Q&A document on English language requirements for students
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) have published a Q&A document on the new English language requirements for students and sponsors. This document has been produced in an effort to clarify the situation after the extensive changes made to the student visa system on 21 April.The language requirements for people applying for student visas under Tier 4 of the points based system are now harder to meet. The changes require a higher standard of English language (level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference) for people applying for degree-level courses compared to lower-level courses.
The document, English language requirement - clarification, June 2011 (PDF, 54KB), is available for download from the UKBA website.
The document includes guidance on what happens where applicants do not meet the required levels in all of the assessments, applications for extension of leave made inside the UK, and the differences between degree-level and non-degree-level courses.
Some information is also given about how UKBA officers assess a student’s competence. For instance, the document says that UKBA officers ‘will test whether the student can hold a simple conversation without an interpreter. If they cannot, then clearly the required level has not been attained.’ This decision would apply, even if the student has got the qualifications required.
With the government committed to drastic reductions in net migration it is likely they will follow these new rules closely. If you have any questions or concerns about your application, or the school where you gained your English language qualification you should check the UKBA list of approved tests (PDF, 125KB) for guidance.
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