Immigration Corner | Proof of English qualification

Dear Mr Bassie:

What qualification or proof will I need to prove my knowledge of English for citizenship and settling in the United Kingdom? Any advice will help.

- A.G.

Dear A.G.:

To prove knowledge of English for citizenship and settling, persons must use approved English-language qualifications. They can prove their knowledge of English by having a recognised English test qualification from an approved test centre.

Persons need to have a certificate to prove that they have the qualification or be able to view the results online.

They can only use English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) qualifications if they are on the list. They cannot use other qualifications, such as GCSEs, A' Levels or National Vocational Qualifications.

Please note that some recognised test qualifications only last for two years. However, persons can still use a B1-level qualification that was taken more than two years ago in two situations.

They can use a B1-level qualification that has expired if applying for citizenship and it was accepted when they settled in the United Kingdom.

It does not matter if the B1-level test that was taken is not on the current list of recognised tests; another test will not need to be taken.

Persons can use a B1-level qualification that has expired if both of the following are true:

a. it is on the current list of recognised tests, and

b. it was accepted for another United Kingdom immigration application, for example, when permission was given to enter.

Applicants can prove their knowledge of English by having a degree that was taught or researched in English. If they have a degree from a United Kingdom university, they will only need their original degree certificate.

If the degree is not from a United Kingdom university, they will need to have their original degree certificate and one of the following:

1. an original letter or certificate from UK NARIC - the designated United Kingdom national agency for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills - confirming the equivalent level of the degree, plus an official letter from that university with the applicant's name and degree confirming that the degree was taught in English; or

2. an original and official certificate from the university confirming the degree was taught or researched in a majority English-speaking country (except Canada).

If persons have lost their certificate or they are waiting for graduation, they must have proof that they have passed their degree course. This can be done by either

a. an original and official transcript with their name, the name of the institution, their degree and confirmation of the award; or

b. an original and official letter from the university confirming it cannot reissue their certificate or when it will be issued. The letter must include: the person's name, their degree, and the date the degree was or will be awarded.

I hope this helps.

- John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practises law in Jamaica. He is a justice of the peace, a Supreme Court-appointed mediator, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a chartered arbitrator and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (UK). Email:lawbassie@yahoo.com