Life In The Uk Test

By Author: mujahid rasool
Total Articles: 1
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eProposals that might end the Life in the UK Test!

The Government wants to change the Life in the UK Test to ensure that relatives that want to join other family members who have been granted right to remain in the UK, have a decent command of the English language. It says it wants to end the variations that exist for different categories of family reunions. In 2010 over 114,000 migrants fell into this category. A five year probationary period is being proposed by the Home Officer Minister, Damian Green, before family members are eligible to apply for settlement. Steps will be taken to make certain that there are minimum demands on the state benefit system and to provide proof of a high level of income.

Mr.Green says “This consultation is about better family migration – better for migrants, communities and the UK as a whole. We will not tolerate abuses. And if you cannot support your foreign spouse or partner, you cannot expect the taxpayers to do it for you."

In addition to this, everyone must prove that they can understand “every day” English. Currently this is done in one ...
... of two ways, either by taking and passing the same way. Life in the UK Test or by enrolling and passing a specialist English language course. Everyone will be required to speak English to the Cefr (Common European Framework of Reference) level B1.

For its consultation prior to changing the method, the Government is seeking views on what skills – writing, reading, speaking or listening should be assessed. It is this consultation that suggests that the Government is considering abandoning the Life in the UK Test.

When the last Government commissioned Lord Goldsmith in 2008 to review the citizenship processes including the citizenship test he concluded that the Life in the UK Test was not a stimulus for learning despite this being one of its stated aims.

There is a genuine fear that the Government will impose new rules that will make Britain’s immigrants face some of the most restrictive policies in Europe and North America.