English requirements for Spouse visa from October 2013

[thunderb0lt]

Hi all

I have been reading about the requirement to pass English speaking and listening at B1 level and "Life in the UK" from October 2013.
I am confused, does this requirement apply to the 2 year spouse visa, permanent settlement visas or both.

I have been searching and came across this:

http://1st4immigration-visas.blogspot.c ... -from.html

It's a post from 2012 but seems to suggest that for the 2 year spousal visa it's still A1 level for English speaking and listening from October 2013.

I find it a bit strange if someone is required to know about "life in the uk" before entering.

Can someone please clarify.

Thanks

[menwall]

My understanding is that the changes will only effect those applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

A1 English Level is and still will be enough for a spouse visa, but eventually your spouse will have to take the Life in the UK Test and pass a test at B1 level or above when applying for ILR.

1. Spouse Visa (A1 requirement)
2. FLR(M) (A1 requirement)
3. FLR(M) (A1 requirement)
4. ILR (B1 and Life in UK test)

The above would be the 5 year route to settlement. My fiance is going to sit the Cambridge PET and expects to pass at B1 level or above. The certificate has no expiry, thus she wont have to do another test when applying for ILR in 4-5 years (unless of course requirements change again).

This is all just from my understanding though. I hope others will correct me if I am wrong.