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News » New English Language Requirements for Partners Entering or Settling in the United Kingdom from 29th November 2010
New English Language Requirements for Partners
Starting 29 November 2010, migrants who are the spouse or partner of a British citizen or resident and who wish to live in the UK will be required to prove that they can speak and understand English.
The new requirement affects anyone applying as the husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner, same-sex partner, fiance(e) or proposed civil partner of a British citizen or a person settled in this country. It covers those applying to extend their stay in the UK, as well as applicants from overseas.
To prove English language ability, you will need to show one of the following:
- come from a majority English-speaking country; or
- pass an acceptable English language test approved by the UK Border Agency (UKBA); or
- have a degree taught in English which is accepted by the UKBA.
If you have a bachelors degree taught in English determined by UK NARIC to be equivalent to a UK Bachelor's degree this will meet the English language requirements. The UKBA will not accept Master's degrees or PhD degrees taught in English as evidence of English ability because UK NARIC can only assess whether Bachelor's degrees were taught in English. It also seems to be the case that in future it will be more difficult to meet the English language requirements for those applying under say the Tier 1 visa or Tier 2 visa of the points based system. It will no longer be the case that Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa applicants will be able to show English language ability by having a Masters Degree or PhD taught in English.
Exemptions
You will not need to meet the English language requirement if you provide satisfactory evidence that:
- you are aged 65 or over at the time when you make your application; or
- you have a physical or mental condition which would prevent you from meeting the requirement; or
- there are exceptional compassionate circumstances which would prevent you from meeting the requirement.
List of approved English Language tests for partners