Getting through the UK immigration process can be tricky, particularly when grasping the requirements for English language skills. This article aims to give you a detailed guide on this subject, designed especially for people applying for family visas.
Who Needs to Prove Their English Proficiency?
Only some people must prove their English skills when applying for a UK visa. You don’t have to meet this requirement if you fall into any of the following categories:
– If you’re applying as a child.
– If you’re applying as an adult who will be taken care of by a relative.
– If you’ve already been in the UK on a family visa for five years and you’re extending it as a partner or parent.
– If you’re over 65 years old.
– If you have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting the requirement.
– If you’re a citizen of certain countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others
How to Prove Your English Proficiency
Two main methods for demonstrating your English skills are obtaining an academic qualification or taking a test.
Academic Qualifications
If you have a degree or academic qualification taught or researched in English, you can use it as evidence of your English skills. If your qualification is from a UK university or college, all you need is your degree certificate. However, if your qualification is from a university or college outside the UK, you must obtain a certificate from Ecctis (previously known as UK NARIC). This certificate will confirm that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher and that it was taught in English.
Approved English Language Test
You can also demonstrate your English skills by completing an approved English language test. For your initial visa application, you must achieve at least level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. If you attain level B1 or higher, you can reuse your test results when applying for settlement after five years. It’s important to note that your test must be from the approved list of qualifications, and your test certificate should not have been revoked by the test provider (Page 19).
English Language Requirement for Visa Extension
If you’re applying to extend your visa after 2.5 years, you may need to achieve a higher level on the CEFR scale. If you initially passed level A1, you will need to complete at least level A2 in speaking and listening for your extension. However, if you achieved levels A2, B1, B2, C1, or C2, you can reuse your test results for your application, as long as the test provider hasn’t revoked your test certificate.
Understanding the English language requirements is an essential part of the UK immigration process. By familiarizing yourself with these requirements, you can better prepare for your visa application or extension. Remember always to check the latest guidelines, as immigration rules can change.