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Home Office

Answer

Mr. Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will report progress in (a) developing criteria for English language tests for new entrants, (b) delivering English language tests and (c) exemption from tests of entrants from traditionally English-speaking countries. [188232] Mr. Browne: From 28 July 2004, the standard of knowledge of English required of naturalisation applicants has been defined as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Entry 3. Applicants can demonstrate this by submitting with their application an ESOL certificate, an alternative qualification for learners of English of an equivalent or higher level, or an educational qualification that could have been obtained only by someone with good English. Naturalisation applicants from traditionally English- speaking countries are not exempted from this requirement. They should either produce an appropriate educational qualification--one which could have been obtained only by someone with good English--or seek certification from a "designated person" that they have a knowledge of English to the level reasonably to be expected of a person of full age and capacity whose native language is English. At present, only Notaries are designated but further groups are being considered.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

425 c168W; 188232

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Assessments Applications British nationality Languages English language Naturalisation

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk