As per new UK immigration laws, any migrant
applying to enter the UK or applying to remain in
the UK as the partner of a British citizen will
need to show that they can speak and understand
English. For this purpose, all candidates must
have to appear in level A1 English language test
authorized by UK border
agency (UKBA).
From Nov, 2010
SLS Pakistan is taking A1 English
language test (approved by UKBA) for candidates
who want to enter UK on spouse visa.
Implementation of a new English language
requirement for migrant spouses intending to
settle in the UK.
According to new regulations, Non-European
migrants joining a British citizen or non-European
national settled in the UK will have to
demonstrate a basic command of English as part of
the visa application process unless they are a
national of a majority English speaking country.
The new language requirement will apply to
spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, same
sex partners, fiancé(e)s and proposed civil
partners and will be compulsory for people
applying from within the UK, as well as visa
applicants overseas.
The English language tests will be compulsory for
these migrants from 29 November 2010.
The minimum standard that applicants will need to
meet is in speaking and listening at level A1 of
the Common European Framework of Reference.
Migrant spouses and partners will have to
demonstrate English language ability at A1 level
of the Common European Framework of Reference
(speaking and listening), the same level required
for skilled workers admitted under the skilled
Tier of the Points Based System. Applicants will
be required to provide evidence with their
application that they have passed an acceptable
English test with one of the UK Border Agency's
approved test providers.
English Language Test for partners/spouses,
conducted by Approved Providers, has been assessed
as meeting the UK Border Agency Standards and will
be accepted as evidence that the applicant meets
these requirements.
English Language Test is designed to test
candidate skills and English language proficiency
in listening and speaking, which correspond with
the two sections of the test as following.
About A1 Test
UKBA Approved A1 test
of consist of Speaking and Listening
Speaking:
Total Marks
Passing Marks
Passing Percentage
200
50
25%
In the Speaking test, candidates are tested on how
well they speak the English language.
This test includes 11 questions that measure
different aspects of their speaking ability.
» Online on computer through
Internet using Headphone
» Duration 20 Minutes
» 6 Tasks (11 Questions):
Task 1 (2 Questions) (Q No.1,2):
Read a text aloud (2 Paragraphs)
Task 2 (1 Question) (Q No.3):
Describe a picture.
Task 3 (3 Questions) (Q No.4,5,6): Respond to
questions.
Task 4 (3 Questions) (Q No.7,8,9): Respond to
questions using information provided.
Task 5 (1 Question) (Q No.10):
Propose a solution of problem.
Task 6 (1 Question) (Q No.11):
Express an
Opinion.
Listening:
Total Marks
Passing Marks
Passing Percentage
495
60
12%
» Offline multiple choice
» Duration 60 Minutes
» 4 Tasks (100 Questions):
1.
Part 1 photos 20 questions
2.
Part 2: Question – Response: 30
questions
3.
Part 3: Short conversation: 30
questions
4.
Part 4: Short talks: 20 questions