NARIC requirement for Tier 2 General

[acdindian]

Dear Team,

My wife is going to apply for her tier 2 general visa (on the basis of an RCoS) from home country in January 2017.

She has a Bachelor's degree in Information Science Engineering from an Indian University.

The current guidance on English knowledge says "The degree should have been taught in English to a standard comparable to that of at least level C1 on the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages"

There was a recent article in the press that said that this level might be revised from C1 to A2 starting January 2017.

I have had friends whose degrees at a similar level have been rated C1 and hence if the requirement is A2, she will have to take up the NARIC English Language test.

Would any of you please be able to comment on this, given that my wife plans to get the transcript validation done through NARIC by Dec 2016 to be able to submit her visa application in Jan.

Thanks
Ash

[red poltergeist]

English language requirement

As announced in January this year, a new English language requirement at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is being introduced for non-EEA partners and parents.

This affects those applying to extend their stay after 2.5 years in the UK on a 5-year route to settlement under Appendix FM (Family Member) of the Immigration Rules. The new requirement will apply to partners and parents whose current leave under the family Immigration Rules is due to expire on or after 1 May 2017.

More information is available in the statement of changes.

[acdindian]

Thank you.

But this seems to be different from the requirement for tier 2 general main applicant. The guideline for tier 2 general is still level C1 then? Request your kind reply

Thank you in advance

[red poltergeist]

CEFR Levels

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) was put together by the Council of Europe as a way of standardising the levels of language exams in different regions. It is very widely used internationally and all important language exams are mapped to the CEFR.

There are six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2. These are described in the table below.
CEFR level Description
Proficient User C2
Mastery Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C1
Effective Operational Proficiency Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Independent User B2
Vantage Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
B1
Threshold Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics, which are familiar, or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Basic User A2
Waystage Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
A1
Breakthrough Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

[red poltergeist]

I also need help from other Admin's to clarify regarding the CEFR Level to qualify for Tier 2 main Applicant.

Generally, If you have passed you B.tech in English Medium (JNTU, HYD, INDIA) you get CEFR Level C1.
which is comparable to British Bachelor(Honours) degree standard.

Which I think should be fine for Tier 2 general.

Dear Admin's please help to clarify this.