Applying for British Citizenship with a Very Different Background

Posted on 23/08/2010 by admin
National offices that oversee immigration and naturalization services in any country are likely to encounter people from a fairly large number of different backgrounds, though some areas are less prone to diversity than others. In the United Kingdom, immigration is marked by an especially notable diversity, one that has led the country to uncover and develop a wide variety of ideas and customs. People are frequently attracted to the UK because of its relatively open and moderate system of government, its high standard of living, and its exciting metropolitan cities, which contrast with its equally-adored wild spaces.

The United Kingdom’s lands have been settled by people from distant points of departure for countless years, and the nation has benefited enormously from the range of cultures represented in its population. Still, it can sometimes be intimidating for immigrants hailing from far away places or who have customs and traditions very  different from those they’ve observed in the UK to approach the process of applying for British citizenship.
Though many people represent the United Kingdom as holding opportunities and privileges that they might not be able to find or take advantage of in other countries, not everybody who sets their sights on the UK as an immigration destination arrives with a good understanding of the country and its background. In such instances, first experiences in the UK can be somewhat startling, and immigrants may feel especially out of place as they perceive the great differences between aspects of life in the UK and those with which they are familiar from their original lands. Such immigrants are bound to quickly find their footing in such an immersive environment, of course, but feelings of separation or alienation can persist even after immigrants have managed to establish themselves in the UK. Ironically, such feelings may persuade immigrants to stay away from applying for citizenship, when in fact it is this very process that is often responsible for making integration and understanding easier and more meaningful.

Applicants for British citizenship must take a citizenship test before their status can be granted, and in preparing for this test, people typically learn a great deal about the country and its pertinent details. This process alone can be of significant assistance in helping newcomers feel closer to the country and its residents, and the act of gaining citizenship helps take this benefit much further. Through being able to vote and to take advantage of various social services, citizens claim an essential involvement with the country for themselves –an involvement that helps to define who they are and how they’re related to the United Kingdom as a country. Getting involved with national affairs in this way brings people of all backgrounds together, whether they’ve journeyed to the UK on their own in search of prosperity and happiness or are related to people who have made such decisions in the past.
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Live in the UK, Life in the UK, Come to the UK

Posted on 18/08/2010 by admin

The UK is one of the most popular countries for settlement in the last 10 years. There is no wonder that in 2005 the British government decided to implement a strict immigration and citizenship policy. As part of these changes we earned the brand new Life in the UK test. From 2005 to 2007 the test included 2 testable chapters that went from the geopolitical, historical, electoral system in the UK. Most recently a committee was appointed to modernize the test. The content was enhanced with two extra chapters about the every day life in the UK.
This new content goes from Housing (mortgage, real estate agents, Making offers, leasing, Tenancy agreements and such), regular services as Water, Electricity, gas and its suppliers. How to ask for them, who to pay. Money is also included with a small review of the different currencies used in the UK, credits, cards, banks, insurance and social security.

Health matters are also included in the guide as a fundamental piece of advice for the new citizen. Finding a doctor, going to the hospital, dentists, Orthopedist, birth and registration among some subjects.

No why is this information even relevant for the Citizenship application? Is someone looked at an immigration chart for the United kingdom will find out that the majority of the immigrants come from Asia and countries currently at war. The cultural gaps between those immigrants and eastern Europeans are considerable. The UK needs to make sure that a new citizen will be armed to face every day life aspect before falling in social security. There is no point to allow an immigrant that doesn’t know how to use a bank or open an account in the country. Even more importantly the UK wants to ensure that every new comer has the capability to become a civic citizen in full spectrum. In other words an immigrant has to be able to play its role in the electoral system.

A different aspect of the Life in the UK test is the language assessment. The test does not contain grammar or English language questions at all. The fact that the candidate is able to understand the English used to build the questions is enough to ensure he is capable to live in the UK. However this requirement varies from candidate to candidate. If it happens that the applicant comes from a non English speaker country he or she will have to take a course prior the test. The course was developed by the Border Agency as a complement of the Life in the UK test. The English for Speakers of Other Language course can be booked any time. The course not only holds English grammar and talking classes it also comprehends civic content to help applicant with their citizenship test. There is the possibility of taking an English test to see if the course is indeed needed. We strongly recommend to book the test prior jumping to the curse since many would find the 250 pounds fee a little high.

Hope this short review helps you to have a grasp on what the citizenship test is really about. Welcome to the UK!

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Neighborly Concerns and British Citizenship

Posted on 10/08/2010 by admin
From helping out with the occasional task or chore to sharing meals or celebrating special occasions, neighbors often interact in special ways that exemplify the meaning and unique nature of the neighborly relationship. Throughout the world, those who live close to each other tend to feel a sense of community and kinship, and while conflicts can sometimes exist between neighbors, the vast majority of people enjoy a beneficial relationship with those who live next door or are otherwise close by. In fact, some people find their greatest friends, teachers, and professional contacts through interacting with their neighbors, and are able to benefit greatly through keeping up a friendly and effective rapport. Often, neighbors are marked by great differences –not the least of which tends to be ethnic background. While some communities exist in the UK in which people tend to be from similar areas, many of the nation’s neighborhoods feature diverse backgrounds and allow people to learn new things and experience new customs and traditions simply by getting to know those to whom they live close.
Immigrants typically experience living in new surroundings in the UK that are marked by the presence of neighbors from different parts of the world, though in many cases, these established neighbors have gone through the process of attaining citizenship. One of the greatest benefits of observing new neighbors in the UK as an immigrant is understanding how residents hailing from other countries have adapted to life in the nation, and how they’ve incorporated their pasts with their present lives. Some people may make specific efforts to keep their backgrounds alive, whether through celebrating culturally diverse holidays or reviving various customs. Others may not specifically attempt to support their backgrounds, but the particular ways in which they live may perform the function on its own. Of course not all neighbors in the UK identify with a different background or ethnicity. Many residents of the UK can trace their families’ presence in the nation for several generations. These neighbors, too, have something valuable to offer immigrants interested in the process of becoming a British citizen. Through their experiences of the nation and the maturity of their opinions and ideas on local and national affairs, UK natives can lend powerful insight to curious immigrants.
Making lasting relationships with neighbors isn’t always on the agenda for immigrants, many of whom may be preoccupied by the need to locate work or to find suitable accommodations and to start a new life. Yet through taking advantage of these special relationship opportunities, immigrants can enjoy a more comfortable and supported experience as they establish themselves in the UK and begin to take the steps towards applying for British citizenship. Neighbors in any region or country are an important part of harmonious social living, and in the United Kingdom, they can help newcomers gain the added advantage of understanding their new context in thorough and effective ways.
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British Citizenship Through the Eyes of a Resident

Posted on 04/08/2010 by admin
From bright red double-decker buses to the famous House of Parliament or the mysterious circle of monoliths in Stonehenge, the UK is home to scores of familiar monuments and features that people tend to associate with the country. for newcomers who are intent on living in the UK and finding work, the idea of citizenship can sometimes be represented by these various features, but the true meaning of British citizenship often extends far beyond the limits of these easily recalled elements. British citizenship may hold different meanings for different people depending upon their own experiences and drives in life, but one of the best ways to understand how citizenship in the UK can affect one’s life is to talk about the issue with an established resident. Immigrants may sometimes tray from deeply interacting with natives initially, and may feel a sense of essential “otherness” despite the existence of foreigner-friendly policies. Such avoidance can ultimately take a toll on the success of a new immigrant’s life in the UK, however, and it is important to reach out and seek the ideas, opinions, and thoughts of others.
Applying for citizenship n the UK may not be the easiest part of immigrating to the country, but it is often greatly informative and helps to ensure that new citizens have a broad and deep understanding of the country and the aspects they’ll need to know to truly enjoy life within it. Taking the citizenship test requires a basic level of study about the UK and its complex past, and helps immigrants get a feel for the various laws, privileges, and traditions they can expect to encounter as they walk down a new life path surrounded by the people, places, and ideals of the nation. Self-study is sometimes adequate to allow immigrants to excel on the UK citizenship test, but it can be of enormous benefit to recruit the assistance of a resident –someone familiar with the nation’s background and current events, and who can help put pieces of data into context. Though many people living in the UK have achieved citizenship through the simple fact of having been born in the country or of having British parents, most of the country’s residents are appreciative of the diversity and freshness that immigrants bring to their country, and will be eager to provide assistance where possible.
British citizenship through the eyes of a resident can bring insight and interest to the studies and experience of a newcomer. Some residents may feel a strong sense of pride about their citizenship, and may fell that it is their duty to be as involved as possible in voting, organizing, lending a hand, and otherwise participating in the nation’s affairs. Others may be less enthusiastic about personal involvement, but may have stories and ideas to share about the experience of being British and how this identity has had an impact on their lives. Following the path towards citizenship can receive great gains from the help of a resident’s perspective.
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Does Applying for UK Citizenship Mean Assimilation?

Posted on 28/07/2010 by admin
The United Kingdom, throughout its history, has been a desirable and highly valued place to live –not only among its residents, but among those from other countries who have glimpsed the comfortable lifestyles and open opportunities that can often be found within the UK’s borders. Today, the UK is home to a considerable number of people who were originally citizens of other lands, and to many whose parents or grandparents traveled to London or other major cities in search of a new life for their families. The UK is certainly no stranger to immigration, and its policies, while not always as open as the immigration programs of others, are nevertheless inviting to scores of people from around the world. There are many challenges and responsibilities that immigrants face when approaching the UK as a country of residence, and integration is one of the most important among these. Yet sometimes, integration is misunderstood by newcomers as being the same as assimilation, a concept that is off-putting for many and which may discourage some people from getting involved in UK affairs through attempting to achieve citizenship.
When people immigrate and begin to re-construct their lives in new countries, they often bring with them a treasure trove of traditions, perspectives, and ideas that rely on their ethnic backgrounds, and letting go of such treasures is typically not desired –or required. Far from expecting newcomers to shake off the experiences and stories of their pasts to make room for those exclusive to the new land, the UK is able to appreciate the cultural diversity that immigrants bring with them, and often encourages artists, storytellers, and other creative individuals to share their talents with the nation, helping it to remain enriched and thriving.
While assimilation isn’t required of immigrants in the UK, integration is a necessary pert of enjoying success and prosperity in the area. Though it may be easy to remain isolated and avoid participating in local and national affairs, this isolation can prevent new and exciting opportunities from being seen, and may ultimately detract from the quality of life of an individual or a family in the UK. Getting involved in the national spirit through applying for citizenship and taking on the responsibilities incurred (along with, of course, reaping the benefits) can help newcomers accelerate their success in the UK and establish a strong foundation for living, working, and playing.
Assimilation may seem like a frightening prospect to those who enter the UK from different lands in search of a new life and set of surroundings, and in many respects, assimilation can be a destructive and negative thing. But newcomers to the UK will find that such assimilation isn’t a requirement of their stay in the UK. Instead, new citizens can choose to integrate, bringing the gems of their past to the opportunities of the future in a process that is fluid and often even fun.
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The real “Life in the UK”

Posted on 21/07/2010 by admin

Immigration tests are fashion these days. In the past almost no nation had a test for immigrants, just the paperwork and a few taxes and you were a citizen. UK was one of the first to add a citizenship test to the mixture. The main idea was to create a integration tool that ensured new citizens to acquire the minimum knowledge required to be a citizens. In other words the immigrants needed to know how and who to vote and pay taxes. Do not misunderstand behind this there is always the money factor and the political interest. The “Life in the UK” test began to be paid not that long age. Many are puzzled by this fact. To apply for a visa or to marry a Briton the test is necessary and paid, that we can understand but the fact that after paying a small fortune to become a citizen you need to pay for the test separately, before even sending the lodge? What is the point?

Let’s compare the Canadian and Australian citizenship process.

In Canada you need to be resident for 3 years, pennies less, to start the citizenship application. You gather all the paperwork and send the application to the CIC. After about 5 months you get called to a NON CHARGE test in one of the CIC offices. Almost the same display 25 questions with a 70% passing score. A week later or so you receive a letter telling you if you pass or not. The trick in Canada is the fact that you can sit for the test only once. If you fail you need to have the test reviewed with a citizenship judge on an interview. Again free of charge test.

Australia is close to the Canadian process. After about 6 months you get called to sit for a test FREE OF CHARGE. The Australian citizenship test can be taken as many times needed. Some times you can even retake it the same day or on the spot of the failing. So you have more chances. The only downside of this is that until you pass the test the application won’t be finally approved and you can keep in the loop for eternity. Well not really, the application has 18 months period after which it gets abandoned, you need to start all over again. Another example of a free citizenship test.

Canada and Australia don’t have a big difference in application fees and forms either, so why aren’t they charging for the test? Australia is even testing mid-school students to level up the test with their own citizens.

This would be one of those questions we will not have an answer for. Food for thought: UK is approving a law to start charging the applicant when a citizenship application is reviewed by the immigration services. Meaning if they bounced you off due to an error you will be the one paying the revision and the final approval. This would be one of the strongest lessons to have in mind, nothing in the UK is for free. This is the real Life in the UK that tests your patience.

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Tips for Passing the Life in the UK Test

Posted on 15/07/2010 by admin

According to recent statistics, one out of every three foreigners applying for British citizenship or indefinite residency fails the Life in the UK Test. The mandatory test, which encompasses aspects of British culture, politics and society, is certainly renowned for its difficulty, requiring candidates to achieve 75% or higher to pass. Although the test can be retaken as many times as needed, at a cost of £34 it pays to pass the test first time. Below is some advice to help your succeed.

Manage your revision

As with all exams, it would be foolish to leave revision until the last minute and rely on panic or prayer to see you through. Once you have a test booked, it is sensible to create a basic timetable for study. The first thing to do is get hold of the test material and have a relaxed read through. Although there is a wealth of information to be learnt and understood, you will probably find that you knew a good deal already. The task can be quite daunting, but the material can be easily broken down into manageable chunks. Setting a clear schedule for revision will help get the ball rolling and give you motivation to continue. With five chapters of material to cover try taking each chapter a week or so at a time, taking notes of the key themes, facts and figures to build confidence. Asking a partner or friend to help quiz you, even if they aren’t taking the test, will make learning more fun and interactive. As the test date looms and your revision notes pile up, it should be time for the practice tests.

Get to know the format

The test is multiple choice, so for each question you will be offered between two and four answers to choose from. The most popular question in the test offers four potential answers to a question. Other questions will simply present a statement and require you to decide if it is true or false. Other questions will require you to select two answers from four. It is vital to read and reread the question carefully and take in exactly what it is asking. Some questions are cunningly worded, and those simply scanning the questions for key words will be caught out. Your revision should include practice questions in these different formats. Candidates should be aware that all of the answers are drawn from the most recent edition of ‘Life in the UK: A Journey to Citizenship’ and although some facts and figures given might be out of date, unless otherwise instructed, these are the answers to give. For example, if you are asked about the population of Wales don’t try and second guess or adjust your answer for 2010, give the figure you learnt from the study guide.

Posted in Get Prepared for the Test, Life in the UK Test Material | 7 Comments

Is the ‘Life in the UK Test’ Necessary

Posted on 07/07/2010 by admin

Some Britons feel that for too long the UK has employed an ‘open door’ policy of immigration, welcoming migrants to the country, some of whom were unskilled and had no intention to work, learn the language or integrate among society, and allowing them citizenship after a few years of residency. During periods of economic boom when the country suffered labour shortages, the bringing in of foreign workers has proven extremely worthwhile in the UK as in other countries across Europe, and there is no doubting the vital contribution that immigrants have made to British society. Today however across a broad portion of society, from the average man on the street to the Prime Minister, there is the sentiment that immigration has become a nuisance, a problem to be dealt with, and the government is acting accordingly.

One important factor to consider in the immigration debate is population growth. Having witnessed it most active period of growth since the 1960′s, the population of the UK is now at 61 million, an increase of around 3 million since Labour took power in 1997, and it is predicted to reach 70 million by 2029. Around 70% of this increase was caused by immigration, both direct immigration and the children of immigrants. Increased immigration combined with a higher life expectancy has put a huge strain on public services and, as things stand, will cripple the ‘welfare state’ that the UK has established. Not only would the provision of schools, prisons, hospitals and housing suffer, but so would natural resources such as food and water. A rise in pollution and waste  products too, already a contentious topic, would affect not only living standards but environmental standards too.

The ‘Life in the UK Test’ was introduced in 2005 with the principal aim that every person coming to settle in the UK or apply for citizenship should be able to understand the language and key facts about British culture and society. Clearly, with the introduction of a difficult test, which statistics show that one in three fail, the government took a big step towards reducing the country’s immigration problem. But the Life in the UK Test can also be seen as an important achievement for the individual. A new country can be an incredibly daunting place, and the potential difficulties and problems one faces coming to a new country would be greatly exacerbated by not having even a basic grasp of the language. The material that the test is drawn from, ‘Life in the UK: Journey to Citizenship’ is also useful because it provides key practical information aimed at helping the newcomer adjust to a new life in the UK. It provides advice and information about, for example, renting a property, finding and registering with a doctor, applying for a driver’s license as well as offering a comprehensive section with useful information relating to employment. Unfortunately, exploitation and discrimination does still take place across the UK and it is vital that those most susceptible, the newcomers with little prior knowledge about their rights and opportunities or poor language skills, are made aware. As well as informing applicants of British customs and traditions, the Life in the UK test does exactly that.

Tighter immigration regulations will help solve the problem of a potentially unsustainable population in the UK. The mandatory ‘Life in the UK Test’ serves both to educate newcomers as well as ensuring new citizens understand basic information relating to British society and have the language skills to communicate and interact. One question arises from this though; why does the UK allow applicants to take the test as many times as they need to?

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An Alternative to ‘Life in the UK Test’: The ESOL Course Explained

Posted on 12/06/2010 by admin

When applying for British citizenship it is necessary to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding not only of the English language but of the history, politics and culture of the country. Those able to speak English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic ‘to a reasonable standard’ are required to pass the ‘Life in the UK Test’. The ‘reasonable standard’ is ESOL ‘Skills For Life’ Entry 3 or above or, in Scotland, Intermediate Level 1. Applicants without the requisite language skills will need to pass the ‘English for Speakers of Other Languages’ (ESOL) course with citizenship classes. Those seeking clarification about their level of English should contact the Careers Advice Service.

The ESOL requirement was introduced in 2005 following the advice of a government agency which suggested that a minimum understanding of the common, native language is integral for new citizens to help integrate into the wider community. The courses are run locally and will be available at most further education, adult and community colleges throughout the country. There is no fixed price for the course – some institutions are subsidised by the government and will thus be cheaper. Those who are unemployed or claiming benefits will normally not have to pay for the course.

Applicants should take care when organising the ESOL course. Three options are available, but it is the ‘Skills For Life’ course which is required for those applying for citizenship and naturalisation. This will cover the basics of the English language in speaking and listening. There is no fixed or minimum time limit that you must study the ESOL course for, as it wholly depends on each student’s base level and understanding of English. The course simply needs to be long enough for the student to reach level ‘Entry 3′. This will be judged by the teacher or organisation, who will then provide students with a letter affirming that the required standard has been met through participation in the ESOL course using material drawn from the required text, Citizenship Materials for ESOL Learner’s Pack. Successful students will also receive an ‘ESOL Skills for Life Certificate’ from the relevant awarding body. This will need to be enclosed, with the letter, as part of your citizenship application. Once you have obtained the certificate, you will not be required to sit the ‘Life in the UK Test’ or prove their language skills in any other way as part of their citizenship application.

The useful Direct Gov website (below) offers a search function to help you find an ESOL course at the most suitable level in your area. It should be noted that a set of recently introduced rules state that the course must be undertaken at an ‘acredited college’ and, in addition,  that students ‘must demonstrate that they have progressed at least one level since their initial assessment by a qualified person before they began their course’ and covered some topics related to British citizenship (UK Border Agency).

Careers Advice Service –  0044 (0)800 100900

Life in the UK Test & ESOL Helpline – 0044 (0)800 0154245

ESOL Regulations at UK Border Agency – http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/applying/applicationtypes/naturalisation/kol/esol-with-citizenship/

Direct Gov ESOL Course Search – http://careersadvice-findacourse1.direct.gov.uk/pls/hot_ca/aff_page_pls_all_homepage?a=260405

Free ESOL Material and Practice Questions – http://www.esolcourses.com/

Posted in Life in the UK Test Material | 9 Comments

Getting to Know Others over the British Citizenship Test

Posted on 28/05/2010 by admin
Sometimes, people who are approaching a test consider the exam itself simply for its ability to be passed or failed, and any other considerations are ignored. In many instances, this point of view can lead to missing out on a variety of opportunities, and meeting others with similar interests and ideas can be one of the greatest benefits of exploring all the opportunities of a test. While exams of an academic nature may be limited in potential because of the small number of people taking the test and the fact of their previous acquaintance, citizenship tests can prove to be much more fertile ground for getting to know others and sharing the test as a common experience.
The British citizenship test allows immigrants to explore many opportunities for meeting new people, whether they’re from the same original country or region or hail from an entirely different part of the world. Though the process of becoming a British citizen can be challenging and somewhat emotional, meeting others and learning about their own experience can help make citizenship easier and more enjoyable.     Preparation for any test is essential for success, and the British citizenship test is no exception. Those who are anticipating the test should decide on a certain plan of action for learning the required material, and while there are numerous ways to address this task, one of the most rewarding can involve recruiting a study partner or becoming involved in a group of other test-takers. Through the use of practice tests and drills, studiers can improve their knowledge about the UK while getting to know each other and learning about the various stories of immigrants who are intent on making Great Britain their new home.
During and after the tests, immigrants can find other opportunities for meeting new friends and potential business contacts, as well. Talking about the test with other takers during the exam is not a good idea, however discussing any surprises or impressions immediately after the test can help relieve tension and form new friendships among people planning on settling in the UK. Those who pass the test and are invited to a citizenship ceremony following a successful citizenship interview are likely to find interesting faces and stories at the ceremony itself, and newcomers are sure to be assisted with contact details for local employment and education offices, arts and entertainment groups, and other points of interest.
Meeting new people in a foreign land can be intimidating, but those who take the Life in the UK test can easily bond over the experience of preparing for and participating in the exam. Through keeping an open mind and a positive demeanor, immigrants can make some of their very first British friends before they even acquire their citizenship certificates. Though a test might seem like a strange venue to get to know others, it can in fact be an excellent reason to connect and form new relationships.
Posted in British Life, Opinion | Tagged , , | 6 Comments