Does GCSE in English satisfy new langauge requirements?

[kundan]

Hi,
My 18 yr old son has completed GCSE in English (language and lit) in the UK. I'm not sure if that meets the new language criteria (after 28 October, which requires 'speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 CEFR or higher, or its equivalent') for naturalisation. Does anybody know?

Thanks

[Amber]

See also, List Of Approved Tests (click).

A new list is due soon I believe.

[kundan]

thanks, but this list contains tests such as ESOL. GCSE is at a higher level (I think) than ESOL but not sure if he shoud do ESOL entry 3.

[Amber]

At the moment unless an IGCSE:

Do you accept other qualifications like GCSE’s?
No. We do not currently accept qualifications like GCSE’s. There are practical issues with using other qualifications to demonstrate they meet our English language requirements including the need to have a system to verify such qualifications and the fact they may not test the skills we require e.g. speaking and listening.

[kundan]

Thanks Guru, where did you find this quote?

[royh]

Just checked something myself, I took my test before 28th October. I have GCSE English A grade, but now need to do this B1 test anyway apparently