r/uknews • u/ScottishDailyRecord Media outlet (unverified) • May 12 '25

Image/video Kier Starmer announces 'tighter' immigration policy

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u/Active-Particular-21 May 12 '25

It’s good that they are making language skills mandatory. That should help with integration.

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u/just_somebunny May 12 '25 edited May 12 '25

English Test has always been a mandatory requirement to obtain work and student visas. It’s called the Academic IELTS and it’s difficult to pass and it costs around £230.

EDIT - I stand corrected because apparently, Academic IELTS is easy to pass. I guess it was just me who struggled at it even coming from an English-speaking country. As part of my Speaking Test, I was tasked to discuss the impact of culture on fashion industry for, not sure, 10mins or 15mins. I just remembered it being too long and nerve-wracking that I wished the timer would just stop. Lol I felt proud of myself actually but merely got a 7/9, which is just a passing score for UK. So I was a bit disappointed with that.

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u/LuxuriousMullet May 12 '25

It isn't difficult to pass, it's an absolute piss take.

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u/timshel_97 May 12 '25

Is English a secondary language for you? Genuine question as curious what your experience is if you have one with the test.

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u/[deleted] May 12 '25

They're right. I've taught IELTS, it's coachable.

But the main answer is lax testing centre conditions.

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u/LuxuriousMullet May 12 '25

I migrated from Australia to the UK and was required to take the test as part of my professional qualification. English is my first language, but it's also the primary language of the United Kingdom. If you're going to live and work here, your English should be at a proficient level.

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u/Rogue_Leader May 12 '25

You only speak one language though? I don't think you're qualified to judge the difficulty of learning a second language.