New English Language Tests - Uk

[killblues]

Hi all,

Can anyone give me any advice or information on the new english language test requirements due to start in November?

My tgf has visited UK on a 6 month visitors visa and now we are planning to marry next year. I believe that before she can get a fiancee visa or spouse visa (we are unsure wether to marry in UK or Thailand at this time) that she will have to pass a basic english test.

My gf speaks and understands english very well and can quite easily hold a conversation as long as you don't talk too quickly or use too many big words.

Is the test a written one or listening/speaking?

Do you have to pass the test before applying for a visa?

Where can the test be taken?

How long would it take to study for the test?

How much does it cost?

Is the test required for all types of visa?

Can anyone recommend a good english school or tutor in Pattaya?

ANY information would be gratefully received.

Many thanks

[VisasPlus]

The test is not yet in place. The new requirement will come into effect from 29th November 2010, and a lot of the detail is not yet known. To answer your questions in the order they were asked :

The test will be a listening and speaking test. There will be no written element.

From 29th November an applicant for a spouse/partner visa will need to take, and pass, the test before applying for a visa to settle in the UK.

Not yet known ( see below ).

That will depend on the applicant's level of English.

The cost is expected to be in the region of 100 GBP or more.

The test will be required for settlement applications for spouses or partners.

There are many schools and tutors in Pattaya.

If you keep an eye on our website we hope to be able to give the name of testing centres very soon. If you would like us to contact you when we have that information, then drop us an email at our website or from our profile here on TV. We are in Jomtien (Pattaya), so please call in in we can help further.

[wandrinstar]

Lets hope when its implemented the recordings become avalable to the British Taxpayer.