Page 19 - ELG2005 Jul Issue 471

TESTING TIMES . SPECIAL FEATURE

Pearson hits the ground running as the race to Get to the point with UK visas

re-open language testing takes off
Matt Salusbury introduces the new point-based system and explains
English language testing ground to a halt as Covid-19 locked down the world. Freya what level of English immigrants need to get into the United Kingdom
Thomas Monk, Senior Vice President of English Assessment at Pearson, explains how
the ELT giant is leading the way as the market re-opens new points-based system is being
touted by the UK Government as GOV.UK
s strict lockdowns begin to ease, allowing the UK to “fulfil our
the world of international PEARSON Acommitment to the British public
education is facing a logjam. and take back control of our borders.”
AUniversities and colleges in the But the new system, currently only
Northern Hemisphere are gearing up for the necessary for non-EU citizens, is as baffling to
next academic year, but would-be students the British public as it is to would-be
around the world are struggling to find open immigrants.
exam centres where they can sit the English Will EU-nationals need student visas, now
language tests they need to complete their that the UK is “Brexiting”? There is still no
applications. definitive answer on this yet.
As we report on page 19, Pearson English For those who do need a visa, a total of 70
Assessment has been at the forefront of the points will be needed to qualify, including 10
race to re-open test centres, not least because points for “speaks English at the required
they are in the unique position of being able level”.
to open in China. So, we asked them for There’s a list of English-speaking countries
feedback on the re-opening of the market. whose nationals are exempt from the English
“What we are seeing is a high demand for language requirement. Already having a
our tests, in markets where we have re- degree taught in English will in some cases be reason for the stay.) They can also study on a
opened such as Australia, China and India,” enough for an exemption from having to take It’s surprisingly language course on a Short-term Study Visa
Pearson’s Freya Thomas Monk, tells us, “and an English test. If applicants had a previous hard to find for between six and 11 months, with no
in some of these places we are opening up UK visa and convert to another type of visa, language test needed, just an offer from the
more temporary test centres to meet this How many have they opened worldwide showing they can speak and understand they won’t need to take the English test information on the language school.
demand. and where? English at an elementary or lower again. government’s own Last but not least are family visas.
“This is great to see as it shows students “At Pearson we have now been approved intermediate level: B1 for those applying to But everyone else will need to take a Partners, spouses and parents of UK
and workers are still aspiring to study and by the UK Home Office to deliver our PTE stay in the UK permanently, for indefinite Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a website, into what the nationals settling in the country only need a
travel abroad despite what we are facing with exam for UKVI purposes in 92 locations leave to remain and citizenship, A1 for family Secure English Language Test Centre (for language test at CEFR A1 in speaking and
the coronavirus,” adds Thomas Monk, Senior across the world, including in major markets visa applications and A2 for family visa more on these see page 20). “required level” of listening. Most SELT providers have a
Vice President of English Assessment at such as China, India and here in the UK, extensions - all on the CEFR (Common To add chaos to confusion, the level of English is. variant of their test that just covers these
Pearson. with the remaining locations due to be European Framework of Reference). English needed varies for different “tiers” – two skills. Those wanting to stay on, though,
approved this summer.” Again, Pearson has come up with a types of visa – and for the sub-categories will need to pass an A2 test within two and
But as Freya Thomas Monk points out, solution: a low-level Secure English Language within each tier. four skills; but a “sportsperson” will only need a half years.
At Pearson we government restrictions are still in place in Test, as Freya Thomas Monk explains. First, there’s the Tier 1 visa. This used to an A1 in speaking and listening.
have now been some countries. “Although bookings can be “PTE Home is a new, computer-based be known as the “Entrepreneur” visa, but Confusingly, a Tier 3 does not yet exist. © Matt Salusbury
taken at all centres, some currently remain English test that supports individuals, families according to Gov.uk the Entrepreneur This is planned as a category for seasonal,
approved by the UK closed due to Covid-19.” and communities wishing to live, work or category has been replaced with “Starter” unskilled workers and is being kept in reserve. Exams needed by tier
Clearly, with the pandemic still with us, stay in the UK, at each step on their journey and “Innovator” visas. Apart from the eye- Student visas come under Tier 4. For
Home Office to changes such as introducing social distancing from arrival to settlement,” she tells us. “It is watering amounts of money applicants need these, the level of English needed depends on
deliver our PTE exam have to be made to indoor areas such as a two-skills language test, testing speaking to be prepared to “invest” in the UK, this visa what type of institution students are applying Tier 1
B2 on the CEFR
testing centres. How does Pearson Vue, the and listening skills.” also requires a B2 on the Common European to. For degree courses in higher education
for UKVI purposes in sister company which runs the test centres, And what is the main advantage of Framework of Reference (CEFR). Tier 1 also institutions (generally universities), students Tier 2
92 locations across ensure candidate safety? choosing Pearson Home? has a “Graduate Entrepreneur” category and do not need to take a SELT, and the Generalist: B1 in all four skills
“Pearson VUE test centres follow health “Results are typically available within 48 and “Exceptional Talent” category for universities themselves can set their own Specialist: varies by category
the world. and safety guidance provided by global health hours,” she smiles, “reducing the stress that “exceptionally talented leaders” in specific language requirements tailored to their
organizations and local governments,” can be associated with a long wait for fields. needs. The university’s entry test, however,
All students applying for a visa to study in Thomas Monk explains. results.” Tier 2 used to be the “work permit” must be equivalent to CEFR B2. Tier 4
the UK need to meet English language “Amid Covid-19, the test centres operate Once again, with the race on to re-open category. It’s for workers with a job offer from Students applying to institutions that are Student visas: for degree courses in
higher education institutions: no SELT
requirements set out by the government. with increased disinfecting and hygienic English language testing, Pearson are aiming a UK company. Tier 2 categories include not higher education, such as private further
Those applying to an institution not on the procedures and additional social distancing to keep at the front of the field. “General” (there’s a quota limiting how many education colleges, need to reach a B1 CEFR needed, universities set requirements
equivalent to CEFR B2.
government's list of highly trusted sponsors or measures to support the safety of testing of these visas are issued) and “Specialist” if they’re taking a degree, or a B1 if it’s
For institutions other than higher
applying for a course below degree level must candidates and staff.” Freya Thomas categories. The Specialist category includes anything below degree level. education: B1 CEFR for a degree
take a Secure English Language Test (SELT), Of course, international students are not Monk is Senior Vice “ministers of religion”, “sports and creative There’s also a Tier 4 child student visa for
such as PTE Academic UKVI, approved by the only people to need government- President, English workers” and “Intra-Company Transfer”. children going to boarding schools, for which course, or B1 for below degree level.
Child student visa: no test needed.
the government. Otherwise, the institution approved English language tests, and the Assessment at It’s surprisingly hard to find information on no English test is needed. Applicants who
can choose how to assess an applicant’s level of language people need and the kind of Pearson. Freya holds the government’s own website, into what the have previously held a UK child student visa Family visa
English. test they need to take can vary. an MA (Hons) from “required level” of English is. Drilling down and are applying for an adult student visa are
Again, Pearson is up and running. They As we explain in our introduction on page Oxford University into the Tier 2 policy guidance document also exempt from an English test. Partners, spouses and parents of UK
already have 8 centres open in the UK which 17, for example, people entering Britain to and an MBA from reveals that for a Tier 2 “General” visa, Students can take an English language nationals: CEFR A1 in speaking and
are approved by Britain’s immigration join their families and applying to extend INSEAD. applicants need a B1 in all four skills; while a course of up to 30 days on a Standard Visitor listening and an A2 test within two
and a half years.
authority (UKVI). their family visa are required to take a test “minister of religion” will need a B2 in all Visa (although it shouldn’t be the main
18 July 2020 editorial@elgazette.com 19