English requirement Visa for UK Partners - Update

[bapak]

Following is an update on the new English language requirement for UK Partners.... The Learning Centre will be offering a course shortly to cover this requirement.
----------------------------------
New English language requirement for partners
From 29 November 2010, you will need to show that you can speak and understand English if you want to enter or remain in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or a person settled here.

You will need to meet the requirement if:
you are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland; and you are in a relationship with a British citizen or a person settled here; and you want to apply to enter or remain in the UK as that person's husband, wife, civil partner, fiance(e), proposed civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner.

What will you need to do?

If you are a Thai nationald, you will need to pass an acceptable English language test with one of the UK Border Agency's approved test providers.

In the test, you will need to demonstrate a basic command of English (speaking and listening) at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. This is a basic level, which is judged to require 40 to 50 hours' tuition for most learners. Someone assessed at level A1 can understand and use simple, everyday expressions and very basic phrases.

You will not need to demonstrate your reading and writing skills.

[bapak]

English tests compulsory for people living in UK
From today's Local English Press

Non-European migrants who wanted to enter or remain in the United Kingdom as the partner of British citizens or a person settled there have to prove their English language ability, by taking an approved test, the UK government says.

The new rules effective from next Monday will apply to anyone applying as the husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner, same-sex partner, fianc้ or prospective civil partner of a British citizen or person settled in the country, it said.

These tests will be compulsory for people applying from within the UK as well as visa applicants from overseas, according to a statement from the British Embassy.

Migrant spouses and partners will have to demonstrate English language ability at A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (speaking and listening).

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.

"This new requirement was announced in June this year and as we get close to the implementation date we'd like to remind those planning on applying for a marriage visa to the UK that from November 29 they will be required to pass a compulsory English language test," said Ed Mackie, UK Border Agency regional manager for East Asia.

"Speaking English promotes integration into British society and broadens opportunities. The new rules will help ensure that migrant spouses are able to participate in British life from the outset and integrate more easily into wider UK society," he said.

[bapak]

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. The test will only be for speaking and listening.

The Learning Centre will shortly be offering short courses to meet the requirement and providing approved test facilities. To be keep informed, email info@learningcentre.co.th and in the subject line put: "UK Partners Test".

[PET]

Are you saying that you are an approved UK Border Agency tester ?

[bapak]

Are you saying that you are an approved UK Border Agency tester ?

The key words in our post are: "will shortly be.."

[margaretcarnes]

Are you saying that you are an approved UK Border Agency tester ?

The key words in our post are: "will shortly be.."

It's fair to ask though Bapak - do you have actual copies of the test, it's proposed range/scope of questions and UKBA criteria and requirements, or a copy of the manual which is bound to have been issued to the UKBA?

[bapak]

Are you saying that you are an approved UK Border Agency tester ?

The key words in our post are: "will shortly be.."

It's fair to ask though Bapak - do you have actual copies of the test, it's proposed range/scope of questions and UKBA criteria and requirements, or a copy of the manual which is bound to have been issued to the UKBA?

Sorry but I understood the query to be about The Learning Centre being an approved test centre. Approval is now in final process.

There are no copies of any test... The UKBA only require that tester is approved by them and able to provide the following test:
Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

[bapak]

Might add that Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference is a basic level, which is judged to require 40 to 50 hours' tuition for most learners. Someone assessed at level A1 can understand and use simple, everyday expressions and very basic phrases (speaking and listening only).

The course that we will offer is at the starting level of TOEIC tuition.

[chopsticks]

This is a new requirement and also applicable to partners already settled in UK applying for a visa extension (Further Leave to Remain).
Yet another pointless hidden tax and a rushed piece of legislation with vague requirements as to the proficiency required.
No definitive list of approved schools or test centres has been published on the UKBA website.
Meanwhile, the real problem of uncontrolled EU immigration continues unabated through porous borders with UK government powerless to impose any quotas.
Instead they prefer to tinker with the non-EU immigration rules so as to be seen as 'tackling immigration'.

[Randy Cornhole]

Govermental.

[PET]

Might add that Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference is a basic level, which is judged to require 40 to 50 hours' tuition for most learners. Someone assessed at level A1 can understand and use simple, everyday expressions and very basic phrases (speaking and listening only).

The course that we will offer is at the starting level of TOEIC tuition.

If the UKBA only require Level A1 why is your course for the ED Visa quoted on another thread as taking 180 hours and costing Baht 24,900 ? I am sure their is an explanation but I must be missing it !

[chopsticks]

Obtaining the ED Visa is a Thai government option for farangs coming to live in Thailand to study (eg.Thai language course) for a few years.