New English Language Rule for Migrants marrying UK citizens

08 June 2010 The UK Govt announced that all non-European migrants joining their UK settled partner will need to undergo and pass an approved compulsory English test to confirm their level of English.

This rule is set to start in Autumn 2010 and the idea behind this is to confirm that all migrants and their partners will have an acceptable level of English which will allow them to deal with everyday life in the United Kingdom. The level of English needed to secure the visa approval is English A1 which is the same as applicants of the Tier 2 Skilled worker category of the points based system.

The new rules shall apply to applicants under the Husband, Wife, Unmarried partner, Civil Partner, Fiance or same sex partner and Both applicants from overseas and within the country will need to prove their level of English.

Whichever way you look at it this is another clear example of how the New UK Govt is trying to tighten the immigration process and reduce the number of immigrants entering the UK.

ID Cards for foreign nationals -Tier 2 applicants included

From January 2010 migrant workers and their dependants will receive an ID card when they apply to extend their visa duration under Tier 2 of the UK points system.

All in country Tier 2 applications submitted from 6 January 2010 will need the submission the applicant's biometric details.

Certain categories of of Visas already have a requirement to submit biometrics when extending their stay in the UK. (See Identity Cards for more info)

Click here to find the locations of the Home Office Biometric Enrollment centres

Click here to find the Post Office enrollment locations

Here is the map and a PDF on the process. from the UKBA