Newsroom
Cambridge ESOL exams recognised for UK immigration
29 February 2008
Cambridge ESOL certificates have now been granted approval for use in the UK’s new points-based immigration system.
From the end of February 2008, the UK Home Office (the ministry responsible for immigration and other internal affairs) is implementing a new points-based immigration system for all non-EU nationals. The new system groups potential immigrants into five "tiers". The recent approval of Cambridge ESOL certificates is for tier 1 - highly skilled migrants such as doctors, scientists or entrepreneurs, which will replace the existing Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.
As part of the application process, applicants are required to provide evidence of their English language abilities. The government has now approved a range of Cambridge ESOL certificates as suitable to verify that ability. At tier 1, applicants need to demonstrate English language skills equivalent to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The following Cambridge ESOL examinations will be now be accepted for applications at tier 1:
- Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
- Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
- Business English Certificate (BEC) at Higher level
- International English Testing System (IELTS) at a band score of 6.5 and above
- International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE)
- International Legal English Certificate (ILEC)
- ESOL Skills for Life (Level 2)
