Secure English Language Tests For Tier 4

14 Aug 2010

From 12th August 2010, as per the UK Border Agency, secure English language testing (with a UK Border Agency approved provider) will be mandatory for adult students studying below degree level (excluding those on foundation degrees or English language courses) under Tier 4 of the Points Based System.

The test must be taken before the applicant applies for a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the education sponsor.

If a Tier 4 (General) student will be studying a course that is below NQF Level 6 (except a Foundation Degree or an English language course), using a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS, their Tier 4 sponsor must ensure that they are competent in English language at a minimum of level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) by showing that they:

• are from a majority English-speaking country (as listed on the Can you apply to Tier 4 (General)? page; or
• have successfully completed a course as a Tier 4 (Child) student (or under the student rules that were in force before 31 March 2009, if they were granted permission to stay while they were under 18 years old) which lasted at least six months and ended no more than two years before the date when the CAS is assigned; or
• have passed an English language test with an approved test provider for Tier 4, and has achieved at least CEFR level B1 in all four components (reading, writing, speaking and listening).

Full details of these changes to the English Language requirement will be set out in revised Tier 4 policy guidance and sponsor guidance of UK Border Agency.