English language tests now compulsory for parent or partner visa applicants
More parent or partner visa applicants than ever before will now be required to prove their basic knowledge of the English language before being granted a visa. This new requirement aims to help those who chose to enter the UK via the family route to participate and integrate into British society, whilst at the same time aiming to reduce translation costs for public services and local authorities.
Previously, applicants who were long-term residents of a country in which it is not possible to take the A1 English language test (such as the Seychelles, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo) were exempt from this requirement. However this exemption is no longer available to the vast majority of the applicants in question.
Applicants who reside in a country with no approved A1 test will now have to travel to another country to take the approved test and will only be exempt from this requirement if they can prove that it is not reasonable or practical for them to do so. In order for their case to be considered, applicants must provide details in their application of why it is not a possibility for them to take the test abroad. If their visa is granted, they will still be required to take the A1 English language test before they apply for further leave to remain in the UK.
