Hi,

Maybe this question has been asked many times but the search function isn't exactly the best on this forum!

Soon I'll be making a visa application for my girlfriend, I understand that an English test must be taken. Can anyone tell me how difficult this test is? My girlfriend's conversational English is good but her writing is lacking.

Thank you very much!!

The requirement is of basic English speaking and listening.

Unfortunately none of the approved providers in Thailand do just this, they will make her take a full test, including reading and writing.

However, it does not matter what she scores in the reading and writing elements, as long as she scores A1 or better in speaking and listening. A1 is the lowest possible level, simple conversational English such as "My name is, what's yours?" etc. If she can hold a conversation in English with you then she should have no trouble with this.

See English language requirement

However, you say "Soon I'll be making a visa application for my girlfriend"

What type of visa? The test is only required for settlement applications; if she is applying for a visit visa then the test is not required.

As 7by7 said...for settlement visa applications.

Your gf won't need one if she just wants to visit for a holiday.

RAZZ

I can safely say none of our clients have failed this test yet, I often speak to the applicants when they visit our office some of them to be honest have very basic language skills. But they all have passed the test so far we use the Bulats test centre Vantage Siam in Bangkok.

Thank you very much for the feedback, that has put my mind at ease, she shouldn't have a problem with that then.

My girlfriend and I want to a settlement visa, we meet all the requirements I've seen here so fingers crossed we should be ok.

Thank you again for the feedback

No problems im in the UK currently.

Paul

I see Vantage Siam send out their tests results by EMS in Thailand. Anybody know how long this takes? Just wondering if my girlfriend could use this for the application as opposed to waiting 3 weeks for a certificate?

I see Vantage Siam send out their tests results by EMS in Thailand. Anybody know how long this takes? Just wondering if my girlfriend could use this for the application as opposed to waiting 3 weeks for a certificate?

The test result sheets ( there are 3 blue sheets) are accepted by the UKBA in Bangkok as evidence of a pass.

This is an extract from an email from the Embassy to me recently :

Dear Tony

Thank you for your email.

I can confirm that we do except the blue test reports for the Bulats test. Although the guidance states that a certificate is required, Bulats do not actually issue a certificate unless all 4 elements of the test have been passed, which of course is not a requirement from UKBA.

Thanks. That's good news.

Anybody know how long it takes for the blue sheet test results to be issued?

Had a look at the Bulats demo tests on the Vantage Siam website. Wow. I thought pretty advanced. My girlfriend tried the reading & listening test. Not a chance. The long listening passages were far too long and complicated. And obviously you need to understand the written answers in addition to the listening part, in order to score points. Not easy.

Please tell me these demos are not indicative of the standard required for entry clearance. If a foreign national was this good after several years in the UK I'd be very impressed.

Can anyone whose girlfriend or wife has taken the English test comment on the level of difficulty?

Comments above suggest that anyone who can converse at a basic level will pass. My girlfriend can do just that but the demos on the Vantage Siam website were complex to say the least.

Also how can they give a separate listening score when listening is combined with reading answers?

My girlfriend took the test in the UK, her english is ok. Check out you tube, there are videos on there. She was shown aa picture and asked questions about it and vice versa, things like, is there a dog in your picture?

Thanks Tigger, will check YouTube out. From what you say it does sound easy and others seem to be saying if conversational English can be spoken then it should be fine. It was just the Bulats demos from Vantage Siam that threw me. Not basic English at all.

As long as she knows very basic english,I think she'll be OK. Best of luck!!

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