Does the Dependent spouse need to pass IELTS/Life in the Uk

[Rog]

When the WP/HSMP Holder applies for ILR after 5 years of stay the main holder is required to give IELTS and the Life in the UK test, however the BIA website states that the dependent spouse needs to pass both these tests as well or the spouse's ILR application is rejected.

Is it mandatory for the spouse to pass the two tests as well ?

[Siggi]

She will need to have passed her UK life Test before she will be granted ILR.
But I don't know about IELTS what is this?

[Rog]

Thanks for your reply. The IELTS is the test of English Language. If the dependent spouse has to sit for the Life in the UK test it obviously means that the test of English would have to be given as well. This is unecessary time and expense for both partners having to give these exams, it should be for the main applicant only

[Siggi]

Rog,
It is clear that for ILR you have to has passed Life in UK test and thats all, no big deal and it's only £34 odd.

[Siggi]

Rog,
I have just double checked the SET(0) form and it clearly states, you and your wife must have passed either the ESOL qualification or Life in the UK test, not both.
It also says that if you hav'nt completed either you should not apply for ILR.

[SYH]

Thanks for your reply. The IELTS is the test of English Language. If the dependent spouse has to sit for the Life in the UK test it obviously means that the test of English would have to be given as well. This is unecessary time and expense for both partners having to give these exams, it should be for the main applicant only

No the test of English does not have to be given as well.
The Life in the UK test is supposed to indicated you have competency in English for Immigration purposes.
Is it a good idea to have IELTs under your belt, that depends if you are an anglophone or not that your employer might want it or something.

[Rog]

SYH, thanks for your reply. Does this mean that for ILR passing the Life in the UK by the main applicant and the spouse is sufficient and a separate test of competancy in English is not required for ILR purpose.

[SYH]

SYH, thanks for your reply. Does this mean that for ILR passing the Life in the UK by the main applicant and the spouse is sufficient and a separate test of competancy in English is not required for ILR purpose.

What did I just say?

[vinny]

Rog,

In order to apply for permanent residence, you will normally first need to show that you have enough knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom.

Can you give a link regarding any additional IELTS requirement?

[Rog]

Thanks all for your replies. The confusion I had was due to the following question in the FAQ section under Knowledge of English Language & Life in the Uk

"Q) What do you have to do show that you have sufficient knowledge of English and life in the UK ?

A) If you English is already at above ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Level 3, you can give the Life in the UK test. "

Hence I had the query, how do you show documentary proof of having knowledge of English at ESOL level 3 to be eligible to sit in the Life in the UK test.

But as SYH has clarified that sitting and appearing in the LITU test itself is proof of having ESOL Level 3 standard of English. Many thanks to everyone for their input.

Have a good weekend