From the 12 August 2010 the UK Border Agency will implement secure English language tests for students under Tier 4 (General) of the points-based system.
The Tier 4 sponsor must ensure that the Tier 4 applicants are competent in English language at a minimum of level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) by showing that they:
- are from a majority English-speaking country
- have successfully completed a course as a Tier 4 (Child) student (or under the student rules that were in force before 31 March 2009, if they were granted permission to stay while they were under 18 years old) which lasted at least six months and ended no more than two years before the date when the CAS is assigned
- have passed an English language test with an approved test provider for Tier 4, and has achieved at least CEFR level B1 in all four components (reading, writing, speaking and listening).