English language

This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules

Page 1 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

About this guidance

About this guidance Immigration Rules appendix B In this section
Changes to this
National of a majority This guidance gives information for caseworkers on assessing the English language guidance
English speaking requirements for Tiers 1 and 2 of the points-based system (PBS).
country Contact
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules. For more information, see related link:
English language test Immigration Rules – appendix B. Information owner

Degree taught in English language requirements Links to staff intranet

English Applicants must meet the English language requirements and score 10 points for their removed
English language skills, unless they are exempt or are applying in the Tier 1 (Investor)
English language category.
exemptions or no
requirement For Tier 1 (General), Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent – (extension
applications)) and Tier 2, an applicant can show they meet the English language
requirements and score 10 points if they:

 are a national of a majority English speaking country

 pass an English language test, at or above the level for the PBS tier in which they are
applying, which has been approved by the UK Border Agency, or
 hold a degree that was:
o taught in English, and
o is equivalent to a UK bachelors degree or above.

Those applying for Tier 1 (Post-study work) meet the English language requirement if they:

 score 75 points for attributes, or

 have, or were last granted, leave as a participant in the:
o international graduate scheme
o science and engineering scheme, or
o fresh talent: working in Scotland scheme.
Page 2 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules

For more information on Tier 1 (Post-study work), see related link: Tier 1 (Post-study work)
of the points-based system.

Those applying for Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) meet the English language requirement if
they score 75 points for attributes. For more information on Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur),
see related link: Tier 1 (graduate entrepreneur) of the points-based system.

Assessing English language

If the applicant is claiming points for the English language requirement or an exemption, you
must check whether to award points, see links on left:

 National of a majority English speaking country

 English language test
 Degree taught in English
 English language exemptions or no requirement.

For a step-by-step guide of how to casework PBS English language for Tiers 1 and 2, see
related links:

 Tier 1 process instruction – English language

 Tiers 2 and 5 process instruction – English language.

There are no English language requirements under PBS Tier 1 (Investor) or Tier 5. Tier 4
migrants’ English language requirements are assessed by their sponsor. You must do
verification checks if you have any concerns about the documents provided as part of the
Tier 4 application.

For more information, see link on left: English language exemptions or no requirement.

Changes to this guidance – This page tells you what has changed since the previous
version of this guidance.

Contacts – This page tells you who to contact for help if your senior caseworker or line

Page 3 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
manager can’t answer your question.

Information owner – This page tells you about this version of the guidance and who owns it.

Safeguard and promote child welfare – This page explains your duty to safeguard and
promote the welfare of children and tells you where to find more information.

Page 4 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

Changes to this guidance

About this guidance This page lists changes to the Points-based system (PBS) cross-cutting English language Related links
guidance, with the most recent at the top.
National of a majority
English speaking Date of the change Details of the change
country 23 October 2012 Six month review by the modernised guidance See also
team:
English language test Contact
 Minor housekeeping changes.
Degree taught in Information owner
English 30 April 2012 Six month review by the modernised guidance
team:
English language
exemptions or no  No changes made.
requirement
20 October 2011 Six month review by the modernised guidance
team:

 Check test provider and certificate:

o sub-heading ‘Check test provider’ has
been changed to ‘Check supporting
evidence’
o first sentence under sub-heading has
been amended
o sub-heading ‘Educational Testing
Service – Test of English For
International English language testing
system (IELTS) certificates’ has been
amended to ‘For International English
language testing system (IELTS)
certificates’
o after sub-heading new first sentence
Page 5 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
o sub-heading ‘For other certificates’ has
been amended to ‘For other supporting
evidence’
o after the sub-heading, the first bullet
point and the last sentence, the word
‘certificate’ has been replaced by
‘evidence’
 Check degree:
o sub-heading ‘Degrees not taken in a
majority English speaking country’ has
been changed to ‘Degrees not taken in
an educational establishment from a
listed country’
o first sentence after the sub-heading
has been amended
o second bullet point ‘Tier 2 (Intra-
company transfer (ICT)’ has been
added
 Minor housekeeping changes.

06 April 2011 Revised by the modernised guidance team.

Page 6 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

National of a majority English speaking country

About this guidance This section explains how to check whether or not to award points for the English language In this section
requirement to a national of a majority English speaking country.
National of a majority National of a majority
English speaking Nationals of the countries listed below are considered to be from a majority English speaking English speaking
country country and automatically meet the English language requirement. country – passport or
travel document not
English language test Antigua and Barbuda Guyana available

Degree taught in Australia Jamaica Award points or refuse –

English majority English
The Bahamas New Zealand speaking country
English language
exemptions or no Barbados St Kitts and Nevis Links to staff intranet
requirement removed
Belize St Lucia

Canada St Vincent and the Grenadines

Dominica Trinidad and Tobago

Grenada The United States of America

To prove they meet the English language requirement, nationals of the above countries
must submit either their current, original:

 passport, or
 travel document.

If you have any doubts about whether any of the supporting documents an applicant has

Page 7 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
provided are genuine you must undertake verification checks. For more information, see
related link: Forgery.

Page 8 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

National of a majority English speaking country – passport or travel document not available
About this guidance This page tells you how nationals of majority English speaking countries can still prove In this section
English language requirements for the points-based system if their passport or travel National of a majority
National of a majority document is not available. English speaking
English speaking country
country If they are unable to submit either document at the time of the application, they must give full
reasons in the passport information section of the application form. The only valid Award points or refuse –
English language test exceptional circumstances in which the applicant may provide alternative specified majority English
documents are when their current passport or travel document is either: speaking country
Degree taught in
English  lost Links to staff intranet
 stolen, or removed
English language  expired and been returned to the relevant authorities.
exemptions or no
requirement If any of these circumstances apply, the applicant can exceptionally provide the following
alternative specified documents:

 current national identity document, or

 an original letter from their home government or embassy.

If the applicant submits a letter, it must be an original copy on the letter-headed paper of the
government or embassy, and bear the official stamp of that institution.

An authorised official of that institution must issue the letter, and it must confirm the
applicant’s:

 full name
 date of birth
 nationality.

If you have any doubts about whether any of the supporting documents an applicant has

Page 9 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
provided are genuine you must undertake verification checks. For more information, see
related link: Forgery.

For information on when to award or refuse points for English language when the applicant
is from a majority English speaking country, see related link: Award points or refuse –
majority English-speaking country.

Page 10 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

Award points or refuse – majority English speaking country

About this guidance This page explains when you can award or refuse points for the English language In this section
requirement when the applicant is claiming points for being from a majority English speaking National of a majority
National of a majority country. English speaking
English speaking country
country If the applicant has submitted valid documents to prove they are from a majority English
speaking country, you can award 10 points for English language. National of a majority
English language test English speaking
If applicant does not provide the documents country – passport or
Degree taught in You must check all the supporting evidence submitted to see if you can award points travel document not
English another way. See related links: available

English language  English language test Related links

exemptions or no  Degree taught in English English language test
requirement  English language exemptions or no requirement.
Degree taught in
If no other supporting documents can be considered as evidence, you must award 0 points English
and note the reason for refusing the application on CID. For information on refusing Tier 2
applicants, see related link: Tier 2/5 process instructions - conclude. English language
exemptions or no
If the applicant does not score 10 points for English language requirement
You must refuse their application, even if they attained the pass mark for attributes and
maintenance and meet all the other requirements of the Immigration Rules. Links to staff intranet
removed

Page 11 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

English language test

About this guidance This section tells you how an applicant applying under the points-based system can claim In this section
points for the English language requirement if they have passed an English language test. English language test
National of a majority
English speaking To score points for passing an English language test, applicants must show that they have Test booked or results
country passed a test at or above the level required for the tier in which they are applying. The table not received
below sets out the level of English required for each tier.
English language test Check test provider and
Tier Level of English language certificate
Degree taught in  Tier 1 (General) Knowledge of English equivalent to level C1
English  Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) of the Council of Europe’s common Award points or refuse –
European framework for language learning English language test
English language or above. For more information see related
exemptions or no link: Common European framework of Links to staff intranet
requirement reference for languages. removed
 Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent – extension Knowledge of English equivalent to level B1
applications) or above of the Council of Europe’s
 Tier 2 (General) common European framework for language
learning or above. For more information,
see related link: Common European
framework of reference for languages.
 Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Competence of English to a basic standard,
 Tier 2 (Intra-company transfer) (for including the ability to understand and use
applications to extend leave beyond familiar everyday expressions, to introduce
three years in this category) themselves and others and to ask and
answer questions about basic personal
details. This is closest to level A1 of the
Council of Europe’s common European
framework of reference for languages.
 Tier 2 (Minister of religion) Knowledge of English equivalent to level B2
or above of the Council of Europe’s
common European framework for language

Page 12 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
learning or above. For more information,
see related link: Common European
framework of reference for languages.

Applicants with disabilities, for example, hearing difficulties, are not exempt from the English
language requirement. They should contact a test provider for details of support they can
provide.

Page 13 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

Test booked or results not received

About this guidance This page explains what to do when an applicant claiming points for the English language In this section
requirement submits their application before they have received the results of their English English language test
National of a majority language test. This only applies to applications made from within the UK.
English speaking Check test provider and
country Some applicants may need to make their application before they have taken, or received the certificate
results of an English language test. For those applications only:
English language test Award points or refuse –
 The applicant must provide the date of their English language test, in writing, within 10 English language test
Degree taught in working days of submitting the application.
English  If the applicant provides confirmation from the test provider that they have sat a test, or
has a confirmed date to take the test, you must hold the application open for the
English language applicant to complete this process.
exemptions or no  The applicant must provide the results certificate within five working days of receiving
requirement it.
 If the applicant does not pass the test on the first attempt, you must not hold the
application open to allow more attempts. In these circumstances, you must refuse the
application because the applicant will not have scored 10 points for English language.

For information on how to check test providers and award certificates, see related link.

For information on when to award or refuse points for English language for an English
language test, see related link.

Page 14 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

Check test provider and certificate

About this guidance This page explains what to check when you are deciding whether or not to award points for In this section
an English language test. English language test
National of a majority
English speaking When an applicant is claiming points for an English language test, you must check: Test booked or results
country not received
 the provider, and
English language test  the level of qualifications the applicant was awarded Award points or refuse –
 the level is met for all four components: English language test
Degree taught in o reading
English o writing Links to staff intranet
o listening, and removed
English language o speaking)
exemptions or no  the date of award is within validity period.
requirement
Check supporting evidence
You must only accept the supporting evidence and a test within the validity period that is
published in the list of approved language tests and providers. See related link: Approved
language test and providers.

Pearson test of English (PTE) Academic

Pearson does not issue paper certificates. Applicants who claim points for a Pearson test
must provide:

 a printout of their online score report, and

 make sure that their online results are on the Pearson verification service on the
Pearson website and are viewable by UK Border Agency.

If an applicant does not do this, you must not award points for English language. For more
information on PTE tests, see related link: Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE
Academic).

Page 15 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
For International English language testing system (IELTS) certificates
When applicants claim points for an IELTS certificate, you can check this is correct:

 login to the IELTS website, see related link: IELTS

 type in the reference number on the IELTS certificate
 a copy of the certificate should appear on screen.

Restricted – do not disclose – start of section

The information in this page has been removed as it is restricted for internal UK Border
Agency use only.

Restricted – do not disclose – end of section

If there is no record of the certificate on the IELTS website you must:

 For Tier 1 applications:

o pass the case to the process support team (PST) to scan the certificate.
 For Tier 2 applications:
o pass the case to the Tier 2 and Tier 5 operational support team to scan the
certificate. PST will email you the scanned certificate.
 Using the link to the IELTS email address on their website, email the scanned
certificate to IELTS and ask them to verify it
 Bring forward (BF) the case while you wait for their response.

For other supporting evidence

 search for the provider’s website and, if possible, verify the evidence online, or
 telephone the provider.

If you cannot verify the evidence and have checked the risk profiles, ask your line manager
to advise you what action to take.

Page 16 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
For information on when to award or refuse points for English language for an English
language test, see related link: Award points or refuse – English language test.

Page 17 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

Award points or refuse – English language test

About this guidance This page explains when you can award or refuse points for the English language In this section
requirement when the applicant is claiming points for an English language test. English language test
National of a majority
English speaking You can award 10 points for English language if you are satisfied that the applicant has: Test booked or results
country not received
 submitted a genuine document from an approved provider, and
English language test  the English language test is at or above the level required for the tier. Check test provider and
certificate
Degree taught in If you are not satisfied with the English language test
English You must check all the supporting evidence submitted to see if you can award points Related links
another way. See related links: Degree taught in
English language English
exemptions or no  National of a majority English speaking country
requirement  Degree taught in English National of a majority
 English language exemptions or no requirement. English speaking
country
If no other supporting documents can be considered as evidence, you must award 0 points
and note the reason for refusing the application on CID. For information on refusing Tier 2 English language
applicants, see related link: Tier 2/5 process instructions - conclude. exemptions or no
requirement
If the applicant does not score 10 points for English language
You must refuse their application, even if they attained the pass mark for attributes and Links to staff intranet
maintenance and meet all the other requirements of the Immigration Rules. removed

Page 18 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

Degree taught in English

About this guidance This section tells you how an applicant can score points for the English language In this section
requirement when they hold a degree taught in English. Check degree
National of a majority
English speaking To score 10 points for a degree taught in English, the applicant’s degree must: Check degree certificate
country
 be recognised by the National Academic Recognition Information Centre for the United Award points or refuse –
English language test Kingdom (UK NARIC) as equivalent to at least a UK bachelors degree, and degree taught in English
 have been taught in English to a standard comparable to level C1 on the Council of
Degree taught in Europe’s common European framework of reference for languages: learning, teaching, Links to staff intranet
English assessment (CEFR). For the Council of Europe’s website, see related link: Common removed
European framework of reference for languages.
English language
exemptions or no
requirement

Page 19 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

Check degree
About this guidance This page tells you how to check whether a degree taught in English meets the English In this section
language requirements for the points-based system. Degree taught in
National of a majority English
English speaking Check where the degree was taught
country If the degree was taken in a majority English speaking country, you can consider it to have Check degree certificate
been taught in English to the required standard. For the purposes of the English language
English language test requirement, this must be one of the countries listed below. Award points or refuse –
degree taught in English
Degree taught in Antigua and Barbuda Jamaica
English Links to staff intranet
Australia New Zealand removed
English language
exemptions or no Bahamas St Kitts and Nevis
requirement
Barbados St Lucia

Belize St Vincent and the Grenadines

Dominica Trinidad and Tobago

Grenada United Kingdom

Guyana United States of America

Ireland

Check the degree is recognised by National Academic Recognition Information

Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC)
The degree must be recognised by UK NARIC as equivalent to or above a UK bachelors
degree. You must check this using the English language section on the UK Border Agency’s
Page 20 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
points-based calculator, see related link: Points-based calculator.

Degree is not on the points-based calculator

If the degree is not on the points-based calculator:

 for Tier 1 - you must award 0 points for English language and note the reason for
refusing the application
 for Tier 2 - the applicant may provide an official letter from UK NARIC confirming the
degree meets or exceeds the equivalent level to a UK bachelors degree.

Degrees not taken in an educational establishment from a listed country

If the applicant is claiming points for a degree taught in English that was not taken in an
educational establishment from a listed country, you can still award 10 points if the following
requirements are met:

 Tier 1 – you can only award 10 points if the points-based calculator confirms that the
degree:
o meets or exceeds the equivalent level to a UK bachelors degree, and
o was taught to a competent standard of English equivalent to level C1 on the Council
of Europe’s common European framework of reference for languages: learning,
teaching, assessment (CEFR).

 Tier 2 (Intra-company transfer (ICT)) and Tier 2 (Sportsperson) – as with Tier 1, you
can award 10 points if the points-based calculator confirms the equivalent level of the
degree and the level of English. If the degree is not on the points-based calculator
however, you can still award 10 points if the applicant provides:
o an original letter and/or certificate from UK NARIC confirming the equivalent level of
the qualification, and
o an original letter from the university or awarding institution on official headed paper
confirming, the applicant’s name, the title of the degree, and that the qualification
was taught in English.

 Tier 2 (General) and Tier 2 (Minister of religion) – you can only award 10 points if the
points-based calculator confirms the equivalent level of the degree and the level of

Page 21 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English.

For information on when to award points or refuse for a degree taught in English, see related
link: Award points or refuse – degree taught in English.

Page 22 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

Check degree certificate

About this guidance This page explains how you check whether a degree certificate submitted to satisfy the In this section
English language requirement for the points-based system is genuine. Degree taught in
National of a majority English
English speaking To claim points for English language for a degree which was taught in English, the applicant
country must provide: Check degree

English language test  an original degree certificate, or Award points or refuse –

 an original academic transcript with an academic reference from the awarding body, degree taught in English
Degree taught in this is only acceptable when:
English o the applicant is awaiting graduation, or Links to staff intranet
o the applicant has lost the certificate and the awarding institution is unable to provide removed
English language a replacement.
exemptions or no
requirement For Tier 2 migrants who have a qualification with a significant research bias such as a
doctorate, you can accept an academic reference alone. For Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) migrants
an academic transcript alone is sufficient.

Degree awarded outside of the UK

To verify a degree which was awarded outside of the UK you must:

 for Tier 1:
o refer the case to the North East, Yorkshire and Humber (NEYH) regional verification
team (RVT)
 for Tier 2:
o complete the international liaison unit (ILU) verification template
o put the template and the document(s) which need verifying in a plastic wallet in the
red NEYH RVT referrals box (ILU will return these documents once they have been
scanned)
o email the template and documents to the ILU mailbox and bring forward (BF) the
application for four weeks (see related link: Email International liaison unit).

Page 23 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
Work is underway to standardise verification teams throughout the UK Border Agency. Until
such time, you must follow the process that your team has in place for verifications.

For more information on verification checks, referring a case to NEYH RVT and to download
a copy of the ILU template, see related links:

 Refer documents to the NEYH regional verification team

 ILU verification template.

Degree awarded in the UK

To verify a degree awarded in the UK, you must contact the awarding institution:

 find the contact details of the institution on their website

 telephone and request a fax number for student records
 fax your request with a copy of the certificate or transcript using the fax template (see
related link: Fax template).

If you do not receive a reply within three days, you must telephone the institution to request
a response.

The awarding institution may ask for the written consent of the applicant before disclosing
any information. If this happens, fax the signed declarations section of the application form
which gives the UK Border Agency the applicant’s permission to verify documents.

For information on when to award or refuse points for a degree taught in English, see related
link: Award points or refuse – degree taught in English.

Page 24 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

Award points or refuse – degree taught in English

About this guidance This page explains when you can award or refuse points for the English language In this section
requirement when the applicant is claiming points for a degree taught in English. Degree taught in
National of a majority English
English speaking You can award 10 points for the English language requirement if you are satisfied that the
country applicant has: Check degree

English language test  a degree taught in English which: Check degree certificate
o was taught in a majority English speaking country (for the purpose of a degree
Degree taught in taught in English) Related links
English o is recognised by the National Academic Recognition Information Centre for the National of majority
United Kingdom (UK NARIC) as at least equivalent to a UK bachelors degree. English speaking
English language country
exemptions or no If you are not satisfied with the degree
requirement You must check all the supporting evidence submitted to see if you can award points English language test
another way. See related links:
English language
 National of majority English speaking country exemptions or no
 English language test requirement
 English language exemptions or no requirement.
Links to staff intranet
If no other supporting documents can be considered as evidence, you must award 0 points removed
and note the reason for refusing the application on CID. For information on refusing Tier 2
applications, see related link: PBS Tier 2/5 process instructions – conclude.

For more information on checking whether a degree was taught in English and UK NARIC,
see related link: Check degree.

If the applicant does not score 10 points for English language

You must refuse their application, even if they attained the pass mark for attributes and
maintenance and meet all the other requirements of the Immigration Rules.

Page 25 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

English language exemptions or no requirement

About this guidance This page explains which migrants are exempt from the English language requirement or Related links
have no English language requirement. Links to staff intranet
National of a majority removed
English speaking Tier 1
country A Tier 1 applicant is exempt from the English language requirement if they:

English language test  were last given leave in the UK:

o as a Tier 1 (General) , the Business Persons route or Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) migrant
Degree taught in and are applying for an extension of leave to remain, or
English o as a highly skilled migrant programme (HSMP) participant under the Immigration
Rules which came into force on 5 December 2006, and they are applying for an
English language extension of leave to remain under a Tier 1 category.
exemptions or no
requirement Tier 2
A Tier 2 applicant is exempt from the English language requirement if they:

 score 50 points for sponsorship under transitional arrangements, or

 were last given leave in the UK:
o as a Tier 2 (General), Tier 2 (Sportsperson) or Tier 2 (Minister of religion) migrant,
and are applying for an extension, as they have already provided evidence of
meeting the English language requirement
o as a Tier 1 (General), Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), or Highly skilled migrant programme
participant under the rules which were introduced on 5 December 2006, or
o as a minister of religion on or after 23 August 2004. However, if they are applying for
Tier 2 (Minister of religion) they must have been granted leave as a minister of
religion on or after 19 April 2007.

Tier 2 Intra company transfer (ICT)

A Tier 2 ICT applicant is exempt from the English language requirement, unless they are
applying for an extension which will take them beyond three years leave in this category.

Page 26 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
The three years does not include any time they have spent in the UK as a work permit
holder. Applicants who have stayed or wish to stay for more than three years must meet the
English language requirement.

No English language requirements

There are no English language requirements for the following tiers:

 Tier 1 (Investor)
 Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent – Initial applications)
 Tier 5.

Tier 4
There are no points requirements for English language for Tier 4 applications. However,
depending on the level of the course and nationality of the applicant, a Tier 4 sponsor will
have to make sure an applicant’s English is at or above the Council of Europe’s common
European framework (CEFR) level B1, before they issue a confirmation of acceptance of
studies (CAS). You must do verification checks if you have any concerns about the
documents provided as part of the Tier 4 application.

For more information see related link: Tier 4 level 4 migrant guidance.

Page 27 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

Contact
About this guidance This page explains who to contact if you need more help with a specific case under the In this section
points-based system for English language. Changes to this
National of a majority guidance
English speaking If you have read the relevant Immigration Rules and this guidance and still need more help,
country you must first ask your senior caseworker or line manager. Information owner

English language test If the question cannot be answered at that level, you may email Tier 2 and Tier 5 operational Links to staff intranet
support team (see related link) for guidance. If the question is about the policy you can email removed
Degree taught in points-based system (PBS) operational policy team, see related link.
English
Changes to this guidance can only be made by the modernised guidance team (MGT). If
English language you think the policy content needs amending you must contact the PBS operational policy
exemptions or no team who will ask the MGT to update the guidance, if appropriate.
requirement
The MGT will accept direct feedback on broken links, missing information or the format, style
and navigability of this guidance. You can email these using the link: Email: Modernised
guidance team.

Page 28 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012
This guidance is based on the Immigration Rules
English language

Information owner
About this guidance This page tells you about this version of the English language guidance and who owns it. In this section
Changes to this
National of a majority Version 4.0 guidance
English speaking Valid from date 23 October 2012
country Policy owner Points-based system (PBS) operational policy Contact
temporary migration team
English language test Clearance by director Steve Lamb Links to staff intranet
Director’s role Regional operations director, North East, removed
Degree taught in Yorkshire and Humber region
English Date cleared 10 March 2011
This version approved for Richard Short
English language publication by
exemptions or no Approver’s role Assistant director, modernised guidance team
requirement Approval date 23 October 2012

Changes to this guidance can only be made by the modernised guidance team (MGT). If
you think the policy content needs amending you must contact the PBS operational policy
team, see related link, who will ask the MGT to update the guidance, if appropriate.

The MGT will accept direct feedback on broken links, missing information or the format, style
and navigability of this guidance. You can email these using the link: Email: Modernised
guidance team.

Page 29 of 29 Guidance – English language – version 4.0 Valid from 23 October 2012