Re: Expired IELTS

[humanvoid]

Hi folks,

Just came across the reply under FOI from UKBA regarding expired IELTS acceptance and seems like they are fine with that:

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/settlement_ielts

[thomas82]

Hi guys just got a reply from the HOME OFFICE regarding my query about expired IELTS for my wife

My Query :

Dear Sir/Madam

My wife was granted her spouse visa using the FLR(M) form on February 23 2012 at Liverpool.While she applied for the Visa she had to submit evidence of an English language qualification and hence produced an IELTS certificate with a score of 7.5 equivalent to C1 Level. She passed the IELTS test in August 2011. And since an IELTS certificate has only got validity of 2 years , her certificate has expired now.

She is going to apply for settlement using the SET(M) form in January 2014 and as per English language element of the new KOLL requirement, she will have to submit evidence of her knowledge in English. Will her existing IELTS certificate be sufficient? If it is sufficient what option do we tick for "And one of the following language qualifications:" on page 14 of SET(M)?

I would really appreciate if you could advice me with some information.

Thank You



Reply from HOME OFFICE:

Dear Mr Thomas

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.

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.

An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) qualification awarded by Cambridge English (previously known as Cambridge ESOL), which is at a level equivalent to level B1 CEFR or above, is an acceptable qualification for the purposes of demonstrating language ability for settlement and citizenship purposes.

Please note that the 2 year validity attached to these qualifications only applies to entry clearance applications and are therefore still accepted for settlement and citizenship applications after this validity date.

Evidence that the applicant has achieved this qualification should be submitted with their application for settlement. When completing the Form SET(M) applicants should tick the box at section 5.2 which states 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.

Regards

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.

Hope this reply clears some confusion..

[UKBALoveStory]

Hi guys just got a reply from the HOME OFFICE regarding my query about expired IELTS for my wife

My Query :

Dear Sir/Madam

My wife was granted her spouse visa using the FLR(M) form on February 23 2012 at Liverpool.While she applied for the Visa she had to submit evidence of an English language qualification and hence produced an IELTS certificate with a score of 7.5 equivalent to C1 Level. She passed the IELTS test in August 2011. And since an IELTS certificate has only got validity of 2 years , her certificate has expired now.

She is going to apply for settlement using the SET(M) form in January 2014 and as per English language element of the new KOLL requirement, she will have to submit evidence of her knowledge in English. Will her existing IELTS certificate be sufficient? If it is sufficient what option do we tick for "And one of the following language qualifications:" on page 14 of SET(M)?

I would really appreciate if you could advice me with some information.

Thank You



Reply from HOME OFFICE:

Dear Mr Thomas

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.

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.

An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) qualification awarded by Cambridge English (previously known as Cambridge ESOL), which is at a level equivalent to level B1 CEFR or above, is an acceptable qualification for the purposes of demonstrating language ability for settlement and citizenship purposes.

Please note that the 2 year validity attached to these qualifications only applies to entry clearance applications and are therefore still accepted for settlement and citizenship applications after this validity date.

Evidence that the applicant has achieved this qualification should be submitted with their application for settlement. When completing the Form SET(M) applicants should tick the box at section 5.2 which states 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.

Regards

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.

Hope this reply clears some confusion..

What is the email address you sent your query?

[thomas82]

sent query to : settlementopspolicy@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
got reply from : KnowledgeOfLifePolicyQueries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

[wez4all]

I got the same reply regarding my query about expired IELTS validity for SET (LR) applications.

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.

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.

An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) qualification awarded by Cambridge English (previously known as Cambridge ESOL), which is at a level equivalent to level B1 CEFR or above, is an acceptable qualification for the purposes of demonstrating language ability for settlement and citizenship purposes.

Please note that the 2 year validity attached to these qualifications only applies to entry clearance applications and are therefore still accepted for settlement and citizenship applications after this validity date.

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.


My Email:

Sent: 02 November 2013 21:24
To: Settlement Ops Policy Mailbox
Subject: Validity of Expired IELTS certificate for SET (LR) (New English Laguage Requirement)

Dear Sir/Madam,

Query:

I provided an IELTS certificate at the time of my Entry Clearance back in April 2004. As you know IELTS certificate is only valid for 2 years. I have a below query in this regard:

Can I use the same certificate to prove my English language requirement of Level B1 for SET (LR) purpose OR do I have to provide a new valid IELTS certificate?

Your help in answering this query will be much appreciated as it will clear a lot of confusion for lot of applicants.

Kind Regards

[Tier1immigrant]

The following UKBA document says IELTS expiry is 2 years. Can anyone please clarify? Has anyone used an expired IELTs with their application?

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... -tests.pdf

Thanks