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UK Border Agency Recognises Cambridge English Qualifications for New Visa Requirements

12 April 2011: Cambridge ESOL today announced that its qualifications met the new English language requirements for all categories of visa for immigration to the UK, including visas for study under the Tier 4 regulations. Cambridge ESOL is the world’s leading English language qualifications provider and is part of the University of Cambridge. Each year over 3 million people in 130 countries take Cambridge ESOL assessments.

Dr. Mike Milanovic, Chief Executive of University of Cambridge ESOL said: “The Cambridge English qualifications are especially suitable for people coming to live and work in English speaking countries. As well as having extremely high levels of reliability, security and support for learners, teachers, universities and employers, the tests ensure that candidates have the language skills they need to succeed in work, study and everyday life in an English-speaking environment.”

Dr. Mike Milanovic

All Cambridge English qualifications are closely linked to the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which the UK Border Agency has used to specify minimum requirements for each category of visa. A full list of Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) published today by the UK Border Agency includes the following Cambridge English qualifications:

Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
Cambridge English: First (FCE)
Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET)
Cambridge English: Key (KET) (including CEFR level A1 certificates)
Cambridge English: Business Higher (BEC Higher) Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary)
International Legal English Certificate
International Certificate of Financial English
IELTS
BULATS Online (certificated version)
ESOL Skills for Life

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS
Cambridge English qualifications are taken by over 3.25 million people a year in 130 countries and recognised by more than 12,000 government departments, universities and employers around the world. Further information on the Cambridge English qualifications accepted for each category of visa will be published shortly. For more information, see the UK Border Agency website at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/pointsbasedsystem/new-approved-english-language