English language tests for applications under Tiers 1,2 and 4 of the points-based system

Today we have made some amendments to the list of approved English language tests for applications made under Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the points-based system and for spouse or partner applications.

The amendments include:

• the City & Guilds test scores now show 'pass' and there is a separate English language test for spouse/partner applications.
• for City & Guilds tests the documents required for a migrants application have been amended.
• ETS have changed the way that the scores for their TOEFL ibt (internet based test) map against the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
• the ETS TOEFL ibt (internet based test) now includes scores for spouse and partner applications.
• there is a change to the web address for the TOEIC (The test of English for international communication) English language test.
• Cambridge ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) have amended the title of one of their tests from 'International Legal English Certificate' to 'Cambridge English Legal'.
• for Cambridge ESOL tests the minimum grade requirements are clearer.
• Trinity College tests now have a 2 year expiry date.                                    (publish date 24/01/2012 / source UKBA)

Changes to the car theory test: the facts

From 23 January 2012 the theory test will be made up of multiple-choice questions which are no longer published in learning materials.The reason behind the move is to stop candidates from simply memorising theory test questions and answers and learning by rote.

Revision materials still available

New official driving and riding theory books were published in September 2011 to help candidates prepare for the test and for life on the road.

The new books contain:

• new sections of text for motorcyclists, a free e-book for car drivers and full references throughout to help candidates learn and revise
• questions and answers for revision, including practice for case studies
• the official DSA explanations for every revision question, helping candidates fully understand the answer

This approach to learning will help candidates to gain a better knowledge and understanding of driving theory which will help them respond correctly to the new, reworded live questions used in the actual test. (Publish date 12/01/2012/ Source by UKBA )

Government announcement on settlement reforms

The Home Secretary has outlined the governments approach to reform of the settlement rules, including a decision not to pursue the earned citizenship policy.Earned citizenship concerned the path to settlement and British citizenship, and was planned to come into force in July 2011. It will now not be introduced. Outlining the governments approach to settlement reforms, the Home Secretary said It is too easy, at the moment, to move from temporary residence to permanent settlement.We will not implement Labour's policy of earned citizenship, which was too complicated, bureaucratic and, in the end, ineffective.If people enter this country saying that they will only stay here temporarily, then it is obvious that they should only stay here temporarily.Working in Britain for a short period should not give someone the right to settle in Britain. Studying a course in Britain should not give someone the right to settle in Britain.We will make further announcements in due course. In the interim, the current rules and requirements for obtaining settlement and citizenship will remain in place. (Publish Date 05/11/2010 / Source by UKBA)