Visa applicants to United Kingdom will have to take a new test to demonstrate their English language skills from April 6 this year.
The new test – International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Life Skills – will be introduced for applicants who need to prove their speaking and listening skills at level A1 or B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The tests will be applicable to people intending to settle in the UK or join their families there. IELTS global marketing manager at the British Council Stephen Carey said details on the new norms and test would be put up on the website in two weeks. The 16-18 minute A1 level test will assess the applicants’ knowledge on family, hobbies, transport, health, leisure and weather among others, while the 22-minute B1 level test will gauge the applicants’ opinions and views. The number of tests to be taken for the same category visas has been reduced now, Mr. Carey said. When the test is booked, the applicant must specify what the test is for and ensure that the centre is authorised to run the tests. The list of test centres will be available on www.ielts.org .
Mobile app a hit
Mr. Carey said the British Council’s new initiatives on IELTS have received appreciation from people, particularly the ‘IELTS 1001 Ways’ mobile application that is most downloaded in India.
From April 6, visa applicants will have to take the IELTS Life Skills, which assesses speaking and listening skills at two new levels
