Changes to UK immigration English test for Tier 1, 2, and 4 applicants

02 February 2012

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Beginning 6 April 2012 the UK Border Agency (UKBA) will require all applicants applying to remain in the UK under Tier 1 (General), Tier 1(Entrepreneur) and Tier 2 of the UK points-based system to have a completed language test prior to applying for a visa.

immigration originally allowed applicants to apply before taking the English Language test because the test was not easily available to all applicants. Now the English Language test availability has increased and immigrants should now be able to take the test in enough time submitting their UK visa application.

According to UKBA, applicants applying for leave to remain will continue to be able to take advantage of the concession for visa applications received up to and including 6 April 2012. Visa applications made after 6 April 2012 must be accompanied with evidence that applicants have passed an approved English language test.

In addition UK immigration has released a new list of approved English language test providers for visa applications made under Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the points-based system.

Effective 24 January 24 2012, the following amendments were made:

• City & Guilds test scores now show 'pass' and there is a separate English language test for spouse/partner applications. Also the documents required for the application have been amended.
• Education Testing Service has changed the way that the scores for their TOEFL internet based test compare against the Common European Framework of Reference. Also the test now includes scores for spouse and partner applications.
• The web address for The Test of English for International Communication has changed.
• Cambridge ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) have amended the title of one of their tests from 'International Legal English Certificate' to 'Cambridge English Legal'.
• Trinity College tests now have a 2 year expiry date.

When you lodge an application in a UK immigration category that requires you to demonstrate your English language ability, applicants must show that they have passed an appropriate test on the list.

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