Since the UK Border Agency (UKBA) announced plans in June to bring compulsory English language tests into the marriage visa application process for non-European migrants and their partners, Marriage Visa Help has been keen to receive confirmation of the details.
On July 26th, the UK Border Agency confirmed that these English language tests for all non-European migrant visa applications for themselves and their fiancée, spouse or same sex partner would come into force on 29th November 2010.
From this date onwards, any non-European migrant and their partners who wish to settle in the UK must be able to prove that they can speak and understand English to a certain level. This level is expected to be further clarified, although it is known that the UK Border Agency will approve a number of test providers, which will be released prior to the November date.
The new English language test will be compulsory for any non-European migrant applying for any UK partner visa or marriage visa, as the husband, wife, unmarried partner, same sex partner, fiancée, proposed civil partner or civil partner of British citizen or person already settled in the UK, both for applications made from overseas or within the UK.