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We would like to remind you that, as of 25th March 2013, the UK Citizenship Test will become harder. We advise you to apply as soon as possible, particularly if you have been studying for the test for some time. You will have to wait for between one and three weeks after applying to take the test so you should apply without delay. Once you have passed the test you can use results from the test any time in future for an indefinite leave to remain application or for an UK citizenship application.
As of 25th March 2013, the UK citizenship test will be based on the new, 3rd Edition of the 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents' handbook. If you have prepared for your test using the 2nd edition of the manual, then you should try to take the test before 25th March 2013.
The current test consists of 24 randomly chosen multiple choice questions based on information found in the manual. Those sitting the current test have to answer questions on subjects such as the UK's constitution, the Human Rights Act, and the demographics of the UK.
British culture and history
The new test will contain questions on a range of subjects that have been excluded from the test up until now. Critics of the old test, which applicants will continue to take until 25th March, complained that it was too focused on teaching immigrants how to gain access to welfare payments and housing, and did not contain enough questions about British culture and history.
There was considerable controversy about the test when it was first introduced in 2006 by the then Labour government because it did not contain questions about UK history. The author of the original guide, Sir Bernard Crick, said in 2006 that he had refused to put historical questions in the test as a matter of principle because he did not consider that most people who were born in the UK would be able to answer many questions about British history.
More knowledge tested in new test
But the UK's Coalition government, which took over from Labour in 2010, has decided that immigrants should be tested on UK history and culture and so, from 25th March 2013 onwards, questions about the UK's history and culture will be included in the test. This means that you will need to learn more facts about the UK in order to pass.
Sanwar Ali of workpermit.com said 'the tests will become harder on 25th March so, if you possibly can, you should take it before then'.
Workpermit.com is a specialist visa consultancy with nearly twenty-five years of experience dealing with visa applications. We are OISC registered. We can help with a wide range of visa applications to the UK or your country of choice. Please feel free to contact us for further details.
