Question about ESOL

[timidez]

My wife has completed (in Scotland) SQA ESOL Access 3 units, Personal and Social English and Transactional English. There was also a citizenship element and there is a letter to confirm this. I am sure this is all she needs to avoid the Life in the UK test but...

The program was completed back in 2007 and the person responsible for the Centre is now saying there is a chance the Home Office won't accept it because it was such a while ago. You would expect her English is a lot better now, more than 6 years ago.

Any comments? Do you think we would have problems because the certificates are 6 years old?

Many thanks!

[Amber]

The Nationality Regulations for ESOL courses changed on 7 April 2010. If you want to demonstrate your knowledge of language and life with an ESOL qualification, you must now meet the following requirements:

You must have attended your ESOL course at an accredited college.

The course must have included citizenship materials derived from the document 'Citizenship Materials for ESOL Learners' (ISBN: 1-84478-5424).

You must have obtained a relevant ESOL qualification from an approved awarding body.

You must demonstrate that you have made relevant progress.

See here (click) for further information.

[timidez]

Thanks but that doesn't answer my question. I know her qualifications fulfil all these requirements but the Centre manager thinks we would have a problem because they were obtained back in 2007. I can't find any mention to length of time, even though the rules have changed in 2010 her qualifications are still acceptable... or do they expire?

[Amber]

Thanks but that doesn't answer my question. I know her qualifications fulfil all these requirements but the Centre manager thinks we would have a problem because they were obtained back in 2007. I can't find any mention to length of time, even though the rules have changed in 2010 her qualifications are still acceptable... or do they expire?

Taken from the link:

You should check with your college to ensure that it is accredited as described above, and that the course meets all of the above requirements. If your college is not accredited, or if the course does not meet all of the above requirements, your application will be refused.

Your college should provide a letter confirming that the relevant criteria are met. You can download a template of this letter from the right side of this page. The college should also provide evidence to show how it meets the definition of an accredited college.

Therefore, if the college won't give you a letter I would err on the side of caution and complete the LIUK.

[timidez]

The college is accredited, it is run by the local council.

Her only concern is the time the course was taken. She advised me to ask the Home Office which I will do (if and when I manage to get in touch) but I was looking for different opinions in the meantime.

I know you mean well but you're not answering my question, maybe I didn't make myself clear.

Assuming the college is accredited, the qualifications meet the requirements, etc. etc. is it a problem they were completed 6 years ago?

I can't see the answer to this question anywhere in their website.

[Amber]

The Certification does not expire, but the college should be willing to supply a letter as per the template on the link I stated.

[timidez]

The letter is on its way, that's not a problem.

I would also assume a college certificate doesn't expire, but for some reason they are not 100% and advised me to confirm. Thank you very much!

[babe_khyber]

The letter is on its way, that's not a problem.

I would also assume a college certificate doesn't expire, but for some reason they are not 100% and advised me to confirm. Thank you very much!

ESOL Certificate is valid for life but for immigration purpose it is valid just for two year. Secondly after October 2013 the home office need to show both qualification ESOL B1 Level and Life in the uk test as well. how ever there is time to October it maybe the home office change their minds because lots of application for ILR is still in processing since last year that is why lots of people affecting through new rules. Lets see near the deadline of change.
best wishes
babe khyber