Starting from April 7, 2010, UK Border Agency’s alterations to the ‘Knowledge of language and life’ requirement that are needed to be fulfilled by overseas people in order to settle down in the UK are in effect. As part of the changes, the agency is altering the prerequisite of ESOL for the people aged between eighteen and sixty-four.

People (18-64) seeking settlement in the UK are required to satisfy the agency that they have the adequate knowledge of the English language, as well as the life in the nation. In order to do this, overseas people can choose either of the two options- passing the “Life in the UK’ test or an validated English for Speakers of Other Languages qualification. As for the ‘Life in the UK’ test, there are no changes made.

Until April 6, 2010, immigrants would satisfy the English language requirement by producing an appropriate qualification from a certified body after attending a course where the participants were being taught about UK citizenship. According to the alterations effective from 7th April, 2010, along with the above mentioned, an applicant for UK settlement is required to attend classes in order to obtain the qualification at a recognized college. Besides, the applicant must display that he/she has improved minimum one level in the language.

According to the Agency, the definition for ‘an accredited college’ is the one that is publicly funded and inspected by Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) or other equivalent authorized institutions. The college can also be a private one, which is recognized by Accreditation UK or few other equivalent bodies.

For more information on the new requirements for the English for Speakers of Other Languages provision, contact an Immigration and Visa consultant!