Education Testing Service (ETS) removed as approved English language test provider

In a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules presented to Parliament today, 10 June 2014, the Home Secretary has announced the removal of Educational Testing Service (ETS) as an approved English language test provider.

Applicants in various immigration categories are required to prove their English language ability. One way in which they may do so is by passing an English language test approved by the Secretary of State for these purposes. The approved tests, and the levels of English they are accepted for, are set out in Appendix O to the Immigration Rules.

Today's Statement of Changes will remove Educational Testing Service (ETS) as an approved test provider from 1 July 2014. The move will potentially affect a large number of applicants who have taken and passed, or are considering taking, either a Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Test Of English for International Communication (TOEIC) test, both of which are administered by ETS.

Transitional provisions have, however, been included to cover the following circumstances:

• if an applicant has made an application for leave to remain before 1 July 2014, Appendix O will be applied as in force on 30 June 2014;
• if an applicant has made an application for entry clearance before 22 July 2014, Appendix O will be applied as in force on 30 June 2014;
• if an applicant has made an application for entry clearance before 1 October 2014 to study a pre-sessional course of no longer than three months' duration, a foundation degree or a foundation course awarded at a minimum of level 3 on the revised National Qualifications Framework, or awarded on a directly equivalent basis in the devolved administrations, and the relevant Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies has been assigned by a sponsor which is a UK Recognised Body within the meaning of the Immigration Rules or a body in receipt of public funding as a higher education institution from the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland, the Higher Education Funding Council for England, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, or the Scottish Funding Council, Appendix O will be applied as in force on 30 June 2014.

For advice or assistance with satisfyng the English language requirement of the Immigration Rules, contact our immigration barristers in London on 0203 617 9173 or by email info@richmondchambers.com.