Naturalisation and English Language Requirements

[Vk2014]

Hi all,
I am an Indian citizen applying for British citizenship in May.

Do I need to write a test to prove knowledge of English language?

I recieved ILR in May 2015. At that time I submitted NARIC letter confirming that my degree is equivalent to UK bachelors degree and a print out of PBS tier 2 calculator.

Does this mean I do not need to prove this requirement again,

Thanks, VK

[geriatrix]

FAQs - English language requirements for naturalisation

[Vk2014]

Hi geriatrix

I have read the FAQs, but still not sure if my application will be successful if I do not provide any evidence.

The form says we need to provide evidence for English language.
I called the call center and they said I can provide the PBS calculator print out. But that PBS calculator is not available.

Will be helpful if anyone can clarify this point.

Thanks.

[sanjaywakhare]

Hi Geriatrix, Vk2014,

The FAQ's are very good but the below on gov.uk site still confuses a lot
https://www.gov.uk/english-language/exemptions
(this page is updated on 6 April 2016)

If you’re applying for citizenship
There are no other exemptions if you’re applying to become a British citizen. You must have a relevant English language qualification even if you were exempt when you were granted settlement.

This clearly states that a language qualification is required.

The only relief is for Citizenship they accept certificates that has expired. So English language certificate used at the time of entry clearance 6 years ago can still be used
(https://www.gov.uk/english-language/app ... ifications)

[SKJMR]

Hi guys,

even i am in the same boat.

my wife used a letter from Jntu university plus points based calculator for ILR in jan 2015
but i am really confused, whether i can use the same docs now for naturlisation,
NCS, says fine, but people say rules changed
homeoffice website says somethings else
any information guys please let me know

[blackeyed]

Hi All, can anyone answer above query?
I got TIer 1(General)->ILR shpwing print out of tier 2 pbs calculator showing 10 points for my Indian degree.

Can this be used for naturalisation or I need UK NARIC certificate and letter from university (almost impossible to get)

Thanks

[spzenthil]

Hi,

I have raised the same question here as well.

http://www.immigrationboards.com/britis ... l#p1345861

I did some research and have talked to Home office as well. I think they no longer accept PBS print out so we need to get a letter from NARIC along with the university degree.

Hope that helps.

Thanks,
-Senthil

[blackeyed]

Thanks for your reply mate. I called my university staff and they are not going to issue letter as degree and transcripts clearly show subjects taught in English.

I think the only option left is SELT or any other English test

[Noetic]

Make sure the provider is on the list in this link https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... uage-tests

[blackeyed]

Thanks mate, just to confirm GESE Grade 5 (B1) from Trinity will be sufficient?

[spzenthil]

@ blackeyed, why do you need to write the test?

You can use NARIC service and just get a letter from them to confirm that the degree is taught in english.
The letter from the university is no longer relevant as per the current application form. Am I missing something here?

Thanks,
-Senthil

[blackeyed]

@senthil - UK Naric is requesting Degree, Transcripts and Letter from university for medium of education to verify and confirm that.

[Noetic]

Thanks mate, just to confirm GESE Grade 5 (B1) from Trinity will be sufficient?

As long as the test centre is on the Home Office list of approved providers.

[spzenthil]

@blackeyed What service you are requesting from NARIC?

I have just applied for the NARIC certificate as well and it was asking for degree certificates and transcripts (consolidated marksheet) only.

Thanks,
-Senthil

[blackeyed]

@senthil I was using UK NARIC UK visa and nationality service https://www.naric.org.uk/visas%20and%20 ... apply.aspx

I called there helpline as well but may be they misguided me

[hussainkothari]

Hello,

Are we saying we cannot tick the option of "I met the knowledge of language and life requirement to qualify for settlement on or after 28th October 2013" and leave Question 1.23 blank?

Do we need a NARIC or B1 qualification?

[blackeyed]

Hello,

Are we saying we cannot tick the option of "I met the knowledge of language and life requirement to qualify for settlement on or after 28th October 2013" and leave Question 1.23 blank?

Do we need a NARIC or B1 qualification?

That's what my Initial thought was but so many discussions on this topic and none is conclusive enough for clear guidance.

On page https://www.gov.uk/english-language/exemptions
it says
If you’re applying for citizenship

There are no other exemptions if you’re applying to become a British citizen. You must have a relevant English language qualification even if you were exempt when you were granted settlement.

I hope seniors/moderators on this forum should clarify this.

[Daslimy1]

I spoke with NCS yesterday and specifically asked about 'Oct 23rd' option. She said we have been asked to ensure NARIC letter is submitted, if I don't want to submit that's my wish.

FAQ very clearly states it is an exempt, however I am still unsure.
Can any recent applicant's suggest if they selected Oct 23rd option were processed without any hassles?

BR

[Daslimy1]

Found this information from HO

If we have previously accepted a degree qualification as meeting the requirements for an earlier application, we will not need to see additional confirmation from UK NARIC. If the qualification has not previously been used for an immigration application, the applicant must obtain confirmation from UK NARIC that it meets the relevant criteria.


https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/ ... ing-804789

I think it seems fairly obvious, Oct 23rd option does not require any additional documentation...

Hope this helps

[Vk2014]

Hi all

Thanks for sharing updates on this topic.

Has anyone applied for naturalization recently i.e. April onwards, without providing evidence for Knowledge of language (if they got ILR after Oct 2013)?
And if so, did you hear any updates from HO on your application?

Thanks.

[vjvjvj]

Hi All,

I am as well in same boat bit confused on this English Language requirement, but what 'Daslimy1' has shared makes sense and we ideally need not submit anything extra, I am going to take a chance and submit nothing and just tick that 23rd Oct option and will see how it goes...

Cheers,
Vish

[spzenthil]

Thanks Daslimy1.

I think it looks clear to me now. I can choose the 28th Oct 2013 option and it looks very valid here.

P.S: My mistake for not reading through the whole application and looking at all the options provided in the application. Looks like I have wasted 55£ by applying for statement of comparability as it doesn't seem to be required here.

Thanks,
-Senthil

[vjvjvj]

Hi Again,

This clarifies it all as well, I recommend to download this doc and keep safe if in worst case there are any discrepancies if we not submit any proof etc to ensure we can have a backup.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... t-koll.pdf

English Language Qualifications
We will accept a range of English language qualifications as evidence that an applicant has
met the requirement to hold a B1 level speaking and listening qualification. This will help ensure
that all those needing to take a test will be able to find one suitable for their needs and, so far
as possible, that no one who already has an English language qualification at B1 or above will
be required to take another one. So, for example, a person applying for settlement as a Tier 2
(General) migrant who has already demonstrated a knowledge of English equivalent to B1 level in
order to qualify for entry clearance, will not have to take a further test at settlement stage.

[WalSag]

Hi Geriatrix, Vk2014,
The only relief is for Citizenship they accept certificates that has expired. So English language certificate used at the time of entry clearance 6 years ago can still be used
(https://www.gov.uk/english-language/app ... ifications)

I am an EU national so did not need a language certificate when I moved to the UK. I am now going to apply for PR then citizenship.
I passed the Cambridge First Certificate and the Certificate of Proficiency in English (level C2) when I was still a teenager, back in the 1990’s. Have they expired, or are they still valid? I have been working in the UK for nearly a decade now so am not out of practice. I was half way through a OU degree when the fees went up (as a part-time student, I didn’t qualify for a student loan), and can't afford to complete it. I have passed several (pricy) professional qualifications but none of them were at degree level. I am not afraid of failing the exam, just annoyed that it’s going to cost me another £150 (plus the cost of travelling to London – not that many exam centres in rural areas) and a whole Saturday. Plus I may well have to take strong painkillers at some point in the future, and from past experience (operation), these make my speech very slurred (and make me look as if I am drunk).

[noajthan]

You need to an submit up to date SELT from approved test centre (not necessarily London).