ILR and Citizenship Tougher language requirements

[anees]

So, I have some news. I called the Croydon centre and was told the following:

both the LIUK test and an additional certificate to demonstrate your proficiency in English is mandatory for ILR. If you do not have either of these, then your ILR will be refused.

It does not matter if you previously passed an English langauge requirement to meet entry clearance. You will have to meet ILR rules that are in force at the time when you apply for ILR.

So, whilst the logic is totally irrational, I believe I have to signup for an ESOL certificate...LOL...

Sorry people, but the UKBA requirements are there to frustrate you and put you off from applying for ILR / citizenship.

ANees.

[john353]

What does the following taken from page 6 mean then about those who have degree in english?
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... t-koll.pdf

The following groups are considered automatically to meet the English language component of the
KoLL requirement and will not be required to show a formal speaking and listening qualification:
• Nationals of majority English speaking countries (Annex A).
• Those who have obtained a degree taught in English.
Both of these groups will, however, be required to pass the Life in the UK test to demonstrate
their knowledge of life in the UK.

[T1ilr]

Hi Anees,

Thanks for the update mate.

I would wait for the final announcement before getting too happy or sad.

Who on earth would want to prove during entry clearance and again for ILR and again with clear mention in LIUK pass certificate that no further proof is required, I seriously suspect, if enacted, will not stand in the court of law.

Kind regards

[spssbkp]

Though we don't know much about exact rules, what happens in following scenario.

A dependent who is 17 years old on September 2013 and obtains his ILR without the LIUK certificate (as it is not required for people under 18). However, when he applies for Naturalisation in 2014, he will be over 18 years. So he needs to write LIUK and as well show the English language qualifications at B1 Level?

Does above understanding is correct?

Yes he is supposed to write LITUK for citizenship. This is also applicable for scenarios where people who completed LITUK under old syllabus were given pass letters stating that the validity is 2 years only (not any more ). So those too have to write it again.

[dadageer]

So, I have some news. I called the Croydon centre and was told the following:

both the LIUK test and an additional certificate to demonstrate your proficiency in English is mandatory for ILR. If you do not have either of these, then your ILR will be refused.

It does not matter if you previously passed an English langauge requirement to meet entry clearance. You will have to meet ILR rules that are in force at the time when you apply for ILR.

So, whilst the logic is totally irrational, I believe I have to signup for an ESOL certificate...LOL...

Sorry people, but the UKBA requirements are there to frustrate you and put you off from applying for ILR / citizenship.

ANees.

I knew it! hence ESOL test booked already and will write End of August. It's a shame that people like us who have proved their language ability in past (LIUK test or NARIC cert.) have to do it again.

[sahana6]

Hi,

May I know if anyone has taken BULATS online test in UK as one of the approved english tests for Naturalisation. Is this is a valid test for english langauge requirement for Naturalisation?

Its not too clear from UKBA, if it is mandatory to take courses with citizenship materials from an accredited college or directly take any test from the approved list of english tests published on UKBA.

This new rule is driving me crazy as I am eligibile to apply for naturalisation in Nov 2013.

Thanks.

[m3y]

Does anyone know if esol qualifications will satisfy this B1 requirement? and if so what level?

Thanks in advance for your help

[kais]

I am Tier (2) Gen and will be applying for ILR in or around March 2014 and I think I dont need to prove ANYMORE English reqirment BASED on the FOLLOWINGS( Taken from UKBA Website).

Advice if or if not agreed:

How do I demonstrate my knowledge of language and life in the UK?

If you are not exempt from the KOL requirement, you must demonstrate a good knowledge of language and life in the UK before you apply for settlement. Most applicants will need to do this by:

passing the 'Life in the UK' test,

if they speak English to a reasonable standard, or if they are currently in the UK as skilled or highly skilled migrants; or

taking and passing a course in English and citizenship, if they do not speak English.

I think and believe that I come into FIRST (of two above mentioned) so already meet this English Requirment.

[sahana6]

Hello,
As per KOLL requirement for Naturalisation, it clearly says that -

The following groups are considered automatically to meet the English language component of the KoLL requirement and will not be required to show a formal speaking and listening qualification:
• Nationals of majority English speaking countries (Annex A).
• Those who have obtained a degree taught in English.

I will be applying for Naturalisation as a spouse of British Citizen, and hold a Bachelors degree from Indian university, and the certificate clearly says Medium: English. Will this not suffice the English language requirement for Naturalisation?

Appreciate any pointers on how to get a confirmation on this from UKBA?

Thanks.

[T1ilr]

I have requested information from UKBA based on FOI a week back. I will update as and when I get a response.

Thanks

[dadageer]

Just to give you guys an update on my situation. Obviously I was a bit disappointed as well like all you guys who have passed LIUK test and have been doing professional job yet we have to satisfy this English B1 requirement to apply for Citizenship. I don't know what would be the outcome of this fiasco as it is entirely possible Home office realize their mistake and announce no need for English test who passed LIUK end of this year or early next year and it can go other way round as well and they can be adamant about this requirement. Regardless, I had some time constraints as I have to apply early next year so can't wait at the fence watching what would happen. I appeared in the ESOL FCE Exam last week and all went well. The centre was 10 min walk from my home so I didn't have to struggle booking the exam or traveling to the centre. I have to get B1 in listening and Speaking which I am sure I will get. Result is in first week of October so fingers x. Now even if Home office stay firm on this requirement, I am already done with it.

[humanvoid]

I have to get B1 in listening and Speaking which I am sure I will get. Result is in first week of October so fingers x. Now even if Home office stay firm on this requirement, I am already done with it.

I would not be so sure about that. Have you checked here http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... -tests.pdf?

FCE is B2 Level exam and according to that confusing document you have to score at Borderline grade. Maybe I am mistaken but this is how I understand it.

[fslateef]

I have to get B1 in listening and Speaking which I am sure I will get. Result is in first week of October so fingers x. Now even if Home office stay firm on this requirement, I am already done with it.

I would not be so sure about that. Have you checked here http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... -tests.pdf?

FCE is B2 Level exam and according to that confusing document you have to score at Borderline grade. Maybe I am mistaken but this is how I understand it.

FCE exam will take you to level C1 when you get exceptional skills and minimum pass is B1 level which we need after 28th Oct 2013, right ?

If so then he is very well safe.

[humanvoid]

FCE exam will take you to level C1 when you get exceptional skills and minimum pass is B1 level which we need after 28th Oct 2013, right ?

If so then he is very well safe.

The highest grade you can get at FCE is Grade A (>=80 points) which is equivalent to C1 but you still will be awarded B2 Level no matter how well you did.

The point I am trying to make is about minimum grade requirements (WEAK,BORDERLINE,EXCEPTIONAL) outlined in that document which to me seems illogical. It says if you pass at B1 - you can get away with WEAK grades, but if you pass at grade A, which is three levels up - all must be EXCEPTIONAL. I think they messed up the document itself.

[fslateef]

The highest grade you can get at FCE is Grade A (>=80 points) which is equivalent to C1 but you still will be awarded B2 Level no matter how well you did.

The point I am trying to make is about minimum grade requirements (WEAK,BORDERLINE,EXCEPTIONAL) outlined in that document which to me seems illogical. It says if you pass at B1 - you can get away with WEAK grades, but if you pass at grade A, which is three levels up - all must be EXCEPTIONAL. I think they messed up the document itself.

Yes you are right.

[sahana6]

Hello,

I see a new document on UKBA outlining the KOLL requirement for naturalisation in detail -

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

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... ettlement1

Degrees taught in English
Those who have obtained a degree taught in English will not be required to show a formal speaking and listening qualification.
Those with an academic qualification (not a professional or vocational qualification) who provide appropriate evidence that the qualification was taught or researched in English are considered automatically to meet the English language component of the KoLL requirement and will not be required to show a formal speaking and listening qualification. The qualification must be deemed by UK NARIC to meet the recognised standard of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or PhD in the UK. However, they will still be required to pass the Life in the UK test to demonstrate their knowledge of life in the UK.

This will mean if you hold a degree taught in English, this will suffice. May be getting a UK NARIC certificate would be ideal to be on a safer side.


Thanks.

[dadageer]

I have to get B1 in listening and Speaking which I am sure I will get. Result is in first week of October so fingers x. Now even if Home office stay firm on this requirement, I am already done with it.

I would not be so sure about that. Have you checked here http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... -tests.pdf?

FCE is B2 Level exam and according to that confusing document you have to score at Borderline grade. Maybe I am mistaken but this is how I understand it.

FCE exam will take you to level C1 when you get exceptional skills and minimum pass is B1 level which we need after 28th Oct 2013, right ?

If so then he is very well safe.

Even if I do BORDERLINE in FCE exam..I will get B1..I played safe as in PET, if you BORDERLINE you may go down to A2. To be honest FCE exam was not that difficult if you have been living here for a while and doing a professional job.

[mudassar88]

Hi,

According to following link if UKBA web site they clearly stated that english language test is not required if you are on skilled or higly skilled visa. Can you people please have a look on this link and comment.

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

Thanks

[dadageer]

Hi,

According to following link if UKBA web site they clearly stated that english language test is not required if you are on skilled or higly skilled visa. Can you people please have a look on this link and comment.

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

Thanks

If you click "Changes to 'knowledge of language and life' requirements and application details" you will see this:


20 September 2013

From 28 October 2013, unless they are exempt, all applicants for settlement or naturalisation as a British citizen will need to meet the knowledge of language and life requirement by:

passing the life in the UK test; and
having a speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 CEFR or higher, or its equivalent.

[dadageer]

Just to let you guys know that I got my FCE result today and was placed in C1 category.

They have four levels to grade like Exceptional, Good, Borderline and Weak.
Anyone scoring between 45 - 59 out of 100 will be awarded B1. I was given Exceptional in Reading, Writing, Use of English, Speaking and Listening.

I got 81/100 and was given FCE with Grade A (equivalent to C1).

I would encourage you guys to go for it if you have to apply early next year for Indefinite or Citizenship.

[mudassar88]

They are stating following two paragraphs which are clearly stating that ESOL is not for Tier1 or HSMP visa holders.

There are 2 ways to demonstrate your knowledge of language and life (KOL) in the UK.

If you are an English speaker (see below) and/or you are currently in the UK as a skilled or highly skilled migrant, you must pass the 'Life in the UK test'.
If you are not an English speaker and you are not a skilled or highly skilled migrant, you must pass a course in English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) which contains citizenship materials

Thanks

[dadageer]

They are stating following two paragraphs which are clearly stating that ESOL is not for Tier1 or HSMP visa holders.

There are 2 ways to demonstrate your knowledge of language and life (KOL) in the UK.

If you are an English speaker (see below) and/or you are currently in the UK as a skilled or highly skilled migrant, you must pass the 'Life in the UK test'.
If you are not an English speaker and you are not a skilled or highly skilled migrant, you must pass a course in English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) which contains citizenship materials

Thanks

I understand that but it was before they imposed these new rules. As you can clearly see that at the start they mentioned rules will change from Oct 2013. If you are applying before that then you are good to go with LIUK test but if you are applying after Oct 2013 then you must read the new rules which I have already posted in above post.

[dadageer]

New announcement:

20 September 2013

From 28 October 2013, unless they are exempt, all applicants for settlement or naturalisation as a British citizen will need to meet the knowledge of language and life requirement by:

passing the life in the UK test; and
having a speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 CEFR or higher, or its equivalent.

For details of the new requirement please see the Changes to the knowledge of language and life requirements for settlement or naturalisation document on this website.

For an application for citizenship to be considered under the pre 28 October requirements, the application will need to be received by UK Visas & Immigration by Friday 25 October 2013 (the last working day before the change). We do not receive a postal delivery on Saturday or Sunday.



http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... updates%29

[Sham96]

New announcement:

20 September 2013

From 28 October 2013, unless they are exempt, all applicants for settlement or naturalisation as a British citizen will need to meet the knowledge of language and life requirement by:

passing the life in the UK test; and
having a speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 CEFR or higher, or its equivalent.

For details of the new requirement please see the Changes to the knowledge of language and life requirements for settlement or naturalisation document on this website.

For an application for citizenship to be considered under the pre 28 October requirements, the application will need to be received by UK Visas & Immigration by Friday 25 October 2013 (the last working day before the change). We do not receive a postal delivery on Saturday or Sunday.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... updates%29

What about an application for ILR? Does it have to be received by 25th October too? Due to the 28 day rule, the 26th of October would be the first day my wife would be able to apply for ILR. I was hoping to post her application on the 26th Oct to avoid the B1 requirement.

[Amber]

No, for immigration application the day of postage is taken as the date of application (keep postage proof). Moreover, there is a 21 day window to use the old application forms for immigration applications.