In my view and an extended explanation for the benefit of future readers;
The current rules around English Tests required for entry clearance visa, provided by the UKBA in the following downloadable pdf file are very clear.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... -tests.pdf
These rules say a spouse or partner in any NON MAJOR ENGLISH SPEAKING overseas country (such as Pakistan or India), who wish to enter UK to join their partner, must pass ANY one test in the entire document.
Just pick a test and pass the minimum grade shown.
These tests listed may or may not be available in your country and therefore you will be forced to choose a test that is available, such as IELTS (as my spouse did in Pakistan).
In the IELTS system listed on page 15 of the above link, you will see that as of 13th December 12 being the last update by UKBA, the grading system is;
B1
Listening – 4.0
Speaking – 4.0
Reading – 4.0
Writing – 4.0
B2
Listening – 5.5
Speaking – 5.5
Reading – 5.5
Writing – 5.5
C1
Listening – 7.0
Speaking – 7.0
Reading – 7.0
Writing – 7.0
C2
Listening – 8.5
Speaking – 8.5
Reading – 8.5
Writing - 8.5
This means that you must achieve a B1 with 4.0 in each subject to qualify for Visa Approval.
NOW IN REALITY and despite the above written rule, I believe many people are presently experiencing the UKBA only showing a requirement for 4.0 scores in Speaking and Listening. I have also experienced this as my spouse rejection letter only objected to her 3.5 in speaking and did not raise an issue with her other two 3.5 scores (W+R). (She applied in Jun 12)
" The Decision
You have not demonstrated that you have sufficient knowledge of the English language and life in the United Kingdom. You have submitted an IELTS certificate in your name showing a score of 3.5 for speaking. This is below the minimum score of 4.0 for speaking that is required under UKBA policy and published guidelines for the purposes of a settlement application. Therefore I am not satisfied that you meet the requirements of paragraph 281 (i)(b)(ii) of HC395.
I have therfore refused your application because I am not satisfied, on the balance of probabilities that you meet all the requirements of the relevant Paragraph of th Untied Kingdom Immigration Rules.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your Right of appeal
blah blah blah "
HOWEVER i would strictly advise to achieve 4.0 across all subjects in IELTS to be sure. NO RISK.
ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT POINT FOR ALL AND SAMISPOUSAL MENTION OF A1 BAND:
In previous UKBA websites they described that your English Test must achieve Level A1 of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... iew=Binary
They have now in today’s website (16th Jan 12) dropped the use of the aforementioned wording and especially the 'A1' word because it was confusing people as the list of tests provided also had individual banding and grading which used A1, A2, B1 B2 etc.
So Samispousal you mention 'and the overall score of A1 band'. To be clear there is no A1 band in the IELTS test system. The lowest level of band is B1 which meets the acceptance criteria of UKBA. P.S. If you achieve 3.5 or 3.0 (or lower) in IELTS you cannot say this is equivalent to A1 or A2!!
If you want to talk about A1 or A2, pick any other test available in the pdf document where A1 A2 banding system is present. Then you can talk about A1 or A2. If you are talking about A1 band in the context of meeting Level A1 of CEFR then that is fine.
FINALY SOME PEOPLE FIND THAT IELTS CAN BE EQUIVALENT OF B1 FROM A 3.5 SCORE AS PER FOLLOWING LINK;
http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/media/Compare- ... d-CEFR.pdf
The UKBA decide which scores in IELTS are equivalent to which Levels. Today they say that a B1 is equivalent to 4.0 in four subjects. Tomorrow they could decide that a B1 is 5.0. We must go by their guide and not guides of 3rd party as link shown above.
Samispousal, now a simple and direct response to your question; In reality, for IELTS, till today the UKBA appear to only concentrate on Speaking and Listening BUT their written rule say clear you need 4.0 in all subjects. So any time they can hold you to the written rule and if you say 'but others say or experience' then they will not care about it and you will loose your application fee.
I hope this helps.
Good Luck to all you dreamers and hopers out there!
