Language Proficiency Requirement for Permanent Residency

[Morakot]

There are good topics on Permanent Residency here, such as Camerata's Guide To The Permanent Residence Process!

 

However I'd like to have a dedicated topic on the required language proficiency for PR, as this seems to be a major aspect that somehow is not particularly well defined.

 

I have received information from an Immigration Officer in Bangkok (October 2021) that for PR that 'you need to communicate in Thai well' and there will be a 'test of the understanding of Thai language: speaking and listening'.

 

The discussions I have seen here show a variety of experiences. Some people said that the requirements are like holding a basic conversation where you can introduce yourself and be able to answer some general questions. Others made it sound like that you need to have a quite an extensive vocabulary and a more advanced command of language.

 

Since there doesn't seem to be an official technical guidance, I post these two classifications below. I would like to hear from those who have gone though the process:

1. what level they were test for,
2. what level they actually had at the time.

 

It would also be useful if people can state when they applied and where. Finally, how did you prepare for this and what was your overall experience of the language test.

 

 

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Language Proficiency Levels by the U.S. Foreign Service Institute

0 – No Proficiency

At this lowest level, there is basically no knowledge of the language. The person may know a few words, but can’t form sentences or carry on any type of conversation.

1 – Elementary Proficiency

At this language proficiency level, a person can form basic sentences, including asking and answering simple questions. This is essentially the starting point of the language proficiency levels. This level reflects someone who is traveling to a new country and who has just begun to study a language.

2 – Limited Working Proficiency

Someone at this level can handle basic work commands and social phrases. They can carry on limited casual conversations at the office and discuss their personal life. Someone at this level still needs help with more extensive conversations in the language. They can only operate independently in basic conversations.

3 – Professional Working Proficiency

Someone at this language proficiency level can make contributions to office meetings, have conversations with clients, and carry out most work functions requested of them. A person at level 3 can speak at a normal speed in the language and has a fairly extensive vocabulary. They likely still have an accent at this level and probably require help understanding subtle and nuanced phrasing. Some employers consider this level or above as basically acceptable, depending on the specific job.

4 – Full Professional Proficiency

Full professional fluency is desired by most employers. Someone at this level can have advanced discussions on a wide range of topics about personal life, current events, and technical topics such as business and finance. People at this level may still have a minor accent and may occasionally misspeak or make minor mistakes. Their vocabulary is extensive and they can carry on conversations with ease. Most employers consider level 4 or above acceptable.

5 – Native / Bilingual Proficiency

Someone at this language proficiency level was either raised speaking the language as their native tongue or has been speaking it so long that they are completely fluent. They have little or no accent.

 

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Common European Reference Framework for Languages (CERF)

A1 Beginner Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.  Can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know and things they have.  Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.   A2 Elementary   Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.   B1 Intermediate Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. B2 Upper intermediate Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.   C1 Advanced Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer clauses, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. C2 Mastery Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.

 

[DrJack54]

This thread may assist you.

[Morakot]

Thanks @DrJack54.

[Misty]

On 10/31/2021 at 12:42 PM, Morakot said:

The discussions I have seen here show a variety of experiences. Some people said that the requirements are like holding a basic conversation where you can introduce yourself and be able to answer some general questions. Others made it sound like that you need to have a quite an extensive vocabulary and a more advanced command of language.

Hi, based on recent personal experience and discussions with others, how proficient you need to be in Thai depends largely (and maybe only) on whether you're using an agent or other intermediary and paying VIP fees.