PM's note on new rules for spousal visa

[globalindian]

Just read the news regarding PM saying new rules well be in place for Oct 2016 regarding the spousal visa English test.

Does Anybody got any further details?

E.g. will this impact people who are already having spousal visa or during FLR M extension process?

[CR001]

Well clearly if it has only been in the news today, we would not be aware of anything. Until HO publishes updated guidelines, the current requirements will remain as they are where A1 English is still required for an extension.

[globalindian]

Thanks CR001 for the quick response.

[Casa]

This is what you appear to be referring to:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35342270

[globalindian]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/ ... ation.html

[secret.simon]

I could be wrong, but it seems that the PM is reviving a fairly old idea and making it government policy.

I believe that the idea is that a spousal entry clearance will require A1 certification, as it currently does, but that any subsequent FLR will require a B1 certificate. That is the old idea. I am not sure if the PM is planning to increase it to C1 for ILR. FYI, C1 was the English requirement for the now redundant HSMP/Tier 1 G.

From his statement, the PM seems to have already stated in no uncertain terms that the English certification will trump the rights of parents under human rights legislation. It would be interesting to see how that plays out.

And can the PM make it apply to the non-EEA spouses of EEA citizens? Has the PM won some concessions in Brussels and is that why the plans are from October onwards?