ESOL Entry 3 Level

Question

It is now the case that to apply for British Naturalisation you need to have either passed ESOL Entry 3 Level (or better) or some sort of equivalent.
Unforunately the IND website neglects to say what are acceptable equivalents. So does anyone know? Is KET ... Key English Test ... at that level? And what IELTS level?
Can anyone help?

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]It is now the case that to apply for British Naturalisation you need to have either passed ESOL Entry 3 ... does anyone know? Is KET ... Key English Test ... at that level? And what IELTS level? Can anyone help?[/nq]
Does anyone have this information please?

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Does anyone have this information please?[/nq]
http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/index.htm
bye
Jorge

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]It is now the case that to apply for British Naturalisation you need to have either passed ESOL Entry 3 Level (or better) or some sort of equivalent.[/nq]
I see no such requirement. The relevant web site is:
Annex E to that chapter reads:
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1.1 Applicants for naturalisation under s.6(1) of the BritishNationality Act 1981 are required to have sufficient knowledge of either the English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic language. The 1981 Act does not define what is a "sufficient knowledge", nor does it specify how that knowledge has to be expressed (I.e. whether the applicant has to be able to read, write or speak the language). For practical purposes, an adequate level may be assumed unless there is information to hand which suggests that this may not be so (e.g. applicants who have not filled out the form themselves or who have made their mark instead of signing the application).

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[nq:1]Unforunately the IND website neglects to say what are acceptable equivalents. So does anyone know? Is KET ... Key English Test ... at that level? And what IELTS level? Can anyone help?[/nq]
If you know of legislation which supercedes the above, post details.

Regards,
Mark Barratt

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]It is now the case that to apply for British ... Entry 3 Level (or better) or some sort of equivalent.[/nq]
[nq:1]I see no such requirement. The relevant web site is: Annex E to ... have made their mark instead of signing the application). If you know of legislation which supercedes the above, post details.[/nq]
Hi, suggest you take a look at :-
http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/news/press releases/new language requirement.html

-: which specifically refers to ESOL Entry 3 Level.

And your quote refers to applicants under section6(1). The new language requirement applies to ALL applicants for naturalisation .. including spouses of British citizens.
Change of legislation? See :-
http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2004/20041726.htm

In other words, all applicants for naturalisation received by IND on or after 28.07.04 need to prove the language ability.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]I see no such requirement. The relevant web site is: ... you know of legislation which supercedes the above, post details.[/nq]
[nq:1]Hi, suggest you take a look at :- http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/news/press releases/new language requirement.html -: which specifically refers to ESOL Entry 3 ... In other words, all applicants for naturalisation received by IND on or after 28.07.04 need to prove the language ability.[/nq]
OK. I've now ploughed through a dozen confusing government documents on this but I can't see any official list of equivalent qualifications. The best document that I found is at: but this isn't really very clear.
I get the impression that more qualifications will be accredited in the future. In the meantime, if you have a qualification that you feel may be acceptable (It appears that the required standard is about intermediate / upper intermediate), you could try contacting the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) via their contact page at or by direct e- mail to (Email Removed)
I hope this helps.

Regards,
Mark Barratt

ESOL Entry 3 Level

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