?

blackeyed
Junior Member
Posts: 72
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2010 9:55 am

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by blackeyed » Wed May 25, 2016 3:06 pm

hussainkothari wrote:Hello,

Are we saying we cannot tick the option of "I met the knowledge of language and life requirement to qualify for settlement on or after 28th October 2013" and leave Question 1.23 blank?

Do we need a NARIC or B1 qualification?
That's what my Initial thought was but so many discussions on this topic and none is conclusive enough for clear guidance.

On page https://www.gov.uk/english-language/exemptions
it says
If you’re applying for citizenship

There are no other exemptions if you’re applying to become a British citizen. You must have a relevant English language qualification even if you were exempt when you were granted settlement.

I hope seniors/moderators on this forum should clarify this.

Daslimy1
Junior Member
Posts: 64
Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2007 7:56 am

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by Daslimy1 » Fri May 27, 2016 11:23 am

I spoke with NCS yesterday and specifically asked about 'Oct 23rd' option. She said we have been asked to ensure NARIC letter is submitted, if I don't want to submit that's my wish.

FAQ very clearly states it is an exempt, however I am still unsure.
Can any recent applicant's suggest if they selected Oct 23rd option were processed without any hassles?

BR
Everything comes to an end eventully...

Daslimy1
Junior Member
Posts: 64
Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2007 7:56 am

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by Daslimy1 » Fri May 27, 2016 11:37 am

Found this information from HO

If we have previously accepted a degree qualification as meeting the requirements for an earlier application, we will not need to see additional confirmation from UK NARIC. If the qualification has not previously been used for an immigration application, the applicant must obtain confirmation from UK NARIC that it meets the relevant criteria.


https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/ ... ing-804789

I think it seems fairly obvious, Oct 23rd option does not require any additional documentation...

Hope this helps
Everything comes to an end eventully...

Vk2014
Newly Registered
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon Jan 20, 2014 11:07 pm

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by Vk2014 » Mon May 30, 2016 6:57 am

Hi all

Thanks for sharing updates on this topic.

Has anyone applied for naturalization recently i.e. April onwards, without providing evidence for Knowledge of language (if they got ILR after Oct 2013)?
And if so, did you hear any updates from HO on your application?

Thanks.

vjvjvj
Newly Registered
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2015 3:32 pm

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by vjvjvj » Tue May 31, 2016 12:24 pm

Hi All,

I am as well in same boat bit confused on this English Language requirement, but what 'Daslimy1' has shared makes sense and we ideally need not submit anything extra, I am going to take a chance and submit nothing and just tick that 23rd Oct option and will see how it goes...

Cheers,
Vish

spzenthil
Member
Posts: 133
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2011 4:43 am

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by spzenthil » Tue May 31, 2016 1:11 pm

Thanks Daslimy1.

I think it looks clear to me now. I can choose the 28th Oct 2013 option and it looks very valid here.

P.S: My mistake for not reading through the whole application and looking at all the options provided in the application. Looks like I have wasted 55£ by applying for statement of comparability as it doesn't seem to be required here.

Thanks,
-Senthil

vjvjvj
Newly Registered
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2015 3:32 pm

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by vjvjvj » Tue May 31, 2016 1:38 pm

Hi Again,

This clarifies it all as well, I recommend to download this doc and keep safe if in worst case there are any discrepancies if we not submit any proof etc to ensure we can have a backup.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... t-koll.pdf

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.

WalSag
Newly Registered
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Jul 23, 2016 3:33 pm

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by WalSag » Sat Jul 23, 2016 4:34 pm

sanjaywakhare wrote:Hi Geriatrix, Vk2014,
The only relief is for Citizenship they accept certificates that has expired. So English language certificate used at the time of entry clearance 6 years ago can still be used
(https://www.gov.uk/english-language/app ... ifications)
I am an EU national so did not need a language certificate when I moved to the UK. I am now going to apply for PR then citizenship.
I passed the Cambridge First Certificate and the Certificate of Proficiency in English (level C2) when I was still a teenager, back in the 1990’s. Have they expired, or are they still valid? I have been working in the UK for nearly a decade now so am not out of practice. I was half way through a OU degree when the fees went up (as a part-time student, I didn’t qualify for a student loan), and can't afford to complete it. I have passed several (pricy) professional qualifications but none of them were at degree level. I am not afraid of failing the exam, just annoyed that it’s going to cost me another £150 (plus the cost of travelling to London – not that many exam centres in rural areas) and a whole Saturday. Plus I may well have to take strong painkillers at some point in the future, and from past experience (operation), these make my speech very slurred (and make me look as if I am drunk).

noajthan
Moderator
Posts: 14911
Joined: Sat Oct 25, 2014 11:31 am
Location: UK

Re: Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

Post by noajthan » Sat Jul 23, 2016 7:21 pm

You need to an submit up to date SELT from approved test centre (not necessarily London).
All that is gold does not glitter; Not all those who wander are lost. E&OE.

Locked
cron