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House of Lords written question HL1017.

Question for Home Office

UIN HL1017, tabled on 18 July 2017

Her Majesty's Government what standard of knowledge of the English language is required for candidates for British citizenship; and what assessment have they made of comparable requirements in (1) France, (2) Germany, (3) Italy, and (4) Spain.

Answered on

1 August 2017

To pass the English language requirement for British citizenship, a person must either have a speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 level or above of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages; a degree taught in English; or be a national of an English-speaking country.

Published guidance on the knowledge of language and life in the UK requirements can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/knowledge-of-life-and-language-in-the-uk; and see attached.

No assessment has been made of comparable requirements in France, Germany, Italy or Spain.

Answered by

Home Office