New AN form from 28-Oct-2013

[Babajee85]

I have been informed that the Form, Guide and Booklet AN are being updated to reflect the new knowledge of language and life in the UK requirement. This will be available on the website on Monday 28th October 2013.

The new form is available right now.

Hi Guys,

I am due for BC in December 2013.If i travel outside of UK for one month and then apply for BC after coming back.

Will there be any issue with BC.

Can i travel outside of uk after getting the ILR and before applying for BC.

Thanks

[Amber]

Yes, so far as your absences don't exceed the allowance.

[Shiftingsands]

I spoke to the NCS service at the council again. She confirmed that all i need is my degree certificate in English and my LiUK test original

Is this because the UKBA can check by themselves if the degree has been taught in English?

Did anyone who emailed UKBA for clarification on the English language requirement get any response from them?

That's what she said. According to her the UKBA will use the calculator on their website to determine whether our degree qualifies as taught in english. It will obviously help if we take a printout of the calculator results for our meeting.

Thanks

[Amber]

On that basis, those whose degree is not on the pbs calculator would need the statement of comparability to prove it was comparable. I would think that it would make sense to include the statement of comparability.

[tier_2_applicant]

Hi Shiftingsands,

Which NCS did you talk to?

Thanks.

[Amber]

The following post is regarding naturalisation applications and the additional B1 English requirement.

If you have an overseas Bachelor’s, Masters or PhD degree that is comparable to a UK degree and was taught in English then that should suffice the new B1 requirement in addition to the LIUK test.

There are two assessments/statements offered by UKNARIC:

1. UKNARIC statement of comparability and

2. UKNARIC English Language Assessment

If your degree is awarded points on the PBS calculator this should suffice (include a print out) if the degree is not awarded points then:

I believe that the Statement of Comparability (thus the degree is deemed to be comparable by UKNARIC) and proof it was taught in English (either a certificate or letter from the institution) should suffice as per the Home Office Guidance at page 35.

[tier_2_applicant]

Hi D4109125,

Your post is a huge help (and a relief).

I have a question regarding your statement "If your degree is awarded points on the PBS calculator this should suffice".

On page 35 the policy mentions that "The qualification must be deemed by UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) to meet the recognised standard of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or PhD in the UK."

So is there a policy document that says that PBS is equivalent to NARIC?

Just trying to gather enough evidance to show that if my degree is shown on PBS, I don't need to get a NARIC certificate.

Thanks.

[Amber]

The PBS calculator is populated by NARIC and if points are awarded it should meet the Home Office English requirement in a similar fashion as it would for EC.

[tier_2_applicant]

Thanks D4109125.

The following link confirms this:

https://www.points.homeoffice.gov.uk/gu ... AY_04_HELP

[Dreamcatcher09]

Have spoken to the Home Office just now (no mail response yet) and got an email reply from NCS.

NCS Bhm:
They cannot give advice on what is required to meet and hence asked me to check with the HO.
They also said that I can use the old form for 21 days but to submit all the newly required documents.

HO advisor:
He said the guidance they have is that applicants with overseas degrees need SoC from NARIC and a letter for medium of instruction from the Educational Institution to meet the requirement.
When pushed further about the discrepancy between KoL guidance and the form he gave up and said I can tick either the first option or options 2 (a) & (b) in the new AN form (page 5) and provide all the required documentation including HO letter confirming I have met the requirement earlier.

I guess, the HO will not contest that people with degrees don't need to get SoC/ELA again, but will not accept their mistake(at least not yet).

In MHO, it may be okay to apply but if we need faster processing, maybe better to get the UK NARIC SoC & ELA and think that we have donated £110 to charity...

[Shiftingsands]

Hi Shiftingsands,

Which NCS did you talk to?

Thanks.

Stockport in Greater Manchester

[Dreamcatcher09]

Got the email confirmation from HO today for applicants who have met English Language requirement earlier.

The content of the email is as below:
________________________
Dear Sir/Madam

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.

As you correctly state, those who have already achieved an English Language qualification at B1 level or above will not be required to take another one in support of their application for citizenship.

Applicants who provided an English Language qualification at B1 level or above at the time of entry clearance should tick the box at section 1.22 of the Form AN which states:

“I have a speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 CEFR or higher, or an equivalent level qualification”.

Evidence of this qualification should be enclosed with the Form AN.

Such applicants will however, need to pass the Life in the UK test in order to demonstrate their knowledge of life in the UK.


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

_________________________

[humanvoid]

Got the email confirmation from HO today for applicants who have met English Language requirement earlier.

"those who have already achieved an English Language qualification at B1 level or above will not be required to take another one in support of their application for citizenship.

Applicants who provided an English Language qualification at B1 level or above at the time of entry clearance should tick the box at section 1.22 of the Form AN

Evidence of this qualification should be enclosed with the Form AN.

This was already clear from the guidance, however it is still unclear if they will accept evidences such as expired IELTS report etc.

[InUkOnHsmp]

Also, I am not sure any communication from the HO at that time, explicitly stated on what basis they have concluded an applicant satisfies the language requirement, and I am sure they wont mention the IELTS certificate number etc.

Its still a bit of a gamble, IMO.

[humanvoid]

Also, I am not sure any communication from the HO at that time, explicitly stated on what basis they have concluded an applicant satisfies the language requirement, and I am sure they wont mention the IELTS certificate number etc.

Its still a bit of a gamble, IMO.

There are few questions logged under The Freedom of Information Act and they are either refused or long overdue.

I am under impression that they do not know what they are doing.