Archive for 'British citizenship'

Settlement and Naturalisation Exams

Sunday, April 6th, 2014 at 11:32 pm  
Leave your comment

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.

B1 Test / Speaking & Listening exam for British Citizenship

Saturday, October 12th, 2013 at 12:02 pm  
Leave your comment

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.