Changes to UK immigration English test for Tier 1, 2, and 4 applicants

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02 February 2012


Beginning 6 April 2012 the UK Border Agency (UKBA) will require all applicants applying to remain in the UK under Tier 1 (General), Tier 1(Entrepreneur) and Tier 2 of the UK points-based system to have a completed language test prior to applying for a visa.

immigration originally allowed applicants to apply before taking the English Language test because the test was not easily available to all applicants. Now the English Language test availability has increased and immigrants should now be able to take the test in enough time submitting their UK visa application.

According to UKBA, applicants applying for leave to remain will continue to be able to take advantage of the concession for visa applications received up to and including 6 April 2012. Visa applications made after 6 April 2012 must be accompanied with evidence that applicants have passed an approved English language test.

In addition UK immigration has released a new list of approved English language test providers for visa applications made under Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the points-based system.

Effective 24 January 24 2012, the following amendments were made:


When you lodge an application in a UK immigration category that requires you to demonstrate your English language ability, applicants must show that they have passed an appropriate test on the list.

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