The British government is introducing a new English test for anyone outside the European Union hoping to live in the UK as a husband, wife, fiance or civil partner of a British citizen. The exam will become part of the marriage visa application process in September. People intending to migrate to Britain to marry or reside with their partners will have to satisfy the Home Office that they have a basic grasp of the English language. The new test will assess a person's ability to introduce themselves, ask simple directions, and understand what is said by someone speaking slowly. In 2009, another 21,000 migrants were given the right to stay indefinitely. The British government hopes the change will help combat sham marriages and ensure that new arrivals better integrate into British society.
ABC News
