Archive for 'B1 test'

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.

Changes to Immigration Rules

More Changes to the Immigration Rules

There are important changes afoot for immigration rules. Yesterday, Friday 6th September 2013, a written ministerial statement was laid in Parliament outlining a number of changes to those Immigration Rules.

The changes, which are planned to come into effect on 1st October 2013, will mean greater flexibility for businesses and workers and include:

  • removing the English language requirement for intra-company transferees;
  • making it easier for graduate entrepreneurs to switch into Tier 2;
  • waiving share ownership restrictions for some senior staff; and
  • allowing some students to work as interns under the Tier 5 government authorised exchange scheme.

Tourist and business visitors will benefit from the following changes:

  • Allowing tourists and business visitors to do some study where it is not the main purpose of their visit.
  • Expanding the activities a business visitor can do in the UK.
  • Removing the prospective student route.

Further changes include:

  • expanding checks to ensure applicants for work and student visas are genuine, and that they intend to meet the conditions of leave they apply for;
  • introducing powers to refuse Tier 4 extension applications where the applicant cannot speak English;
  • introducing a scheme which allows some locally engaged staff in Afghanistan to relocate to the UK;
  • setting new youth mobility scheme quotas for 2014;
  • enabling those who demonstrate exceptional promise in the arts to apply under Tier 1;
  • changes to the way we handle settlement applications for refugees who have committed crimes, and adding the power to curtail leave for persistent or serious offenders;
  • introducing temporary Immigration Rules so participants and personnel can come to the UK during the 2014 Commonwealth Games;
  • minor changes and clarifications to the Immigration Rules, including those relating to family life.

From 28 October there will also be changes to the way applicants for indefinite leave to remain are required to demonstrate their knowledge of the English language and of life in the UK. Applicants will need to pass the Life in the UK test and also an English Language Test  at an exam centre. The Trinity college speaking and listening B1 test, GESE grade 5 is an approved exam for this purpose.

You can prepare for ESOL exams with us by taking our ESOL courses.

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