About to start the process of applying for wifey's Uk Citizenship. Filled in the application form, got the required documents together etc. Apparently, as of July last year, applicants need to demonstrate a sound command of English, namely in the form of an "ESOL - Skills for life entry level 3" certificate. Apparently she can undertake an assessment with an English Language teacher, and if she's up to standard, the teacher will give her the certificate.

I haven't got any confirmation on the above. I've heard that Esol teachers charge a small fortune to do this, surprise surprise. Any other ways to obtain this certificate? Scouse's reply especially welcome.

Siamsam

Hi Siamsam, I am hoping this is incorrect information. As my wife has already handed in her application form, and she cannot speak to good English. I speak a fair amount of thai and between us it is sort of half thai half english that we communicate in. It doesnt say anything on the website about this. Scouse?

Bang.......

It may not go down too well with other posters, but if this is true, it's about time.

It may not go down too well with other posters, but if this is true, it's about time.

And your reason for this comment is??

It's about time that immigrants had to have a reasonable knowledge of the English language before being granted citizenship.

So you are saying if my wife cant speak english she should not be able to spend her life with me in Uk, <deleted>! The best way to learn is to be in the country...

Bang.......

Don't fret, Ben. The language requirement does not apply to those seeking a visa, but, rather, when a foreign national already settled in the UK wishes to naturalise as a British citizen. There follows a link to the relevant Home Office website page which explains the requirements. Bear in mind that from 1 Nov. 2005 the goalposts are moving again, so get your application in before then.

English language requirement for naturalisation as a British citizen.

Cheers,

Scouse.

So you are saying if my wife cant speak english she should not be able to spend her life with me in Uk, <deleted>! The best way to learn is to be in the country...

Bang.......

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No, he's saying that she ought to be able to speak a little English before she becomes a citizen, in the same way that Thailand expects you to be able to speak/read/write a little Thai if you want to become a Thai citizen.

So you are saying if my wife cant speak english she should not be able to spend her life with me in Uk, &lt;deleted&gt;! The best way to learn is to be in the country...

Bang.......

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's not what I am saying.

I am saying that the UK has too many prospective immigrants. Most are these are economic immigrants. Immigration should be controlled as it is now at a ridiculous level. The UK is overcrowded already. Do you agree with this or not?

In the UK the language is English and if people want UK citizenship, they should have been prepared to put in the effort to learn. At least to a reasonable level.

How can immigrants expect to become a UK citizen if they cannot speak the language.

There are many places in the UK where whole communities are from the same ethnic group. They do not integrate, retain their native language and even have lessons conducted in a non English language at schools.

To my way of thinking this is wrong and just perpetuates racism.

If people want UK citizenship, they should be prepared to become British! That includes speaking the native language of the country that is prepared to adopt

them.

So you are saying if my wife cant speak english she should not be able to spend her life with me in Uk, &lt;deleted&gt;! The best way to learn is to be in the country...

Bang.......

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

She will be able to live with you in the UK. The tests of language and knowledge of life in the United Kingdom for new citizens is what it says it is; a test one has to pass in order to become a British citizen. They are not a requirement for a visa or ILR.

Becoming a British citizen has a number of advantages, not least a British passport and visa free travel in Europe and elsewhere, but it is not compulsory!

Incidentally, both the UK and Thailand allow dual citizenship, so becoming a British citizen will have no effect on Thai citizenship.

There are many places in the UK where whole communities are from the same ethnic group. They do not integrate, retain their native language and even have lessons conducted in a non English language at schools.

What, like Wales?

There are many places in the UK where whole communities are from the same ethnic group. They do not integrate, retain their native language and even have lessons conducted in a non English language at schools.

What, like Wales?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Exactly!

They're starting to use their native language more and more. The nerve!

But it sounds LLLLLLLoverLLLLLLLLy

There are many places in the UK where whole communities are from the same ethnic group. They do not integrate, retain their native language and even have lessons conducted in a non English language at schools.

Whereas we Brits fit right into the Thai community and would never think of forming gettos or setting up 'international schools'

According to a certain Muslim Cleric ILR certainly does not start with Indefinite Leave to Remain, any guesses?

Veritas

Why English? Isn't that the second or third language after Hindi or Urdu?

Hope this recent experience might help.

I'm not going to get involved in the rights or wrongs of whether one should speak the language of your adopted country.

It was a surprise for us when we found out that my wife had to take a language test before her citizenship application, certainly not clear on the site. Anyway we arranged a test with the ESOL department at Middlesex University which my wife took and passed. The surprise was actually just how much knowledge is required and the speed with which the audio comprehension part was played. My wife has a very good grasp of English, both formal and colloquial, she can watch East Enders or a documentary with equal ease and can hold her own comfortably at any social gathering. She was of the opinion that anyone whose level of comprehension was much less than that would'nt pass the test.

We have now found out that quite a few Thais are attending education classes to prepare for the test. The feedback on this is that its no bad thing as quite apart from anything else it opens up wider social avenues.

By the way. We paid some £30 or so to go through the document checking service with Haringay Council, primarily because we wanted to retain our passports etc. TWO WEEKS LATER....surprise surprise, my wife was told she was a British Citizen ! Couple of weeks after, go and meet the Mayor and sing God Save The Queen and pick up certificate.

Now as wierd as it may seem , you can also get the English Certificate from a solicitor or notary. However it seems certain this will soon end. The people we spoke to at the Town Hall told us they were seeing people with notarised forms who had almost no comprehension of even basic English and that the Home Office was becoming aware of the problem.

Hope this recent experience might help.

I'm not going to get involved in the rights or wrongs of whether one should speak the language of your adopted country.

It was a surprise for us when we found out that my wife had to take a language test before her citizenship application, certainly not clear on the site. Anyway we arranged a test with the ESOL department at Middlesex University which my wife took and passed. The surprise was actually just how much knowledge is required and the speed with which the audio comprehension part was played. My wife has a very good grasp of English, both formal and colloquial, she can watch East Enders or a documentary with equal ease and can hold her own comfortably at any social gathering. She was of the opinion that anyone whose level of comprehension was much less than that would'nt pass the test.

We have now found out that quite a few Thais are attending education classes to prepare for the test. The feedback on this is that its no bad thing as quite apart from anything else it opens up wider social avenues.

By the way. We paid some £30 or so to go through the document checking service with Haringay Council, primarily because we wanted to retain our passports etc. TWO WEEKS LATER....surprise surprise, my wife was told she was a British Citizen ! Couple of weeks after, go and meet the Mayor and sing God Save The Queen and pick up certificate.

Now as wierd as it may seem , you can also get the English Certificate from a solicitor or notary. However it seems certain this will soon end. The people we spoke to at the Town Hall told us they were seeing people with notarised forms who had almost no comprehension of even basic English and that the Home Office was becoming aware of the problem.

Good informative post Roamer Thanks for sharing