Archive for April, 2014

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain in UK

Saturday, April 26th, 2014 at 9:54 pm  
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Applying for indefinite leave to remain in UK

Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) can be defined as a status that allows a person to stay indefinitely in the UK without necessarily acquiring full citizenship. Here are the forms those who are applying for indefinite leave to remain can use.

Form SET(F)

For those applying for indefinite leave to remain, there is more than one way to acquire this status. Applicants need to consider their situation and apply with the correct form. Children–including adopted children–under the age of 18 can apply for ILR using Form SET(F) if they plan on living with a parent, parents, or relative who is a resident of the UK. A person’s relative or guardian who is over the age of 18 can also apply for ILR by using Form SET(F).

Form SET(DV)

Those applying for indefinite leave to remain using Form SET(DV) must meet all of the following conditions: (a) must receive permission to stay in the UK for up to 27 months or must be able to extend his or her visit to two years as a partner of a resident; (b) must remain in this relationship he or she was in when they arrive to the UK or must extend his or her stay as the resident’s partner; (c) must present evidence that his or her relationship with the resident is permanently over because of domestic violence.

Form SET(M)

Those who have lived in the UK for two years and has the intention of staying in a relationship with a partner who is also a citizen can apply for indefinite leave to remain by using Form SET(M). However, applicants must have arrived in the UK or applied for permission on or earlier than 8 July 2012. Otherwise, they will have to stay in the UK for five years instead of two.

Form SET(O)

Applicants that need to stay for five years will need to apply to Form SET(O). Furthermore, those who have lived in the UK for more than four years may apply to Form SET(O). This form grants ILR to those who have lived in the UK for four years with a visa that has been labeled under the Highly Skills Migrant Programme (HSMP) and Employment Not Requiring Work Permit. However, his or her visa must have been issued these titles before 3 April 2006.

Five Years and Above

Those who have lived in the UK for five years and have a visa that dictates they are retired and independent or a representative of a business or firm need to apply to Form SET(BUS). Those who have lived in the UK for six years with Discretionary Leave need to apply using Form HPDL. Those who have lived in the UK for ten years without leaving once can apply using Form SET(LR) but must have lived in the country lawfully for those ten years. Those who have lived in the UK for more than ten years will need to live for an additional ten years in order to apply to for ILR.

Requirements can change so you should check current requirements at  https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/settling-in-the-uk or speak to an immigration lawyer.

To get Indefinite Leave to Remain you will normally need to pass the Life in the UK test which examines your knowledge of British customs and traditions. If your age is under 18 years or over 65 years then you do not need to take the test. In addition to the Life in the UK test you will also need to pass English Language Speaking & Listening B1 test. You can register today at our B1 test preparation centre for The Trinity College London B1 test, GESE grade 5 Speaking & Listening exam. This is an English Language Test accepted by the British Home Office and UKBA.

We also offer other ESOL courses and Functional Skills learning and exams.

Official ESOL B1 Test Preparation Sheffield

Saturday, April 19th, 2014 at 4:20 pm  
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English B1 Test Preparation Centre Sheffield

You can book your B1 test preparation in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The speaking and listening English exam, for British Citizenship, Naturalisation, Indefinite Leave to Remain or Spouse/Partner Visa can be taken at the Trinity College official exam centre in Sheffield. There are B1 tests in Sheffield held regularly at Learn for Life Enterprise. This is a well established Sheffield ESOL learning centre which, as it has for many years, specialises in ESOL at all levels including pre-entry, level one, level two and level three. We also teach Functional Skills English

This popular official Yorkshire test centre for Trinity College provides helpful ESOL preparation courses for the A1 test and B1 test in Sheffield. You can also get on-the-day B1 test preparation from experienced tutors. The on-the-day preparation includes practice exam, revision help, exam tips, and topic form help

In addition, the B1 test preparation centre offers preparation classes for the Life in the UK test.  The Life in the UK Preparation Course is for 6 x 2 hours over 3 weeks and you can attend as many as you need, even repeating some if necessary.

You will find the staff at Learn for Life Enterprise very helpful and friendly. They will do their best to look after you and make you feel welcome and at ease for your English exam.

ESOL B1 test Sheffield

The UKBA approved ESOL B1 test is from Trinity College. This is the GESE grade 5 exam in Speaking and Listening at Level 3.  The  B1 test for Speaking & Listening exam  consists of a ten minute one-to-one interview with an official examiner from Trinity College London who undertakes the exam in their official Sheffield B1 test centre.

The B1 test aims to replicate real-life conversation in which the candidate and the examiner exchange and pass on information, share ideas and opinions and debate topical issues.

B1 test Sheffield

This UKBA Home Office approved English Language Test – Speaking & Listening test at B1 entry 3 level is required  for applicants for UK Citizenship. If you are applying for UK Citizenship/British Naturalisation you will also need to pass the Life in the UK test.

Preparation for ESOL B1 test Sheffield

If you wish to prepare for your ESOL B1 test in Sheffield, the optional B1 test Preparation Course is for 4 x 2 hours over 2 weeks. It includes workshops, practice B1 exam and B1 revision material.

A1 Test Preparation

The A1 test is suitable for Spouse and Partner Visas on FLR (M) and suitable for Parents of Dependents FLR (O). This A1 English test is a UKBA Home Office approved Secure English Language Test – SELT – Speaking & Listening test.

If you would like to prepare in Sheffield for your ESOL A1 test, then our A1 test Preparation Course should be suitable for you. It is 4 x 2 hours over 2 weeks which includes useful workshops, practice A1 exam and A1 revision material.
Please note that for Visa purposes you will need to take your A1 exam at a registered SELT centre of your choice.

Booking your ESOL speaking and listening B1 test in Sheffield

You can book your  B1 test preparation in Sheffield, South Yorkshire or speaking and listening exam/test preparation course for B1, A, A2 ESOL or Life in the UK  by clicking here: SHEFFIELD English Exam A1 and B1 preparation courses and B1 Test Preparation Centre Sheffield

We also teach English Functional Skills and Maths Functional Skills in addition we are and official exam centre for Functional Skills exams.

B1 Speaking and Listening Test

Thursday, April 17th, 2014 at 9:53 pm  
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B1 Speaking and Listening Test

The B1 speaking and listening test takes the form of a one-to-one interview with the examiner. The exam aims to replicate everyday real-life exchanges in which the candidate and the examiner converse, pass on information, share ideas and opinions and talk about topical issues.

The B1 test consists of the following:

  • greetings and setting at ease
  • Topic
  • Conversation
  • end of conversation and leave taking.

The B1 speaking and listening test requires all candidates to complete two tasks.

1.   Topic

Discussion of a prepared topic.The topic part of the test takes approximately 5 minutes.

The candidate is required to prepare a topic of his or her own choice.  The examiner directs the discussion using the points prepared by the candidate. Candidates should therefore prepare a topic for discussion. For example you could choose one of the following:

  1. Hobbies
  2. Holidays
  3. Career
  4. Home country

Communication Skills for B1 Test

The following skills are looked for by the examiner for the B1 test

  • Show understanding of the examiner by responding appropriately to questions.
  • Give information about the prepared topic in a series of linked long turns about the five discussion points on the Topic form.
  • Answer questions on the prepared topic, and participate in an informal discussion of the topic, during which the examiner will request more information, fact and details.
  • Respond to requests for clarification and give reasons for making particular statements.
  • Ask the examiner at least one question about the topic area.
  • Take the opportunity provided to use the language functions and language items listed below, where appropriate.Language Requirements

This applies to Part 1 – TOPIC and also to Part 2 – CONVERSATION

Language Functions

Language functions tested for B1 are:

  1. Talking about the future – informing and predicting
  2. Expressing preference
  3. Talking about events in the indefinite and recent past
  4. Giving reasons
  5. Stating the duration of events
  6. Quantifying

 Grammar

Grammar tested for B1 includes:

  1. Present perfect tense including use of for, since, ever, never, just
  2. Connecting clauses using because
  3. Will referring to the future for informing and predicting
  4. Adjectives and adverbials of quantity e.g. a lot (of), not very much, many
  5. Expressions of preference e.g. I prefer, I’d rather

Lexis

Lexis tested for B1 includes:

  1. Vocabulary specific to the topic area
  2. Vocabulary specific to the subject areas
  3. Expressions relating to past and future time e.g. two days ago, in the future
  4. Phrases and expressions relating to the language functions listed above

Phonology

Phonology tested for B1 includes:

  1. The correct pronunciation of vocabulary specific to the topic and subject areas
  2. The combination of weak forms and contractions e.g. I’ve been to…
  3. Avoidance of speech patterns of recitation

2.   Conversation

Then the examiner moves on to the Conversation phase, selecting two subject areas for  conversation and discussion from the list provided. This part of the B1 test takes approximately 5 minutes

The examiner selects 2 subject areas for discussion from the list below;

  1. Festivals
  2. Means of transport
  3. Special occasions e.g. birthdays, weddings
  4. Entertainment e.g. cinema, television 
  5. Music
  6. Recent personal experiences

Communication Skills

You, the candidate,  will be required to:

  • Show understanding of the examiner by responding appropriately to questions
  • Respond to requests for clarification and give reasons for making particular statements
  • Ask the examiner at least one question about the subject area

B1 Test Centres

The B1 Speaking and Listening Test is accepted by the Home Office for Settlement / Indefinite Leave to Remain and British Naturalisation applications.

To  find out more about the B1 Test at our “preparing for B1 test centre” please contact us

B1 Speaking and Listening Exam Tips and Advice

Thursday, April 17th, 2014 at 12:06 am  
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B1 Speaking & Listening Test Exam – Tips and Advice

The Trinity College London B1 Speaking & Listening exam which consists of a ten minute one-to-one interview. This English Language Test – Speaking & Listening test at B1 entry 3 level is required  for applicants for UK Citizenship. You also need to pass the Life in the UK test.

B1 Speaking Test Tips

First of all always try to relax and be yourself – be natural – this makes speaking easier.  Your Examiner will  want you to do your best. They will not try to make your test difficult for you.

Do not learn passages and speeches off by heart to try to say them word-for-word in the interview. It is difficult to do this and also sound natural. Your examiner  will spot it easily if you learn something word-for-word..

When you describe something, do not worry about telling every single visible detail. this is a speaking test not an observation test.  Just speak in general terms about whatever it is and how say it affects you personally.

It is good to practice and prepare your answers to common questions and make them personal to you. This gives examiners a good idea of your level of language, and your ability to talk about your past, present and future experiences. So practice but don’t expect to repeat something off by heart as it will rarely fit the exact question.

 B1 Listening Test Tips

Examiners may give information that sounds correct, but is not quite right. Remember that being nearly correct is not the same thing as being correct.  Modal verbs and adverbs are often used to give inaccurate information. It must be one hundred per cent correct to be right.

Listening exams often have inaccurate information that sounds quite similar to the correct answer. Sometimes the information given might match one of the answers, however it does not quite fit the question. For example: the examiner is talking about last year, but the question asks about next year. The correct information usually, but not always, follows afterwards.

There are B1 Speaking and Listening Test exam dates and preparation courses throughout the year

We hold regular B1 exam preparation classes for the speaking and listening test throughout the year. You can let us know the city or town and the date when you wish to take your B1 exam by clicking here.

We can give you  B1 test preparation and practice if you wish.

The B1 Speaking and Listening Test GESE Grade 5 is accepted by the British Home Office for Settlement / ILR / Naturalisation applications.

Life in the UK Test

Tuesday, April 15th, 2014 at 11:00 pm  
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If you are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (IDR) or UK Citizenship and British Naturalisation you will normally need to pass the Life in the UK test. This test is carried out to check your knowledge of British customs and traditions. If your age is under 18 years or over 65 years then you are exempt from taking this test.

The Life in the UK test cost is currently £50 and you can sit for the test in any one of the 60 approved test centres across the UK. You can find out the nearest Life in the UK test centre when you book for your test  on the Home Office website.

The test consists of 24 questions based on the Life in the UK handbook. You have to score at least 18 or more to pass the test. The test can take up to 45 minutes. To prepare for the test you can buy the official book Life in the United Kingdom: a guide for new residents

You will need one of the following documents to book your test

•Passport – even if it is out of date

•UK photocard driving licence – full or provisional

•Convention Travel Document (CTD), Certificate of Identity Document (CID) or Stateless Person Document (SPD)

•EU identity card

•Immigration status document endorsed with a UK residence permit on a passport and with a photo – even if it is out of date

•Biometric residence permit

You also need to take original proof of your address to the test centre on the day of your test.

For further information phone the “Life in the UK Test” Helpline on 0800 015 4245 (Mon-Fri, 8am to 6pm)

In addition to the Life in the UK test you will also need to pass Speaking & Listening B1. We can help you register today at our official exam preparation centre for The Trinity College London GESE grade 5 Speaking & Listening exam at B1. This is currently accepted by the British Home Office and UK Border Agency.

B1 Exam Preparation Centre

Tuesday, April 8th, 2014 at 9:14 pm  
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B1 Exam Preparation Centre

We aim to offer our B1 Exam Preparation Centre conveniently near to you. Check our list of towns and cities which are covered by our test preparation centre. If you wish you can fill in the contact form and tell us where you are located in advance of  your B1 Exam. We will then get back to you with the details and travel information for our preparation for B1 test centre. Also tell us the approximate date you wish to take your B1 exam and we can check out the best dates for you.

We can provide you with a practice run-through before you take the B1 test exam. We also provide helpful material and information when we confirm your  booking for our B1 exam preparation centre.

The B1 exam is ESOL entry level 3 it is an official Trinity College Exam GESE grade 5 which is approved by the UKBA for Settlement  or ILR or Naturalisation applications in the UK. This type of exam is now mandatory, apart from certain exemptions, for applications for British Citizenship, seeking permanent residence in the UK, or Naturalisation. This is in addition to the Life in the UK test.

The GESE grade 5 exam from Trinity College is a Speaking & Listening test at B1 level for ESOL (Speakers of Other Languages) . It consists of a 10 minute one-to-one interview with a Trinity College examiner at a B1 exam centre. You will get your result on the same day as you take your B1 exam and then your certificate is subsequently mailed out to you.

We offer B1 exam preparation regularly at a our ESOL centre which covers a number of  towns and cities – ask for details here today

B1 Speaking and Listening Exam GESE Grade 5

Monday, April 7th, 2014 at 11:27 pm  
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B1 Speaking & Listening exam at GESE Grade 5

The B1 speaking and listening exams take the form of a one-to-one, face-to-face oral interview between the candidate and an examiner. The exam replicates real-life exchanges in which the candidate and the examiner pass on information, share ideas and opinions and debate topical issues.

The candidate introduces a topic of his or her own choice. The examiner directs the discussion using the points prepared by the candidate. Then the examiner moves on to the Conversation phase, selecting two subject areas for discussion from the list provided.

 B1 Exam format

The B1 exam consists of the following:

  • greetings and setting at ease
  • discussion of a prepared topic
  • conversation on two subject areas
  • end of conversation and leave taking.

B1 Speaking and Listening Exam procedure

The examiner begins by greeting the candidate, trying to set him or her at ease and asking to see the candidate’s identification. The examiner asks the candidate for the Topic form and the candidate tells the examiner what he or she is going to talk about.

During the Topic phase, the examiner randomly selects one of the discussion points on the Topic

form and asks the candidate questions and makes comments to facilitate a spontaneous discussion about the prepared topic. This continues until at least four points on the Topic form have been covered. During the Topic phase, the candidate asks the examiner at least one question related to the topic. This phase lasts up to five minutes.

The examiner then closes this phase of the B1 exam and moves on to the conversation.

During the Conversation phase, the examiner selects one of the subject areas listed for the grade and engages the candidate in genuine conversation. This is repeated with a second subject area chosen by the examiner. During the conversation the candidate gives information, makes statements and responds as appropriate. In addition, the candidate must ask the examiner at least one question related to the subject areas being discussed. This phase lasts up to five minutes.

The examiner brings the conversation and the B1 speaking and listening exam to an end.

The B1 Speaking/Listening Exam GESE Grade 5 is a test accepted by the UKBA and Home Office for Settlement / ILR / Naturalisation applications.

To register your interest or find out more about B1 Speaking/Listening exam GESE Grade 5 preparation in a town or city near you please contact us

Settlement and Naturalisation Exams

Sunday, April 6th, 2014 at 11:32 pm  
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Settlement and Naturalisation

The British Home Office published a statement of intent on the 8th April 2013 which outlined the changes that have been planned to the requirements for people submitting an application to settle in the UK, or to become British citizens by naturalisation.

Already from 28 October 2013, applicants in both categories are required to pass the Life in the UK Test and additionally to hold a B1 (intermediate) level English language speaking and listening qualification.

This change is to Settlement and Naturalisation Exams is to strengthen the citizenship process. It replaces the previous system which required applicants to take either the Life in the UK test or alternatively to show language progression from one  ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) level to the next.

The Knowledge of Language and Life requirement for Settlement/ILR (Indefinite leave to remain)

Since 28 October 2013, there are two parts to the knowledge of language and life requirement, both of which have to be met by all applicants for settlement, unless the individual is exempt for reasons of particular country of origin where English is predominantly spoken. Applicants will be required to pass the Life in the UK test; and also to have a speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 CEFR or higher, or its equivalent. These English Language Tests are the current requirement for settlement in the UK.

Knowledge of Language and Life requirement for Naturalisation

The Knowledge of Language and Life requirement for naturalisation as a British citizen is just the same as the requirement  for settlement. It means that the same English language qualifications will be accepted for Settlement as for Naturalisation.

 Settlement and Naturalisation Exams – English language qualifications required

There are a range of English language qualifications which will be accepted as evidence that the person applying for Settlement or Naturalisation has met the B1 level Speaking and Listening requirements exams.

These Settlement and Naturalisation Exams include English language qualifications include Speaking and Listening at B1 or above from the Home Office’s approved English Language Test list.

They also include ESOL qualifications at B1 entry level 3 or level 1 or level 2, including Speaking and Listening, that have been regulated by the Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). 

It is a requirement that the English language qualification must be listed as an ESOL qualification on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. It must have been taken in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.  For exams in Scotland to qualify it is required that it is a National Qualification in ESOL at Scottish Qualifications Framework levels 4, 5 or 6, and is awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority and taken in Scotland.

For full details of the new requirements, by the UK Border Agency and Home Office, please see the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK for settlement and naturalisation statement of intent.

To comply with the current requirements for settlement and naturalisation, we offer preparation for Trinity College London’s International ESOL Examinations Grade 5 (ESOL Entry 3 / B1 on the CEFR). These are regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and are mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)

You can register on this website for your English exam, the Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) to test your ability in listening and speaking as required for Naturalisation or Settlement (ILR) here. These are at  Grade 5 (ESOL Entry 3 / B1 on the CEFR) approved by the Home Office for use in: Settlement/ILR and Naturalisation applications for the UK made on or after the 28th of October 2013.

The exams are are one-to-one oral exams having conversation for 10 minutes with an official English-speaking Trinity examiner.

For Settlement and Naturalisation Exams please click here to register for preparation for your GESE Grade 5 (ESOL Entry 3 / B1 English exam.