Written question asked by Lord Field of Birkenhead (Labour) on Thursday, 18 January 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 January 2007. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 January 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

English Language Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any individuals seeking to move to the UK to marry have been refused entry for not meeting the required level of English language skills.

Answer: [holding answer 23 January 2007]: There is no requirement to demonstrate English language skills on entry and so the question of entry being refused on this basis does not apply. We will however introduce a test of English language skills at settlement from 2 April this year. These will require applicants for settlement to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the English language and of life in the UK. Those who have moved to the UK to marry will therefore have to meet this requirement if they apply.

Secondary information