Citizens of non-EU countries wanting to join their partners in the UK for settlement will be required from September to prove that they can speak basic English.
The rules, which require partners to take a designated test of English, were scheduled to be introduced in July 2011 but have been brought forward by the new coalition government.
All spouses, same-sex and unmarried partners of UK citizens or people settled in Britain will need to speak English to A1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, equivalent to beginner level. According to the government's immigration information website this includes "being able to understand and use everyday expressions and very basic phrases".
The home secretary, Theresa May, said the rule was part of a review of English language requirements across the visa system. "I believe that being able to speak English should be a prerequisite for anyone who wants to settle here. The new English requirement for spouses will help promote integration, remove cultural barriers and protect public services," she said.
The rules, which require partners to take a designated test of English, were scheduled to be introduced in July 2011 but have been brought forward by the new coalition government.
All spouses, same-sex and unmarried partners of UK citizens or people settled in Britain will need to speak English to A1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, equivalent to beginner level. According to the government's immigration information website this includes "being able to understand and use everyday expressions and very basic phrases".
The home secretary, Theresa May, said the rule was part of a review of English language requirements across the visa system. "I believe that being able to speak English should be a prerequisite for anyone who wants to settle here. The new English requirement for spouses will help promote integration, remove cultural barriers and protect public services," she said.
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