Introduction of new rules for people applying for settlement
All adults who apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) inthe UK on or after 2 April 2007 will need to demonstrate knowledge of language and of “life in the UK” in addition to meeting the usual requirements for settlement.
What is Knowledge of Life in the UK?
This is the need to demonstrate knowledge of life in the United Kingdom as well as language ability. There are two ways in which you can do this:
• If you are already at or above ESOL (English for Speakers of other languages) Entry 3 standard of English you will be able to undertake a specially developed short test called "Life in the UK Test".
Or
• If you have not reached ESOL Entry 3 you will need to gain an approved English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) qualification through attending an ESOL course which includes citizenship materials at a local college.
Life in the UK Test
You may take this test if your language ability is the equivalent of ESOL Entry 3 or above. You will need to take the test on a computer at one of the 100 or so Life in the UK Test centres in the UK. The test is managed on behalf of the Home Office by UfI Ltd, which is responsible for "learndirect" and "UK online centres". The test consists of 24 questions based on the information contained in the handbook "Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship”. The handbook was originally published in December 2004 and a revised handbook is due to be published in early 2007. You need to make sure you read the correct edition of the handbook, which will vary depending on when you take your test. If you are taking the test on or after 2 April you must study the second edition of the handbook. The handbook is available from The Stationery Office and many bookshops and is priced at £9.99. The book can be ordered online from: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop. The test itself will cost you £34 and you will be told the result on the day.
Further details can be found in the Question and Answers below, and on the Life in the UK test website www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk. This website also contains a full list of centres where you can take the test. Or you can call the Life in the UK Test helpline on 0800 015 4245.
If you pass this test you will not need to produce additional proof of your knowledge of English. This is because to pass the test you will need to be competent in English.
ESOL with Citizenship Content Courses.
If you are not yet at ESOL Entry 3 you will be able to meet the new requirements by successfully completing a language course, involving learning materials which incorporate information about citizenship. These materials are intended to enable you to gain sufficient knowledge of the UK at the same time as developing your knowledge of the English language. In order to meet the requirements for settlement, you will need to show that you have progressed from one ESOL level to the next.
Courses are, or will be, available at many Further Education, Adult and Community Colleges across the UK. You will need to make sure the college course that you enrol for includes the "language with citizenship" materials and that the college will give you a letter to this effect when you have successfully gained your qualification.
You can call the learndirect helpline on 0800 100 900 for details of ESOL providers.
What is Knowledge of Life in the UK?
This is the need to demonstrate knowledge of life in the United Kingdom as well as language ability. There are two ways in which you can do this:
• If you are already at or above ESOL (English for Speakers of other languages) Entry 3 standard of English you will be able to undertake a specially developed short test called "Life in the UK Test".
Or
• If you have not reached ESOL Entry 3 you will need to gain an approved English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) qualification through attending an ESOL course which includes citizenship materials at a local college.
Life in the UK Test
You may take this test if your language ability is the equivalent of ESOL Entry 3 or above. You will need to take the test on a computer at one of the 100 or so Life in the UK Test centres in the UK. The test is managed on behalf of the Home Office by UfI Ltd, which is responsible for "learndirect" and "UK online centres". The test consists of 24 questions based on the information contained in the handbook "Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship”. The handbook was originally published in December 2004 and a revised handbook is due to be published in early 2007. You need to make sure you read the correct edition of the handbook, which will vary depending on when you take your test. If you are taking the test on or after 2 April you must study the second edition of the handbook. The handbook is available from The Stationery Office and many bookshops and is priced at £9.99. The book can be ordered online from: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop. The test itself will cost you £34 and you will be told the result on the day.
Further details can be found in the Question and Answers below, and on the Life in the UK test website www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk. This website also contains a full list of centres where you can take the test. Or you can call the Life in the UK Test helpline on 0800 015 4245.
If you pass this test you will not need to produce additional proof of your knowledge of English. This is because to pass the test you will need to be competent in English.
ESOL with Citizenship Content Courses.
If you are not yet at ESOL Entry 3 you will be able to meet the new requirements by successfully completing a language course, involving learning materials which incorporate information about citizenship. These materials are intended to enable you to gain sufficient knowledge of the UK at the same time as developing your knowledge of the English language. In order to meet the requirements for settlement, you will need to show that you have progressed from one ESOL level to the next.
Courses are, or will be, available at many Further Education, Adult and Community Colleges across the UK. You will need to make sure the college course that you enrol for includes the "language with citizenship" materials and that the college will give you a letter to this effect when you have successfully gained your qualification.
You can call the learndirect helpline on 0800 100 900 for details of ESOL providers.
posted by zibmac at 11:59 AM
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