English language test for UK spousal visa

Immigrants wanting to move to the UK to join their spouses will be required to show proficiency in spoken English with effect from November this year.

Revealing about the latest rule of UK immigration, Damian Green, UK immigration minister stated before the MPs that all migrants hailing from non-EU nations wanting to join either a non-EU (Eastern Europe) national or a UK citizen will have to show their ability to speak English.

The rule aims to help new immigrants arriving as partners or spouses can take part in British culture and way of life, Green added.

Moreover, having good command over English language will help new immigrants arriving on UK spousal/marriage visas to get new and high paying jobs in the UK.

Hence, it requires clearing an English test demonstrating speaking proficiency by foreign spouses before entering the UK. In fact, undertaking an English language test is a condition before making application for UK visas, as per the new rules by UK immigration.

Prior to this new UK immigration rule, foreign citizens wanting to join their spouses in the UK and live there were allowed to do so with the only concern being that they must provide proof of the fact that their marriage or union is true and genuine.

Although, the UK Home Office has been planning about this rule since two years ago, it finally is going to introduce this rule in the coming November.

Meanwhile, there is a growing concern among teachers and several language testers that the government of the UK seems to be showing too much reliance on language tests before giving UK visas to non-EU migrants. They feel that failure to clear English language test might become a big hurdle in the way of numerous migrants wanting to join their spouses in the UK.

Another concern is that although the range of available English language tests (which are about 30 in number) might appear to be advantageous, but the fact is that many of the tests are not available outside the UK. Also, several such tests assess academic and business English of the candidates.

About Post Author

Christine M

See author's posts