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Ready for citizenship test

26/ 8/2005

By Finn Jensen of the Rochdale Law Centre

THE process for proving language skills and knowledge of life in the UK for people applying for British citizenship has been clarified by the Home Office.

These new regulations will come into force later this year. From then new applicants will have to demonstrate both knowledge of English and of UK culture. Applications received before these new requirements are introduced will not be affected by this change. So you may wish to apply for citizenship soon to avoid the new test.

There will be two different methods for applicants to demonstrate their knowledge:

1. Applicants who are at or above English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) entry 3 standard will be able to undertake a specially short test on life in the UK. These tests are expected to be available at UFI Ltd learning centres throughout the UK. There will be different versions of the test - all based on the information contained in the handbook "Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship". The book is available from The Stationery Office. Applicants who successfully complete this test will not have to provide separate evidence of language ability.

2. For applicants who are below ESOL entry 3 level there will be new "ESOL-with citizenship" classes - language courses involving learning materials, which incorporate information about life in the UK. These new classes are already being piloted in 18 Learning and Skills Council areas, including at adult, community, further education and sixth-form colleges.

More information can be found at www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/news/press_releases/new_language_requirements/

On this site there is annexes B and C, which contains guidance notes for solicitors and notaries when they are asked to confirm applicants' knowledge of English. So if you need written proof of your skills in the use of English for an application for citizenship you may wish to draw your solicitor or notary's attention to these annexes.

On the Home Office web site you can also read the following warning: "Please note that there would be no point in asking another person to take a language test in your name, as it would be apparent at the citizenship ceremony if a person did not have sufficient knowledge of English".