Written question asked by Fiona Mactaggart (Labour) on Thursday, 24 June 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 June 2010. It was answered by Damian Green (Conservative) on Monday, 5 July 2010 on behalf of the Home Office.

Immigration Controls: English Language

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what documents people making immigration applications as spouses and partners will be required to show to demonstrate that they have reached the A1 standard in the English language (a) in the UK and (b) when applying for entry clearance abroad.

Answer: On 9 June, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced a new language requirement for those seeking entry to the UK as either a spouse or civil partner, fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, unmarried partner or same sex partner of a British citizen or someone who is present and settled in the UK.Spouses and partners both in the UK and when applying for entry clearance abroad will need to demonstrate competence in English language speaking and listening at a basic level (Common European Framework of Reference, level A1). A spouse or partner will need to provide evidence to the UK Border Agency with their visa application that they have passed an English language test to this standard with one of the UK Border Agency's approved test providers. Details of acceptable qualifications, approved test providers and documentary evidence to be submitted with an application will be published on the UK Border Agency website at the earliest opportunity.

Secondary information