UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

Knowledge of Life in the UK introduced for Settlement

Wednesday, 7 March 2007

The UK Government has introduced an additional requirement of language knowledge and “life in the UK” for those adults who are applying for indefinite leave to remain on or after 2nd April 2007.

This requirement has already been in practise for people applying for British citizenship since November 2005.

There are two ways in which one can satisfy the requirement:.

• If you are already at or above ESOL (English for Speakers of other languages) Entry 3 standard of English you will be able to undertake a specially developed short test called "Life in the UK Test". Or • If you have not reached ESOL Entry 3 you will need to gain an approved English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) qualification through attending an ESOL course which includes citizenship materials at a local college.

The test will be done on a computer and there is a fee of £34 to be paid. The test consists of 24 questions based on the information contained in the handbook "Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship”. One can take the test as many times as needed to pass. There are courses available at many Further Education and Community Colleges across the UK.