History of UK English Tests

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 will be administering 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.

Speaking
" Giving personal information
" Talking about habits and different issues
" Expressing opinions
" Managing the language in terms of organizing and expressing ideas
" Using a wide range of language appropriately
" Explaining points of view

 

Listening
" Listening for specific information
" Listening for gist
" Understanding speaker's opinion