Archive for 'life in the uk test'

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.

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.

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 / Speaking & Listening exam for British Citizenship

Saturday, October 12th, 2013 at 12:02 pm  
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B1 Speaking & Listening exam / B1 test

In June 2012, the government announced changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR or Settlement) and Naturalisation as a British Citizen routes, that will come into force from October 2013.

From October 2013, all applicants for ILR/Settlement must pass the Life in the UK Test and present an English language speaking and listening qualification at B1 level or above of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages unless they are exempt.

In June 2012, the government announced, “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 acknowledge 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.“
Now all applicants for settlement or naturalisation as a British citizen will need 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 CEFR or higher, or its equivalent.

For full details of the new requirement please see the 8th April 2013 statement of intent.

Trinity College has announced that their Graded Examination in Spoken English (GESE) Grade 5 in Speaking and Listening skills is suitable for Settlement (or ILR) and Naturalisation applications.

Trinity College GESE grade 5 is set at the B1 test level on the CEFR and at ESOL Entry level 3 on the NQF and has been regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). It is accepted by the Home Office for Citizenship for definite Leave to Remain (ILR or Settlement) and Naturalisation routes.

Find more information about ESOL courses and the B1 speaking and listening exam / GESE grade 5 from Trinity College at at our B1 test preparation centre

Find out when you can prepare for the B1 test / ESOL Entry level 3 speaking and listening exam this week.

Life in the UK test handbook update

Saturday, January 26th, 2013 at 11:43 am  
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An updated Life in the UK Test: Handbook 2014: Everything You Need for the British Citizenship Test is now available to buy.

The new handbook supports the UK Border Agency’s Life in the UK test for migrants wishing to seek permanent residence in the UK or naturalisation as a British citizen.

It has been updated to provide the reader with a more accurate reflection of living in the UK, with a greater focus on British culture and history. The handbook is user-friendly and has taken on board feedback from the user evaluation survey, the public and other interested parties.

The Life in the UK test handbook celebrates British achievements and prominent individuals in the fields of science, culture, literature and sport. It also highlights the natural beauty and major landmarks of the UK. There is information on government, democracy, the legal system and how individuals can contribute to their community, plus a greater emphasis on the responsibilities as well as privileges of living in the UK.

It will fit easily into a pocket or bag and includes useful ‘check that you understand’ boxes at the end of every section, and a glossary of key words and phrases.

A new Life in the UK test will be introduced after publication of the new handbook, to allow candidates time to prepare. Unlike the current test which only has questions on selected chapters, the new test will include questions on all sections of the new Life in the UK test handbook, meaning that candidates will be tested on their knowledge of history and the law.

Now the updated version for 2014 is here: