News

UK Visas: Cambridge ESOL tests approved for partner visas

22 December 2010

Since 29 November, people from outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland who apply to come to the UK as the husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner, same-sex partner, fiancé(e) or prospective civil partner of a UK citizen or a person settled in this country now need to demonstrate that they have at least level A1 English. The UK Border Agency has recognised a full range of Cambridge English qualifications for these visas. They have also confirmed that the requirement can be satisfied by the CEFR Level A1 certificates awarded to candidates who take Cambridge English: Key (KET) and do not achieve a 'pass' grade but demonstrate ability at A1 level. This makes Cambridge English: Key an ideal test for applicants who are at the lower end of the skills range.

Other Cambridge English qualifications recognised for UK partner visas include:

Cambridge English: Key (KET) and Key for Schools
Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) and Preliminary for Schools
Cambridge English: First (FCE)
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
Business English Certificates (BEC)
International Legal English Certificate
International Certificate in Financial English
IELTS
ESOL Skills for Life

For more information, please see http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsfragments/26-english-language-partners. Cambridge English qualifications are recognised for all categories of UK visa.