English language tests for UK spouse visa to begin this month

United Kingdom, 19th November: The UK Border Agency has revealed that the new requirements for English language tests will come into effect from November 29 this year.

The announcement was made by the UKBA(UK Border Agency) through a video providing the various changes in the English language requirements for migrant spouses seeking a UK visa.

As per the new requirement, any migrant hailing from non European Economic Area will be required to provide proof of his proficiency in understanding and speaking of English for getting entry in the UK or extension of their stay in the UK as a spouse of a UK citizen or someone who has already settled in the UK.

And this is going to ask many to undertake an English language test from any approved providers of English language.

Meanwhile, EU citizens who are currently living in the UK and working here will be allowed to bring any foreign bride or foreign groom from any part of the world without having to prove their proficiency in English language.

Although, quite strange this new ruling might seem, yet the fact is that a spouse or a partner of any EU citizen gets a similar right to move freely as per the rules of the Union.

And on the contrary, those wishing to marry a UK citizen will be required to clear the English language test since free movement is not applicable when a EU member happens to be in his home nation.

No wonder, the new ruling by UK government is being labelled as a ‘preverse’ loophole since it will be giving protection to European migrants’ rights rather than the Britons in their native nation.

Moreover, its being cautioned that introduction of such new English language requirements might breach laws of human rights over the family life rights.

The new English language rules are certainly going to involve around 50 hours tuition from the non-English speaking migrants from outside the EU for achieving  proficiency in English(in both reading and writing) and getting a UK visa.

Those marrying citizens of Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland(since these nations along with EU are included in European Economic Area and hence get similar rights) will be exempt from such language requirements under the free movement rules.