Archive for 'Citizenship'

B1 Test Preparation Centre

Tuesday, June 17th, 2014 at 9:32 pm  
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B1 Test Preparation Centre

Our ESOL/English Language  B1 / A1 English / Life in the UK Preparation course centre in the North of England welcomes people from all over the world who wish to become British citizens.  For UK citizenship you must pass the “Life in the UK Test” and the “English Speaking and Listening B1 Test” .

We have an English Laguage, B1 test prepartation centre in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. This is convenient for people from South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire including Leeds and Bradford, East Yorkshire including Hull, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

We teach people English as a matter of course at our centre so we are very experienced in looking after people from overseas. We can provide you with help and preparation. You can relax and know you will have the best chance of passing your exam in our exam preparation centre.

The test itself consists of a ten minute one-to-one interview with an official Trinity College Examiner. For the speaking part of the B1 test, you should prepare your own topic and be prepared to discuss it with the examiner for five minutes in English.

In addition to the candidate’s chosen discussion, the examiner also has another five minutes to talk about two chosen topics with you. The examiner can choose topics including events, festivals, means of transportation, entertainment, music or personal experiences.

At our A1, A2 and B1 test preparation centre we will go through with you how the examiner will want to make sure you can respond appropriately to questions, can clarify your statements and perform the required language functions. This means you must be able to talk in future tenses, provide opinions, discusses UK events and also state the reasons for your preferences. You must also show that you can use correct grammar and express yourself well through use of vocabulary.

You will find the examiner friendly and helpful however you still need to prepare for your test. We can give you assistance in this before your exam so please ask for details. In addition you can have your own practice with friends or family. there are also some useful publications and guides to assist you.

You will find more information about the B1 test here.Also watch this video of a B1 test.

You will find details of our B1 test preparation centre here to book your test and  preparation if you require it.

English Test for UK Citizenship

Friday, May 2nd, 2014 at 10:51 pm  
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The Immigration Ministry recently passed a new requirement for potential immigrants to the United Kingdom: now, applicants must pass an English test for UK citizenship, in addition to the previously existing “Life in the UK test.” There are certain exceptions, however: people over the age of 65, with mental disorders that cause significant language issues, those immigrating from a primarily English-speaking nation, and those who can prove an education in English with an appropriate degree are exempt from the English language requirement and tests. Note also that the English language requirement only applies to citizenship applications: certain residency applications, including those of refugees and related persons, are exempt from having to take the test.

For everyone else, there are a number of different potential versions of the English test for UK citizenship, which are administered at various testing centres throughout the British Isles. The applicant has the freedom to choose which test they wish to take prior to arriving at the testing centre for a particular exam, with many preferring the Trinity College GESE Grade 5 exam for English as a Second Language this is the B1 Speaking/Listening test set by the CEFR. Other tests are available, however, including those catering to the business and science fields.

Those taking the test in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will not be required to supply any paperwork beyond basic identification. Requirements are slightly higher in Scotland, which also requires a slightly more advanced proficiency in English compared to the rest of the United Kingdom. This is expected to change in the coming years, however, with Scotland expected to join the same English exam standard as the rest of the U.K. by 2015. The “Life in the U.K. Test’s” paperwork requirements have been similarly lessened, although the overall paperwork requirements for the citizenship application can still be challenging for some people. However help is always available from sources such as English language teaching centres and immigration solicitors.

Overall, the new English Test for UK Citizenship is not expected to have a significant effect on the number of new British citizens per year: the lower-level tests for English proficiency do not require a level of proficiency significantly higher than the already-required “Life in the U.K.” test. It may, however, bar a number of potential new Scottish citizens, due to that nation’s previously mentioned higher language and identification requirement until they can fulfill requirements.

Applying for UK Citizenship and ILR

Friday, May 2nd, 2014 at 5:00 am  
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Applying for UK Citizenship

Applying for UK citizenship can be a time-consuming process that requires determination, commitment and perseverance. At times, fulfilling the UK citizenship requirements can be difficult and feel overwhelming. Non-English speaking individuals may need to complete the B1 ESOL exam to move forward in obtaining UK citizenship. ESOL stands for “English for Speakers of Other Languages.” Individuals must make satisfactory progress in an ESOL course in order to be considered for UK citizenship.

Most Recent UK Citizenship Requirements

The UK government recently released an announcement that it will be utilizing stricter citizenship requirements for those who wish to become UK citizens. Individuals must demonstrate a mastery of conversational English at the B1 intermediate level and pass the “Living in the UK” test to satisfy the “Knowledge of Language and Life” requirement.

Immigration Minister Mark Harper has publicly stated that British citizenship is a privilege. As such, individuals must demonstrate a commitment to becoming a citizen by understanding the UK’s culture, tradition, customs and English language.

In the past, citizenship candidates had to pass the LITUK test or show a progression in the ESOL course. Now, citizenship candidates must demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of British culture as well as succeed in ESOL for citizenship and ILR.

The Language Component

The UK government will accept several forms of evidence that an individual speaks English. If the individual is applying for citizenship and is from an English-speaking country, this may suffice as evidence that he or she speaks English. Also, those who have physical or mental disabilities will be excused from fulfilling the ESOL requirements. Individuals under the age of 18 and over 65 are also exempt from the language requirement.

Indefinite Leave to Remain in UK

Indefinite Leave to Remain refers to a special immigration status that is given to individuals in the UK. This special immigration status does not have any time limit, and an individual may gain employment while he or she has ILR status.

An individual can obtain ILR status in numerous ways. He or she may be a spouse and live in the UK for a minimum of two years. An individual who has lived in the UK for four years and is part of the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) may also apply for ILR. Individuals who have lived in the UK in excess of four years can visit the www.gov.uk website to learn more about the ILR requirements.

The UK Border Agency may also grant ILR status within its discretion. If an individual has compelling reasons to obtain ILR status, the UK Border Agency may grant it.

Fulfilling the B1 Speaking and Listening Qualifications

Whether one is applying for ILR or permanent citizenship, he or she must take time to prepare for the B1 test English language requirements. Whether one needs to review online study guides or work with a tutor, an individual needs to make sure that he or she is prepared for the citizenship tests. Failing the LITUK or English language citizenship test may prolong the processing time for one’s citizenship application. Our testing centres are available to assist individuals in preparing for ESOL for citizenship and ILR applications. We may also provide specialized help for the LITUK multiple-choice test, written component and verbal component. You can prepare for your B1 ESOL test at our English exam centre.

B1 Speaking and Listening Test for UK Citizenship

Thursday, May 1st, 2014 at 3:35 am  
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B1 Speaking and Listening Test for UK Citizenship

Everyone wishes to live a better life and with this positive thought in mind, many people want to apply for  British citizenship because the UK is the place where many people believe they can make their dreams come true.  Perhaps they wish come to the UK  to gain a degree in one of the best universities in the world. Maybe they want to come here to get a respected job and settle down permanently. Some may want to marry and have a family here. There are a variety of good reasons to settle in the UK.

But from October 2013, the government officials have changed some of the rules for  applicants for Citizenship. From now on, as well as passing the Life in the UK test to show their knowledge of British customs, traditions and way of life, everyone also has to meet set guidelines to show that they understand the language. One way of doing this is to pass the  B1Speaking and listening test for UK citizenship.
A good reason for changing the rules for applicants is so that they could show that they can communicate effectively and thus be better placed to achieve their desired position in the British community and  therefore find that coming to the UK was a good choice for them. It means they will be able to positively contribute to the community and this is a good outcome for all concerned.
What is the B1 Speaking and Listening Test for UK Citizenship? The said test is a guideline to make sure that all those applicants who have been approved by the visa officials, are well able to converse in the English language as spoken in UK.

Passing the B1 Speaking and Listening Test for UK Citizenship:

If a person has not already taken the speaking and listening test for UK citizenship then it is essential for him or her to take it before applying for their visa. The applicant should pass the test with B1 or higher score set by CEFR that stands for Common European Framework of Reference. Or, he/she may have an equivalent level of education in place of the test.

Applicants from Countries that are Free from the B1 Speaking and Listening Test Conditions:

However the condition of passing the Speaking and listening test for UK citizenship, is not essential for some applicants that belongs to a country where English is the official language. But other applicants do need to pass the test in order to enter in UK and live like a normal citizen there.

The countries that are exempted from the B1 test are Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and USA.

Other Applicants that are Free from Passing B1 Speaking and Listening Tests:

The UK Government has set the English language test conditions for almost all applicants who want to come to UK and settle here permanently. But there are some groups of people who do not need to pass the test. These fall into the categories described below:
• If the applicant is younger than 18 years of age or older than 65 years of age then he/she does not need to take the test.
• If the applicant has learning difficulties and is having an issue learning the English language then he or she may skip the test. But the problem should be valid otherwise he/she must take the test.
• If the applicant is the spouse (either husband or wife or civil partner) of a UK resident who is a victim of domestic violence or has died then they may skip the test.
• Those applicants who are under humanitarian protection act or are refugees in UK may also skip the test if they want to.
• Those applicants who are also asylum seekers and have a DL (Discretionary Leave) to remain in the country may also skip the B1 speaking and listening test for UK citizenship.

If you are applying for UK citizenship and need to take the B1 speaking and listening test you can prepare for it here at our English exam centre. You can also get help with Functional Skills English and Maths along with preparation for other English exams.

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 Test ESOL Entry Level 3

Saturday, February 15th, 2014 at 9:54 pm  
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International B1 Test ESOL Examination GESE Grade 5 Exam from Trinity College London available to take at an official exam centre nearest to you.

  • Home Office approved English test for Citizenship / Naturalisation / ILR
  • 10 minute one-to-one exam with an official Trinity College Examiner
  • Results same day
  • Certificate sent as quickly as possible often within 7 days

Book your B1 test preparation here

It is now an official requirement that for any applications made for Settlement  or ILR or Naturalisation applications, that are received by the British Home Office on or after 28th October 2013, the applicants are required to pass the Life in the UK Test, as before,
AND ALSO
have a speaking & listening qualification at B1 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for languages)  or higher, or an equivalent level qualification.

The Trinity College London GESE grade 5 is a speaking & listening exam at B1 level on the CEFR ESOL Entry level 3 on NQF* ( National Qualifications Framework) Speaking & Listening.

(Click here to find the Home Office’s new requirements for Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK for Settlement/ILR & Naturalisation applications made on or after 28th October 2013)

Home Office’s list of approved English tests

English Exam For Settlement. B1 Test  ESOL Entry3 Speaking an Listening – the GESE grade 5 is on the Home Office’s list of approved English tests (see page 35 final entry -Graded Examinationsin SpokenEnglish ): http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf

This English exam – TCL Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International – Speaking and Listening (Entry 3) is also regulated by OFQUAL – Qualification number 500/1934/X

This GESE grade 5 exam is a speaking & listening exam at B1 level exam in English For Speakers of Other Languages ESOL .

You will have a ten minute interview with a Trinity College examiner on a one-to-one basis. Your result is normally available on the same day and then your certificate is sent to you as quickly as possible often within 7 days.

We offer preparation for these Home Office approved exams regularly –

Prepare for your B1 test for Citizenship / ILR here

or contact us / register your interest in the B1 Test ESOL exam here

B1 Speaking and Listening Exam

Friday, January 3rd, 2014 at 10:32 pm  
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B1 Speaking and Listening Exam Requirement

From 28th October 2013, except for certain exemptions if you are from a particular country,  all applicants for settlement or naturalisation as a British citizen will have to meet the knowledge of language and life requirement by passing the Life in the UK test and having a Speaking and Listening qualification in English at B1 level CEFR or higher, or its equivalent.

You can see the new requirement from the UK Border Agency and Home Office in the the 8th April 2013 Knowledge of language and life in the UK for settlement and naturalisation statement of intent

Trinity College London’s Graded Examination in Spoken English (GESE) Grade 5 in Speaking and Listening skills is suitable for Settlement (or ILR) and Naturalisation applications made on or after 28th October 2013.

Trinity’s GESE grade 5 is set at B1 level on the CEFR and at ESOL Entry level 3 on the NQF and has also been regulated by  Ofqual – .Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation

This follows the June 2012 announcement from the government (see below) with changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR or Settlement) and Naturalisation as a British Citizen routes, that anticipated the new requirements that came into force from October 2013.

This means that now all applications made after the 28th of October 2013 for ILR/Settlement must now pass the Life in the UK Test and have an English language speaking and listening qualification at B1 level or above of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) unless they are exempt by country of birth.

The official government announcement came in June 2012. It stated “From October 2013, all applicants for settlement will be required to demonstrate a knowledge of language and life in the UK by passing the Life in the UK test and by presenting a speaking and listening qualification at intermediate level (Common European Framework of Reference level B1) or above.

This language requirement, together with a knowledge of the values that underlie British society, will help ensure that those who settle here are able to participate in British life and are better able to gain employment.

The speaking and listening qualification must be secure, robust and generally available in the UK. We will consider these criteria over the coming months and will publish details of acceptable speaking and listening qualifications early next year.“

Trinity College’s Examination in Spoken English (GESE) Grade 5 in Speaking and Listening skills is a UK Border Agency and Home Office accepted test. you can prepare for this B1 Speaking and Listening Exam which consists of a ten minute interview with an official Trinity Examiner at our B1 test preparation centre.