Uk Settlement Visa

[wing]

On 29 November 2010 the UK is introducing a mandatory A1 English language test for all non EU Settlement visas.

I have searched the Embassy website and tried to get information from VFS, but to no avail.

Does anyone know where the tests are being held in Thailand and what are the fees?

Is there anyway I can get a specimen test paper, so I can gauge the standard required?

[VisasPlus]

At the moment we know of only one testing centre, and that is in the Pattaya area. However, we ( Visas-Plus ) should be able to give you an alternative tester, in both Pattaya and Bangkok, within the next couple of days.

The cost of the test will be between 6,000 and 6,700 Baht.

There is no specimen test paper as such as the test is a listening and speaking test. The possible new tester that we are dealing with will be carrying out Pre-assessment courses so that prospective applicants can see if their English is good enough to get through the test.

If you check out our website you will find further details of our office, and we will be acting as a contact point for the new tester. Our email contact and phone numbers are on the website. If you are in the Pattay area, then please call in and see us.

[visa2gorayong]

We are offering the A1 test certified by EMD UK Ltd, one of the UKBA-approved providers. Tests in Pattaya or Bangkok.

Check out our website, www.visa-2go.com and please feel free to get in touch.

[VisasPlus]

Our office ( Visas - Plus ) is in contact with English Test Centre concerning the start up of a UKBA approved A1 test provider in Pattaya and Bangkok. As soon as we have the confirmed details we will pass them on. In the meantime, English Test Centre will be conducting half day Pre-test seminars, also in Pattaya and Bangkok, to potential A1 test candidates in order that they can gain an understanding of the test requirements and, more particularly, for the candidates to assess whether they are ready for the test or perhaps require further English lessons.

The Pre-test seminars will be starting on 17th November in Pattaya, and in a couple of weeks time in Bangkok. The Pattaya tests will be held at Saraan House, Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya. You can book direct at Saraan House by phone ( 083 8999 074) or through Khun Baitoey at English Test Centre ( 084 362 8983 ). The cost of the Pre-test is 1,000 Baht.

Edited November 9, 2010 by VisasPlus

[VisasPlus]

Further to my earlier post, we ( Visas Plus) now understand that English Test Centre has been appointed to carry out the A1 English tests in Thailand by one of the UKBA approved testers in the UK. The UKBA approved tester is Mont Rose College of Marketing and Science, and their details can be accessed through their own web site.

In addition to the Pre-test seminars outlined in my earlier post, ETC will carry out the A1 tests in Pattaya ( on Mondays ), and in Bangkok ( on Wednesdays ). Pre-test seminars will be carried out in Pattaya on Thursdays, and in Bangkok on Tuesdays.

The Pre-test seminar will cost 1,000 Baht. The A1 test will cost 6,000 baht.

To get further details, or to make bookings, please check out the contact details for English Test Centre (on the Visas Plus website - www.visas-plus.com ) or access our website through our profile page.

Edited November 11, 2010 by VisasPlus

[Desertexile]

OP - check out Razzel's thread.

VP - why push this so hard if you are not directly profitting?

[7by7]

Maybe to help members?

Do not continue your spat here, or sanctions will be taken.

[RAZZELL]

Maybe to help members?

As the thread I started was closed without me getting a satisfactory answer...could anyone provide a link to a course of "A1" level in BKK?

Hopefully the gf wil apply for her visa before the 29th and we won't need it but just in case.

Many thanks

RAZZ

[Desertexile]

Maybe to help members?

Do not continue your spat here, or sanctions will be taken.

Yeh, to help members, that's it.

Edited November 14, 2010 by Desertexile

[Desertexile]

Maybe to help members?

As the thread I started was closed without me getting a satisfactory answer...could anyone provide a link to a course of "A1" level in BKK?

Hopefully the gf wil apply for her visa before the 29th and we won't need it but just in case.

Many thanks

RAZZ

Razz - Your Mrs could study at any language school to bring her up to A1 standard. There is no such thing as an 'A1 course'. If I were you, start the British Council Siam Square, its the best place to study and work your way down to the likes of AUA and ECC language schools - though I dont think you are that skint to have to bottom feed at the likes of ECC.

http://www.britishcouncil.org/thailand.htm

www.ecc.ac.th

www.auathailand.org

Aside, you have said that your Mrs has worked on a cruise ship for three years using English. So, there is absolutely no way whatsoever that she will not reach A1 standard. Ask her go to the British Council and take there free placement test which gives potential learners an English Language competence level. The placement test used is from Oxford quick test and is regarded throughout the world as excellent (hence why the British Council AKA gov uses it)

Once she has taken the placement test, I would bet my bottom baht that she will have a standard well above A1 (breakthrough/beginner). You can then arrange for her to take one of the many approved English tests and her result will show that she has a level of English over A1 standard. Just make sure that it is from an accredited provider.

leveldescriptionA1Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.A2Can 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 his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.B1Can 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 whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.B2Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. 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.C1Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself 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 organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.C2Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.

[Desertexile]

You will also find many schools offering placement tests to check if the potential leaner is of A1 standard. However, as indicated above there are many organisations (links about) who offer free placement tests which are entirely fit for purpose to potential learners.

[Desertexile]

The only one who posts on this forum, who is offering just the required test without uneccessary bolt ons is visatogorayong.

In the coming days once I have spoken to the UKBA marriage and settlement team (who put together the whole notion of testing and approving providers) I will post up information of ALL approved Schools and Agents where you can take a test which defines A1 status.

Edited November 14, 2010 by Desertexile

[VisasPlus]

The only one who posts on this forum, who is offering just the required test without uneccessary bolt ons is visatogorayong.

That is actually untrue. Visa2Go and English Test Centre offer exactly the same service. You can take the test only, or you can have a Pre-test, at either company.

Edited November 14, 2010 by VisasPlus

[Desertexile]

My apologies - I do not wish to disagree with you on either point. I therefore apologise and make a public correction. Both companies offer a chargeable 'pre-test', more commonly known as a placement test.

Please could you define 'the test'? Which test exactly are both companies offering?As I am sure you are aware, there are many tests which are accredited by UKBA as proof that the Settler has achieved an A1 and above level of English competence. Therefore, could state which test your business offers? That will of course help the readers choose a suitable provider.

Perhaps visatogorayong could do the same?

Many thanks.

Edited November 14, 2010 by Desertexile

[Desertexile]

Razz - did you read this thread? It will further your understanding despite its closure:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/404303-new-a1-english-test-for-spouses-and-partners/page__st__25

[VisasPlus]

My apologies - I do not wish to disagree with you on either point. I therefore apologise and make a public correction. Both companies offer a chargeable 'pre-test', more commonly known as a placement test.

Please could you define 'the test'? Which test exactly are both companies offering? I am sure you are know, there are many tests which are accredited by UKBA as proof that the Settler has achieved an A1 and above level of English competence.

Many thanks.

Apology accepted.

The "test", as you put it, is provided by the UKBA approved schools, colleges, etc but must conform to the listening and speaking elements of the A1 CEFR ( as you well know by now ). The companies offering to carry out the test here in Thailand are appointed by the UKBA approved providers in the UK. They are not making up their own test. You would be better asking the UKBA approved providers to "define the test ". The testers here act only as agents for these UK schools, etc. They do not have any input into the content of the test, nor do they mark the test. I have already provided you with a link to the list of the UKBA approved providers.

Edited November 14, 2010 by VisasPlus

[Desertexile]

The "test", as you put it, is provided by the UKBA approved schools, colleges, etc but must conform to the listening and speaking elements of the A1 CEFR ( as you well know by now ).

Yes, I know - I helped write the document you posted . However, my question remains - you refer to it as 'the test' I am asking you WHICH test you provide. There are many approved/accredited tests. Which one do you offer? JETSET? ELSA? IELTS? PELT? C&G?

The companies offering to carry out the test here in Thailand are appointed by the UKBA approved providers in the UK.

Yes, that's clear.

They are not making up their own test.

No, they certainly are not! There are 19 accredited tests - so the same question, which one do you provide?

You would be better asking the UKBA approved providers to "define the test ".

They have, in the document you posted - I think you already know this!

The testers here act only as agents for these UK schools, etc. They do not have any input into the content of the test, nor do they mark the test.

Actually, they are not 'UK Schools' - Companies such as EDI, EDEXEL, City & Guilds are accreditation bodies providing examinations. They are not Schools in any way.

I have already provided you with a link to the list of the UKBA approved providers.

Yes, I know all of the approved providers. I am asking you, simple, which test you provide. If you could state which test you provide , as an Agent on behalf on your UK based provider, that would help the readership in deciding if that test (of the 19) is the right one for them.

Edited November 14, 2010 by Desertexile

[VisasPlus]

The "test", as you put it, is provided by the UKBA approved schools, colleges, etc but must conform to the listening and speaking elements of the A1 CEFR ( as you well know by now ).

Yes, I know - I helped write the document you posted . However, my question remains - you refer to it as 'the test' I am asking you WHICH test you provide. There are many approved/accredited tests. Which one do you offer? JETSET? ELSA? IELTS? PELT? C&G?

The companies offering to carry out the test here in Thailand are appointed by the UKBA approved providers in the UK.

Yes, that's clear.

They are not making up their own test.

No, they certainly are not! There are 19 accredited tests - so the same question, which one do you provide?

You would be better asking the UKBA approved providers to "define the test ".

They have, in the document you posted - I think you already know this!

The testers here act only as agents for these UK schools, etc. They do not have any input into the content of the test, nor do they mark the test.

Actually, they are not 'UK Schools' - Companies such as EDI, EDEXEL, City & Guilds are accreditation bodies providing examinations. They are not Schools in any way.

I have already provided you with a link to the list of the UKBA approved providers.

Yes, I know all of the approved providers. I am asking you, simple, which test you provide. Surely you know?

You just can't give up, can you.

Firstly, and this seems difficult for you to understand, I am not providing any test. The test is provided by another company - English Test Centre. You can ask all the " clever" questions you like. I don't know the answers as I am not involved in any test or testing ! I wouldn't have the faintest idea how to define the test. Why should I ? My role in this is to provide the name of a company which is providing the test so that potential settlement visa applicants have an idea of what to do and where to go.

This appears to be a deliberate attempt on your part to re-open a closed topic. Sorry to disappoint you.

If you read through my posts in the closed topic you will find the approved provider. The UKBA link tells you exactly what test they provide. Why ask me to do what you can easily do, or probably already have done.

As before - end of correspondence with you.

Edited November 14, 2010 by VisasPlus

[7by7]

It is obvious that a certain member wishes to hijack this topic, has he has done to others.

I am therefore closing it as I have done to the other one on this subject.

I very much regret this action, which has been forced on me by the actions of one member.

My apologies to those members who are still confused about this new requirement.

I have started as new topic here which will hopefully stick to the point!