Home office reply for English language requirement

[BalajiSundaram]

From: Knowledge Of Life Policy Queries <KnowledgeOfLifePolicyQueries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk>
Date: Fri, Nov 1, 2013 at 9:00 AM
Subject: FW: Settlement Knowledge of language (New rule effective 28th November 2013) query - Tier 1 General category
Cc: Knowledge Of Life Policy Queries <KnowledgeOfLifePolicyQueries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk>


Dear Sir,

An applicant can use their degree (not a professional or vocational qualification) if it was taught or researched in English to demonstrate that they meet the English language element of the KOLL requirement. Applicants can claim points for their English language skills using the points based calculator, which holds information that is regularly updated by UK NARIC, regarding Educational qualifications. The calculator can confirm that the degree:
∙ meets or exceeds the equivalent level to UK Bachelors degree; and
∙ was taught to a competent standard of English equivalent to, or higher than level B1 on the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR).
Therefore where an applicant submits evidence from the online points-based calculator, showing that they have been awarded 10 points in the English language section for their degree; and provides the original certification of that degree, they can tick the box on the application form, stating that NARIC has confirmed that their English skills are at or above level B1.


Kind regards

Ann

Ann Woodall | Nationality Operational Policy| Operational Policy & Rules Unit|Immigration and Border Policy Directorate | Home Office


From: Balaji Sundaram
Sent: 25 October 2013 12:30
To: Settlement Ops Policy Mailbox
Subject: Settlement Knowledge of language (New rule effective 28th November 2013) query - Tier 1 General category

Dear Settlement Ops Policy Team,

I have been in the UK legally from 06-Oct-2007, for almost 6 years.

I would like to get clarification on applying for ILR, based on the new rule effective 28th November 2013 regarding knowledge of language requirement.

I have done my Bachelors of Engineering degree from one of the university in India, this university is recognized in points based calculator (PBS) and I have already proved my English language requirement when I applied for my initial Tier 1 General visa in the year 2009.

My query is do I need to prove my knowledge of English for my settlement? If yes, would a letter from the university stating the medium of education for my bachelors degree was taught in English and original Bachelors degree certificate is sufficient?

Is it mandatory to submit UK NARIC statement of comparability certificate for my bachelors degree while I apply for my settlement as my degree and university is recognized in the Points based calculator (PBS) ?

Please would you clarify this? Your response will help me immensely, and I appreciate your time and consideration very much for the same.

Kind Regards
Balaji Sundaram

[BalajiSundaram]

From: Knowledge Of Life Policy Queries <KnowledgeOfLifePolicyQueries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk>
Date: Tue, Nov 5, 2013 at 2:26 PM
Subject: RE: FW: Settlement Knowledge of language (New rule effective 28th November 2013) query - Tier 1 General category
Cc: Knowledge Of Life Policy Queries <KnowledgeOfLifePolicyQueries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk>

Dear Sir,

The points calculator is designed for PBS migrants, however if a non-PBS applicant is able to confirm using the calculator that their degree is comparable to a UK degree, and that they have been awarded 10 points for English skills, then they can submit a print out of the calculator’s assessment of their points, together with their original degree certificate, as evidence that they have met the English language element of the KOLL requirement.

Regards

Ann

Ann Woodall | Nationality Operational Policy| Operational Policy & Rules Unit|Immigration and Border Policy Directorate | Home Office


From: Balaji Sundaram
Sent: 01 November 2013 10:21
To: Knowledge Of Life Policy Queries
Subject: Re: FW: Settlement Knowledge of language (New rule effective 28th November 2013) query - Tier 1 General category

Hi Ann,

Thank you very much for your response. From your email, I can understand now that an applicant can use the PBS calculator to prove his English language requirement for settlement and doesn't require a UK NARIC to certify his degree. However I have a dependent applying with me for settlement and can the dependent use the same PBS calculator to show that she has met the English language requirement through her degree or does she need to get a statement of comparability from UK NARIC. As I understand the PBS calculator is used only for the main applicant. My dependent has a bachelors and masters degree both are recognized in the PBS calculator when i tried it. Please could you kindly advise on this?

Thank you once again.

Warm Regards
Balaji Sundaram

[suds19]

More clarity and exact documents that you need to provide going this route of satisfying English requirement. Also confirms no NARIC letter required. Can we not make this thread sticky?

From: Knowledge Of Life Policy Queries <KnowledgeOfLifePolicyQueries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk>
Date: Wed, Nov 6, 2013 at 4:20 PM
Subject: RE: Settlement Knowledge of language (New rule effective 28th October 2013) query - Tier 1 General category
To: Sudhanshu Kumar
Cc: Knowledge Of Life Policy Queries <KnowledgeOfLifePolicyQueries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk>

Dear Sir,

Applicants for settlement may submit a degree qualification satisfying the 10 points English language requirement on the Point Based Calculator, as acceptable evidence of B1 level English. They must submit the original degree certificate along with two prints of the Point Based Calculator (to show that it awards 30/35 points for equivalence of UK degree and 10 points for English language). These documents, together with a Life in the UK pass certificate will be acceptable as evidence of the KOLL requirement.

The point based calculator is regularly updated by UK NARIC therefore, there is no need to provide a UK NARIC letter in cases, where the Point Based Calculator recognises the degree qualification was taught in English.

Regards

Ann
Ann Woodall | Nationality Operational Policy| Operational Policy & Rules Unit|Immigration and Border Policy Directorate | Home Office


From: Sudhanshu Kumar
Sent: 04 November 2013 21:10
To: Settlement Ops Policy Mailbox
Subject: Settlement Knowledge of language (New rule effective 28th October 2013) query - Tier 1 General category

Dear Settlement Ops Policy Team,

I would like to make an enquiry about settlement policy related to knowledge of language requirement new rule effective 28th October 2013.

My query is do Tier-1 category ILR applicants need again to give evidence of knowledge of English for their settlement application?

The Tier-1 category applicants would have already met English requirements during initial EC application. Also in the Tier-1 extension applications, there is a check-box -> "You are currently in the United Kingdom as a Tier 1 (General) migrant, or as a HSMP participant and have previously satisfied the English Language requirement".

But no such check-box has been provided in new settlement SET(O) form effective 28th Oct.

Can applicants do this -> an applicant can submit evidence from the online points-based calculator, showing that they have been awarded 10 points in the English language section for their degree; and provides the original certification of that degree, they can tick the box on the SET(O) application form, stating that NARIC has confirmed that their English skills are at or above level B1?

So a print of online PBS calculator and original degree certificate would be sufficient?

Could you also please confirm this statement - "Applicants can claim points for their English language skills using the points based calculator, which holds information that is regularly updated by UK NARIC, regarding Educational qualifications. The calculator can confirm that the degree:
∙ meets or exceeds the equivalent level to UK Bachelors degree; and
∙ was taught to a competent standard of English equivalent to, or higher than level B1 on the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR). "

Please would you clarify this new rule. Your response will help me and others immensely, and I appreciate your time and consideration very much for the same.

Kind Regards
Sudhanshu Kumar

[params0073]

From: Knowledge Of Life Policy Queries <KnowledgeOfLifePolicyQueries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk>
Date: Wed, Nov 6, 2013 at 16:07
Subject: RE: KOLL requirnement rule after 28 oct 2013 -Tier 1 General category
To: Sodhi, Paramjeet Sodhi
Cc: Knowledge Of Life Policy Queries <KnowledgeOfLifePolicyQueries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk>

Dear Sir/Madam,

Applicants for settlement may submit a degree qualification satisfying the 10 points English language requirement on the Point Based Calculator, as acceptable evidence of B1 level English. They must submit the original degree certificate along with two prints of the Point Based Calculator (to show that it awards 30/35 points for equivalence of UK degree and 10 points for English language). These documents, together with a Life in the UK pass certificate will be acceptable as evidence of the KOLL requirement.

The point based calculator is regularly updated by UK NARIC therefore, there is no need to provide a UK NARIC letter in cases, where the Point Based Calculator recognises the degree qualification was taught in English.

Regards
Ann

Ann Woodall | Nationality Operational Policy| Operational Policy & Rules Unit|Immigration and Border Policy Directorate | Home Office
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Sodhi, Paramjeet Singh
Sent: 01 November 2013 09:52
To: 'SettlementOpsPolicy@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk'
Subject: KOLL requirnement rule after 28 oct 2013 -Tier 1 General category



Dear Settlement Ops Policy Team,

I have been in the UK legally from 23-Jan-2010, for almost 4 years.

I would like to get clarification on applying for ILR, based on the new rule effective 28th November 2013 regarding knowledge of language requirement.

I have done my Bachelors of Science degree from one of the university in India, this university is recognized in points based calculator (PBS) and I have already proved my English language requirement when I applied for my initial Tier 1 General visa in the year 2009.

My query is do I need to prove my knowledge of English for my settlement? If yes, would a letter from the college stating the medium of instruction was English and original Bachelors degree certificate is sufficient?

Is it mandatory to submit UK NARIC statement of comparability certificate for my bachelors degree while I apply for my settlement as my degree and university is recognized in the Points based calculator (PBS) ?

Please would you clarify this? Your response will help me immensely, and I appreciate your time and consideration very much for the same.

Kind Regards
Paramjeet Singh Sodhi

[suds19]

Updating to keep this thread alive.

[Universal soldier]

How about if a person applies ilr on 10 years basis then this pbs calculator does not show long residence category but for it does give 10 points for university if other categories be selected. What is your idea mates.

[Damanisshallo]

How about if a person applies ilr on 10 years basis then this pbs calculator does not show long residence category but for it does give 10 points for university if other categories be selected. What is your idea mates.

The points calculator is designed for PBS migrants, however if a non-PBS applicant is able to confirm using the calculator that their degree is comparable to a UK degree, and that they have been awarded 10 points for English skills, then they can submit a print out of the calculator’s assessment of their points, together with their original degree certificate, as evidence that they have met the English language element of the KOLL requirement.

[Universal soldier]

thanks dammanshallo.
I think daily new and new threads members creating which may cause confusion and mix up the information.Isn't it?
why not we all member follow only one/two thread for english language requirement of KOL.

[suds19]

Got a response today -

On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 3:27 PM, Nationality Policy Team - Liverpool <NationalityPolicyTeam.Liverpool@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk> wrote:
Dear Mr Kumar,

Thank you for your e-mail.

The answer to your question can be found at section 6 of the attached factsheet.

I hope this helps.

Jane Whitehead

Jane Whitehead
Nationality Operational Policy | Operational Policy & Rules Unit
Immigration & Border Policy | Home Office

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/102 ... 0sheet.pdf

[s_saini]

Hi Kumar

It is very clear from the fact sheet attached. Point based calculator's 10 points of English language are acceptable.

I tried to find that document on UKBA website, but no luck.

My ILR is on 15 Dec 2013 and I am in the same boat. My and my wife's qualifications are on the point based calculator. I'll go with point based calculator print out and original degree certificate.

Any way thanks for your valuable info.

[ykumar1680]

[quote="s_saini"]Hi Kumar

It is very clear from the fact sheet attached. Point based calculator's 10 points of English language are acceptable.

I tried to find that document on UKBA website, but no luck.

My ILR is on 15 Dec 2013 and I am in the same boat. My and my wife's qualifications are on the point based calculator and I am confused what to do.

Either go for any English test or go for NARIC to approve it.

Any way thanks for your valuable info.[]

ya we are on same boat i got degree and certificate still confused

any way keep in touch i ill apply ilp asap
and my full name is yogesh saini
one more similarity is there
you can contact me on ykumar1680@gmail.com

[suds19]

The fact sheet is not on UKBA website, but was sent to me as an email attachment by Jane Whitehead, Nationality Operational Policy, Immigration & Border Policy | Home Office. I then uploaded it on Dropbox.

[ukswus]

Hi Kumar

It is very clear from the fact sheet attached. Point based calculator's 10 points of English language are acceptable.

I tried to find that document on UKBA website, but no luck.

My ILR is on 15 Dec 2013 and I am in the same boat. My and my wife's qualifications are on the point based calculator and I am confused what to do.

Either go for any English test or go for NARIC to approve it.

Any way thanks for your valuable info.

First, you are saying that "It is very clear from the fact sheet attached. Point based calculator's 10 points of English language are acceptable.", yet you are still confused about what to do, despite all the responses posted here. Not only that, you even suggest taking the test/applying for getting NARIC letters, despite all the evidence to the contrary. May I ask why? I think what you are doing is winding yourself/others up unnecessarily.

[esmsi]

This fact shet is good

[s_saini]

Hi ukswus

I am sorry, if my post is confusing.

My only concern is the authenticity of the information, because I was trying to locate that info on UKBA website and no luck.

Any way I am going with point based calculator print out and Original degree certificate and the print of the education fact sheet.

Thanks

[samira_uk]

It is still unclear. According to Paragraph 2.2(b) of Appendix KoLL, Tier 1 General migrants do not have to do another tests and it is confirmed in their own guidance. I dont know why in none of the replies from Home Office they accepted and they simply ignored that questions.

I hope Home Office change application form shortly

[s_saini]

Hi

I got replay from UK NARIC for my my Master degree from Punjab, India. My qualification is listed in Point Based Calculator and awarded points for English etc.

Dear Mr xxxx,
Thank you for contacting UK NARIC. However, we are unable to process your application for the following reason(s):
In order for an overseas qualification to meet the UK NARIC English Language Assessment criteria, the comparable level of the qualification must be British Bachelor degree standard. The qualification that you have submitted is higher than this level. Unfortunately, your qualification does therefore not meet the criteria for this service.
If you require confirmation of the comparable level of your qualification, please refer to our website for details of how to apply for a statement of comparability.
If you have already submitted a payment for an English Language Assessment, this will be refunded to you. If you wish to transfer this payment towards a different UK NARIC service, please contact us by telephone (0871 330 7033) to discuss this further.
Kind regards
UK NARIC

[Damanisshallo]

Hi

I got replay from UK NARIC for my my Master degree from Punjab, India. My qualification is listed in Point Based Calculator and awarded points for English etc.

Dear Mr xxxx,
Thank you for contacting UK NARIC. However, we are unable to process your application for the following reason(s):
In order for an overseas qualification to meet the UK NARIC English Language Assessment criteria, the comparable level of the qualification must be British Bachelor degree standard. The qualification that you have submitted is higher than this level. Unfortunately, your qualification does therefore not meet the criteria for this service.
If you require confirmation of the comparable level of your qualification, please refer to our website for details of how to apply for a statement of comparability.
If you have already submitted a payment for an English Language Assessment, this will be refunded to you. If you wish to transfer this payment towards a different UK NARIC service, please contact us by telephone (0871 330 7033) to discuss this further.
Kind regards
UK NARIC

Don't know how far this is true but this was raised in the past.

[suds19]

It is still unclear. According to Paragraph 2.2(b) of Appendix KoLL, Tier 1 General migrants do not have to do another tests and it is confirmed in their own guidance. I dont know why in none of the replies from Home Office they accepted and they simply ignored that questions.

I hope Home Office change application form shortly

Note sure what you meant by UKBA not accepting in any of their replies. In fact in all UKBA replies posted in this tread, they have accepted this fact that you do not have to take test again, but simply provide your "old expired test" or "bachelor degree+PBS printout", whichever way you satisfied English requirement during EC.

[imrantak]

Dear Mr Tak,

Thank you for your e-mail.

The answer to your question can be found at section 6 of the attached factsheet.

I hope this helps.

Jane Whitehead


Jane Whitehead
Nationality Operational Policy | Operational Policy & Rules Unit
Immigration & Border Policy | Home Office



========================================

Degree Qualifications
5. Will my degree meet the requirement?
If you have a qualification that was taught or researched in English you can meet the language part of the requirement if:
- Your qualification is deemed by UK NARIC to meet the recognised standard of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or PhD in the UK, or
- Your qualification was taught or researched in an English speaking country other than Canada (see list below).
You will need to send your certificate as evidence of your qualification.

6. How do I show that my qualification is deemed by UK NARIC to be the recognised standard?
UK NARIC regularly update the online points based calculator (which is on our website) with information about various degrees. If you obtained a degree overseas and were awarded ten points for English language skill, you can submit evidence from the online points calculator, together with the original degree certificate, to demonstrate that you can satisfy the English language element of the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KOLL) requirement.
Alternatively, you can obtain confirmation from UK NARIC that your qualification was taught or researched in English by requesting an English Language Assessment (ELA). Details of how to contact UK NARIC can be found at: http://ecctis.co.uk/naric/Contact%20Us.aspx

[s_saini]

Hi
I have received the above message form UKBA, I asked them the same question about English.

Thanks

[s_saini]

About dependent they write
"Your dependent can also provide a copy of the points based calculator to demonstrate her eligibility. She should complete the calculator as if she were a Tier 2 migrant."

Thanks

[BalajiSundaram]

About dependent they write
"Your dependent can also provide a copy of the points based calculator to demonstrate her eligibility. She should complete the calculator as if she were a Tier 2 migrant."

Thanks

Hi, Please could you copy paste the entire email content along with your email. Do you mean to say even if a dependent is a Tier 1 General dependent, he/she needs to complete the calculator as a Tier 2 migrant and not as a Tier 1 General?

Thanks

[samira_uk]

It is the latest reply I received from HO and it comforts the rules:

Thank you for your enquiry regarding the revised knowledge of Language and Life in the UK requirement that came in to force on 28th October 2013.

Applications for settlement in the UK must be supported by evidence that the applicant:
· has passed the Life in the UK test; AND

· has an English language speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or an equivalent level qualification

We will accept a range of English language qualifications as evidence that an applicant has met the requirement to hold a B1 level speaking and listening qualification. This will help ensure that all those needing to take a test will be able to find one suitable for their needs and, so far as possible, that no one who already has an English language qualification at B1 level or above will be required to take another one.

Those who achieved a language qualification in English at B1 or higher in a previous application can rely on this same qualification to demonstrate the language ability for settlement purposes. Applicants should submit a copy of this language certificate with their application.

When completing the application form applicants should indicate that you have an English language speaking and listening qualification.

Applicants will also need to show that they have passed the life in the UK test to demonstrate their knowledge of life in the UK.

[s_saini]

Please see the full reply from Knowledge Of Life Policy Queries
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answer
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Dear Mr Xxxx

Thank you for your enquiry regarding the revised knowledge of Language and Life in the UK requirement that came in to force on 28th October 2013.



Applications for settlement in the UK must now be supported by evidence that the applicant:



· has passed the Life in the UK test; AND

· has an English language speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or an equivalent level qualification



We will accept a range of English language qualifications as evidence that an applicant has met the requirement to hold a B1 level speaking and listening qualification. This will help ensure that all those needing to take a test will be able to find one suitable for their needs and, so far as possible, that no one who already has an English language qualification at B1 level or above will be required to take another one.



In addition, those who have obtained an academic (not professional or vocational) qualification deemed by UK NARIC to meet the recognised standard of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or PhD in the UK and

a) UK NARIC has confirmed that the qualification was taught or researched in English; or

b) The qualification was taught or researched in the UK or a majority English speaking country


will not be required to show a formal speaking and listening qualification.

UK NARIC regularly update the online points based calculator (which is on our website) with information about various degrees. If you obtained a degree overseas and were awarded ten points for English language skill, you can submit evidence from the online points calculator, together with the original degree certificate, to demonstrate that you can satisfy the English language element of the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KOLL) requirement.



Your dependent can also provide a copy of the points based calculator to demonstrate her eligibility. She should complete the calculator as if she were a Tier 2 migrant.



Applicants will also need to show that they have passed the life in the UK test to demonstrate their knowledge of life in the UK.



Regards



Mrs C Richards


Mrs C Richards
Nationality Policy Advisor | Operational Policy & Rules Unit
Immigration & Border Policy | Home Office
Home Office, The Capital, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L3 9PP.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question Asked
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From: Xxxxxx
Sent: 13 November 2013 16:25
To: Nationality Policy Team - Liverpool
Subject: Settlement Knowledge of language (New rule effective 28th October 2013) query - Tier 1 General category

Dear Sirs,

I have been in the UK legally from 11-Mar-2009, for almost 5 years.

I would like to get clarification on applying for ILR, based on the new rule effective 28th October 2013 regarding knowledge of language requirement.

I have done my Master's Of Computer Application degree from one of the university in India, this university is recognized in points based calculator (PBS) and I have already proved my English language requirement when I applied for my initial Tier 1 General visa in the year 2009.

My query is do I need to prove my knowledge of English for my settlement? If yes original Master degree certificate is sufficient?

a) Is it mandatory to submit UK NARIC statement of comparability certificate for my Master's degree while I apply for my settlement as my degree and university is recognized in the Points based calculator (PBS) ?

b) However I have a dependent applying with me for settlement and can the dependent use the same PBS calculator to show that she has met the English language requirement through her degree or does she need to get a statement of comparability from UK NARIC. As I understand the PBS calculator is used only for the main applicant. My dependent has a bachelors and masters degree both are recognized in the PBS calculator when i tried it.

Please could you kindly advise on this?


--
Thanks & Regards
Mr Xxxxx