UK Citizenship Test Coming Soon!

The UK will eventually start to issue written citizenship tests, similar to those in the USA.  Based on the 150-page Life in the United Kingdom guide, the test questions would-be citizens on history, law, society and manners in the UK.  It is hoped the test will encourage people to take a greater interest in their community, and help them to settle in better.


For more info, please click the link below...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2713349.stm



The starting date seems to be 1 November, 2005.  I have read that the new rules apply to every citizenship application received after 1 January 2004.

Does anyone know if this effects those already on marriage/spouse visas who are seeking ILRs??  My visa is up in December 2005.  Will I have to take this test before I can qualify for my ILR? 

Okay, I received my citizenship in December of 2004 and will be headed over in just a few weeks with three children and hubby in tow. So what happens if you fail this citizenship test? Do they send you back?

You can retake it as many times as you have to, to get a 75% score or above. 

from the Home Office website:

"Applicants who already possess a good standard of English (ESOL Entry 3 or above) will take the "Life in the UK" test.

They will be given 24 multiple choice questions designed to test their knowledge of life in this country. The questions will focus on all areas of UK society - on a range of topics - from UK traditions to the laws that govern us.

Applicants whose English is below ESOL Entry 3 standard can take a specially developed ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) with Citizenship course. This will combine language skills with information about life in the UK. Applicants who successfully pass an ESOL with citizenship course will have met both the language and the knowledge of life in the UK requirements for naturalisation. The tests were thoroughly trialled before being introduced and feedback from those who took them was good."

The following info is from the "Life in the UK" website...
If you pass the test, you are given a letter which proves you have been successful. This is called your pass notification letter. You will need to attach your pass notification letter to your filled-in citizenship application form and send both to the Home Office. The Home Office will retain the information it gets from test centres for a reasonable period. However, you should submit your application as soon as possible after taking the test.

I heard on the radio today that the first tests will begin tomorrow, November 1...thank god I got my citizenship back in July! 

Matt

A woman I work with will be taking her citizenship test this week. The bookelt used for the questions is £9.99 and the test itself is £34.00.  Cute trick, huh?

I will be applying my Fiance visa in Dec. Do I have to take this test then or later down the road when I apply my FLR or IRL? Thanks

The Sun online has an article about it today. They have a sample of a few of the questions. It looks like a no brainer. There is a question about the legal age to buy a lottery tickets,Whether you can legaly be fired for joining a trade union. I would not get to worried about the test.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2005500632,00.html

are you joking? I bet UKY can come up with a few more if they need them or cite UKY as a study guide... ooh and maybe we can ask for £34 too.

150 page workbook for 24 questions?

I can't imagine it staying this easy for long. The US citizenship test is a toughie so it's only a matter of time the UK takes a cue from them.

The book alledgedly talks about the benefit system,who can and how to claim. It talks about legal aid and human rights. It does not address historical issues from what I have read. If its true,one has to wonder why this govt is ashamed of its great and wonderful past. 

I will be applying my Fiance visa in Dec. Do I have to take this test then or later down the road when I apply my FLR or IRL? Thanks

No, this test is only for people who are applying for citizenship.

Maybe I'm the only one, but I'm glad there's a citizenship test. One should know something about the country in which they wioll reside in. I'm all for it.

happy, I highly doubt you are the only person who believes there should be a citizenship test. I always assumed there was one!

happy, I highly doubt you are the only person who believes there should be a citizenship test. I always assumed there was one!

Me too.  Seems fair enough.  (Though I hate tests! )

The US citizenship test is a toughie so it's only a matter of time the UK takes a cue from them.

I don't know how the test is now, but when I took the US citizenship test in 1991 it was a piece of cake.