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[L304]Life In The Uk Test

by Lee Smith, Lee

For the aspiring souls who want to settle down permanently in Britain for professional or personal reasons, it requires them to apply for the UK citizenship with the government. But, as of November 1, 2005, those who are applying for UK naturalization must pass a ?Life in the UK test' before they could actually submit the application for UK citizenship. The Life in the UK Test has been proposed by the UK government to ensure that those who are aspiring to become UK citizens indeed knows about the country and its culture and heritage, alongside a thorough knowledge of its tongue, English. As a result, the questions in the Life in the UK test can be anything from UK culture, history, law, and demography, to employment issues, tenets of parliamentary democracy, shifts in youth culture and even science and technology, and the candidate has to score a minimum percentage to stand passed in the test. Failed candidates may have to take the test again.

As mentioned already, knowledge of English must be proved before the authorities and for that, one may have to pass ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), if their mother tongue is not English. On passing the Life in the UK test, the candidate will be issued a letter stating the results, and it has to be produced along with the application for UK citizenship. Here, it must be kept in mind that the letter is the only proof that you have indeed passed the test, and if you lose it, then you may left with no other choice but to pay the fees and appear for the Life in the UK test once again from the scratch.

The Life in the UK test is usually a 24 question, multiple choice online exam based on the 2, 3, and 4th chapters of ?Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship' book. You can get that book from any bookstore or online. The exam must be completed within 45 minutes. But that is more than ample time for anybody under normal circumstances. For those suffering from various medical conditions/illnesses will be allowed more time to complete the test. However, in such cases, the applicant must mention his/her illness while scheduling the test date itself. No change of status will be allowed thereafter.

Before appearing for the test, however, the candidate has to submit any of these documents to the supervisor for verification, which include passport, any of these home office documents - Stateless Person Document, Certificate of Identity Document, or Convention Travel Document ? UK photo card driving license, immigration status document endorsed with a UK Residence Permit, bearing a photograph of the holder.

The Life in the UK test is currently available in English only, even though the authorities are mulling to introduce its Scottish Gaelic and Welsh versions as well in the near future. You could catch more about the Life in the UK test from the home office website. You can also refer the websites of immigration consultants for useful info.

If you intend to be naturalized as a British Citizen or to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK, you might need to take a Life in the UK Test. The test was first introduced in November 2005 and comprises of 24 multiple-choice questions based on specific knowledge relating to life in the UK. Question examples include, 'What percentage of children in the UK live with both parents?' or 'Who does not have to pay for a sight test in England?' Questions are routinely written in English (Welsh or Scottish Gaelic may be used if requested). The purpose of the test is to ensure that the person applying to reside in the UK has a good understanding of the English language and enough knowledge about the UK to become a healthy and productive resident.

When would I need to take it?

The test is required for those applying for naturalization as a British Citizen or for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Your English level should be ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Entry Level 3 or above. If it is lower than ESOL Entry 3, you will need to attend both English language (ESOL) and citizenship classes instead. These are held at local further education colleges. If you are unsure about your ESOL level, you can take an initial assessment at a local college. Contact the Life in the UK Test Helpline on 0800 0154 245 for more information. The test will need to be taken before applications for naturalization and indefinite leave to remain have been completed.

What does the test involve?

The test is conducted at a test center local to you. It is taken on a computer and involves 24 multiple-choice questions that need to be answered within 45 minutes. You can obtain the official handbook for the test, 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship', on which the questions and answers will be based. You can also obtain practice questions for the test by visiting www.tsoshop.co.uk/LIFE.

What if I fail the test?

You will be given your results shortly after you take the test. The pass mark is around 75%. If you fail, you must wait a minimum of seven days to retake the test. You should not submit an application for naturalization or indefinite leave to remain if this happens. You may need to apply for further leave to remain if your existing leave to remain is close to expiring. Once you pass, you will receive a pass notification letter which you can attach to your application for naturalization or indefinite leave to remain.

If you are planning on applying for naturalization as a British Citizen or indefinite leave to remain in the UK, it is wise to seek the advice of professional and experienced UK immigration lawyers who will advise you on all aspects of your application and help you complete it successfully.

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Disclaimer: Please note that these articles and the information contained herein are purely for general guidance and do not constitute a professional legal or any other opinion as to the merits of a particular application or whether specific immigration requirements have been met of a particular category. This information is generic and should not be relied upon as a definitive guide to fulfilling specific category requirements. However should any individual do so it is at his or her own risk for which UK Migration Lawyers Limited cannot be held responsible in any way.

Article Source : Articles on Education

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Both Lee Smith & Gazala Rashid are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Lee Smith has sinced written about articles on various topics from Online Dating, Internet Marketing and Travel and Leisure. Lee Smith writes about Life In the UK Test . Lee Smith's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.

Gazala Rashid has sinced written about articles on various topics from Legal Matters, Education and Legal Matters. Gazala Rashid has been an since 1999. She has great expertise in all aspects of UK immigration, asylum and nationality law, and you. Gazala Rashid's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.