Does my Thai wife need to pass a language test for the UK ?

[longballlarry]

I have read many threads, and given conflicting info, so any help here gratefully received.

We are married now about 7 yrs and have a son, who has UK & Thai Passports.

We have all been to the UK twice now on different visiting visas issued through the UKBA.

I meet the finance required criteria, and all paperwork, I believe is in place.

We will be looking at re-locating to the UK soon. Does my wife need to pass this test or not, and if so, how long before we apply for a settlement visa should she take the test ?

Thanks in advance

LBL

[7by7]

Yes; for both the initial visa and then a harder one for her Indefinite Leave to Remain.

See under language in UK Settlement Visa Basics and the links from there.

[longballlarry]

Yes; for both the initial visa and then a harder one for her Indefinite Leave to Remain.

See under language in UK Settlement Visa Basics and the links from there.

OK thanks.

She went for her first English reading and writing class today. We even went first to the school on Saturday to state she could speak and understand in conversation but couldnt read or write English. 550 baht one to one at a language centre and went a bit like this.

. UK TEFL teacher gave her a torn off page of an English newspaper and said ; ' Read that'

- 'But I cant read'

- 'Just try'

- ' The ....................... a................................in.............................a '

( Teacher fills in the gaps )

(Then go over the whole page for 45mins)

( Homework is then set )

- 'Go home and write about your experiences when you visited England'

- 'But I cant write'

-'Just try'

The End.

550 bt lesson. School didnt even provide her with a pen, let alone a course book. One scrap of paper.

I wrote to the UK owner, saying that we were going to be booking for 6months, would a Janet and Jane book not be a better start . Nothing back yet, but in any case, we'll be looking elsewhere.

Ah well at least we have a year !

[7by7]

She will require reading and writing in order to take the LitUK test for her Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, but that application is made after she has lived there for at least 5 years.

For the initial visa, only speaking and listening are required.

Although all the approved test centres in Thailand will make her sit reading and writing as well!

However, as said in UK Settlement Visa Basics

However, the embassy has confirmed that as long as the applicant has a test report showing that they scored the equivalent of A1 or better in speaking and listening then it does not matter what they scored in the reading and writing elements. Even if they failed these and so did not receive a test pass certificate.

A1 is a very basic level, if your wife has good conversational English she will have no trouble achieving this standard in speaking and listening.

She will, of course, need to be able to read and write English so that once in the UK she can study for and then take the LitUK test; up to you whether you want to start her down that road now or wait until she is in the UK.

[bobrussell]

Sounds as if she may be better off waiting to go on a college course in the UK. They may well charge international rates until your wife has been in the UK some time so worth finding out first.

It used to be international rates in the first year in the UK but this seems to have extended to two or three years! These courses should help prepare for the Life in the UK test as well as improving general skills.

The test in Thailand really is very basic. Perhaps get the tutor (if you keep going)to discuss what is going on in the newspaper instead of writing/reading! It is conversation skills that are needed for the initial application.

[longballlarry]

Thanks all. Much appreciated

I think she will be OK if just conversation is required. But we will still keep going with the lessons and perhaps continue should we be approved to go to the UK.

The language centre have repiled to us, and cancelled the charge for the first lesson. She is to return this week and first go through some test sheets to be assessed, before they decide what level to start her lessons from.

Thanks again

LBL

[stevenl]

Thanks all. Much appreciated

I think she will be OK if just conversation is required. But we will still keep going with the lessons and perhaps continue should we be approved to go to the UK.

The language centre have repiled to us, and cancelled the charge for the first lesson. She is to return this week and first go through some test sheets to be assessed, before they decide what level to start her lessons from.

Thanks again

LBL

I hope there will be pictures in the test sheets in stead of words .

Good luck.

Edited September 10, 2013 by stevenl

[Billmont]

My wife could only speak a little English but it was mainly a lack of confidence with strangers but could not read and write English. We decided to go down the Life in the UK route as where we lived transport to a English learning college was difficult and I was unable to take her because of my business. I bought her the Life in the UK book and an online question and answer package. We sat down each evening and I read the book to her and then gradually she could read a little back to me. However with the online program she soon got the hang of it and I think there were over 100 tests and to start with she had to keep asking certain words but in the end she could answer all questions without any help. The test is also on a computer and she passed first time with flying colours. I highly recommend this style of learning because the main purpose is to pass the exam. I would take her to the local pub and sit with my friends and she soon picked up English and also she helped in my business and had to speak English with my staff. I also arranged for her to take driving lessons and again I purchased an online course for the Theory Test whch she passed first time as also the driving test. She now has her British Passport. The main thing is that she did work hard with the computer tests about 3 hours each night. I wish you and your wife all the very best and a bit of effort by both of you will bring success.

[longballlarry]

My wife could only speak a little English but it was mainly a lack of confidence with strangers but could not read and write English. We decided to go down the Life in the UK route as where we lived transport to a English learning college was difficult and I was unable to take her because of my business. I bought her the Life in the UK book and an online question and answer package. We sat down each evening and I read the book to her and then gradually she could read a little back to me. However with the online program she soon got the hang of it and I think there were over 100 tests and to start with she had to keep asking certain words but in the end she could answer all questions without any help. The test is also on a computer and she passed first time with flying colours. I highly recommend this style of learning because the main purpose is to pass the exam. I would take her to the local pub and sit with my friends and she soon picked up English and also she helped in my business and had to speak English with my staff. I also arranged for her to take driving lessons and again I purchased an online course for the Theory Test whch she passed first time as also the driving test. She now has her British Passport. The main thing is that she did work hard with the computer tests about 3 hours each night. I wish you and your wife all the very best and a bit of effort by both of you will bring success.

Thanks very much. I was unaware of the online test, I know we're a long way away, but t went through it with her with some test question.

One was " In the UK you need to be 25 to purchase tobacco. True or false ?"

Her Answer - Tobasco sauce ?

I think we have a long way to go !

[Billmont]

My wife could only speak a little English but it was mainly a lack of confidence with strangers but could not read and write English. We decided to go down the Life in the UK route as where we lived transport to a English learning college was difficult and I was unable to take her because of my business. I bought her the Life in the UK book and an online question and answer package. We sat down each evening and I read the book to her and then gradually she could read a little back to me. However with the online program she soon got the hang of it and I think there were over 100 tests and to start with she had to keep asking certain words but in the end she could answer all questions without any help. The test is also on a computer and she passed first time with flying colours. I highly recommend this style of learning because the main purpose is to pass the exam. I would take her to the local pub and sit with my friends and she soon picked up English and also she helped in my business and had to speak English with my staff. I also arranged for her to take driving lessons and again I purchased an online course for the Theory Test whch she passed first time as also the driving test. She now has her British Passport. The main thing is that she did work hard with the computer tests about 3 hours each night. I wish you and your wife all the very best and a bit of effort by both of you will bring success.

Thanks very much. I was unaware of the online test, I know we're a long way away, but t went through it with her with some test question.

One was " In the UK you need to be 25 to purchase tobacco. True or false ?"

Her Answer - Tobasco sauce ?

I think we have a long way to go !

Yes, quite funny and although it may seem as if you have along way to go do not get disheartened. Thai girls are in the main very clever and with your encouragement and using the multiple choice questions (same as the actual examan) you will soon see a big inprovement. I wish you both the very best of luck. Bill

[Billmont]

My wife could only speak a little English but it was mainly a lack of confidence with strangers but could not read and write English. We decided to go down the Life in the UK route as where we lived transport to a English learning college was difficult and I was unable to take her because of my business. I bought her the Life in the UK book and an online question and answer package. We sat down each evening and I read the book to her and then gradually she could read a little back to me. However with the online program she soon got the hang of it and I think there were over 100 tests and to start with she had to keep asking certain words but in the end she could answer all questions without any help. The test is also on a computer and she passed first time with flying colours. I highly recommend this style of learning because the main purpose is to pass the exam. I would take her to the local pub and sit with my friends and she soon picked up English and also she helped in my business and had to speak English with my staff. I also arranged for her to take driving lessons and again I purchased an online course for the Theory Test whch she passed first time as also the driving test. She now has her British Passport. The main thing is that she did work hard with the computer tests about 3 hours each night. I wish you and your wife all the very best and a bit of effort by both of you will bring success.

Thanks very much. I was unaware of the online test, I know we're a long way away, but t went through it with her with some test question.

One was " In the UK you need to be 25 to purchase tobacco. True or false ?"

Her Answer - Tobasco sauce ?

I think we have a long way to go !

Yes, quite funny and although it may seem as if you have along way to go do not get disheartened. Thai girls are in the main very clever and with your encouragement and using the multiple choice questions (same as the actual test) you will soon see a big inprovement. I wish you both the very best of luck. Bill

Edited September 13, 2013 by Billmont

[10120]

Again, if you can get it done in the UK,, and use Trinity College, cheap, bookable online, immediate result, accepted by Brit Emb BKK.