I've already updated my earlier post on United Kingdom English language visa requirements to reflect the newly increased expectations for immigrating family members of UK citizens and permanent visa holders, but a more detailed explanation seems in order, especially as the change hasn't crossed everyone's radar.

Adult family members will now be required to meet B1 speaking and listening levels on the Common European Framework Reference (CERF) language levels, as opposed to the previous A1 levels. To clarify what this means, here are descriptions of A1 communication abilities versus B1, as defined under CEFR:

A1: Can understand and use familiar everyday expresssions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce himself/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows, and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

B1: Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

On the surface this may not appear a dramatic difference. However the Association of Language Testers of Europe estimates that 350-400 hours of guided teaching hours are typically needed to reach a B1 level, as opposed to 90-100 hours to reach an A1 level.

While the change will be formally put in place in October 2013, the U.K. Border Agency (UKBA) indicates that in most cases the rules will apply to new family visa applicants from July 9, 2012 on. The English language changes are part of a broader package that also restrict immigration of adult dependents other than spouses/partners to those requiring long-term care that can only be provided by the UK family member, among other rule-tightening measures.

TOEIC tests remain an ideal assessment for family members seeking to improve their English as well as those applying for work visas. Unlike other options accepted by the UKBA, TOEIC tests focus on the English used in daily life rather than what is used for academic contexts and so are more suitable for those who may have been out of school for years. Choosing TOEIC also provides a range of other benefits for test takers.

UPDATE: Please note that new guidelines from the UKBA limit the testing conditions under which TOEIC test results will be accepted. Please contact your AMIDEAST TOEIC representative before registering for TOEIC testing for UK visa purposes to determine whether results will be accepted. 

—Lia Nigro, TOEIC USA Team