English language progression A1 → A2 → B1 for partner route

Appendix FM Partner route has progressively more demanding English language requirements:
  ▪ Initial entry (E-ECP): A1 CEFR
  ▪ Extension at 30 months (E-LTRP): A2 CEFR
  ▪ ILR at 5 years: B1 CEFR

For [CLIENT_NAME] at [STAGE] with [CURRENT_ENGLISH]:

§1 — STAGE-BY-STAGE ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS (120-150 words)

Stage 1 — Initial entry (Appendix FM E-ECP.4.1 / E-LTRP.4.1):
  ▪ A1 CEFR (Beginner / Breakthrough)
  ▪ Can introduce self + family + simple needs
  ▪ Common evidence: SELT A1 (IELTS UKVI Life Skills A1) OR degree-in-English

Stage 2 — Extension (Appendix FM E-LTRP.4.1 at 30 months):
  ▪ A2 CEFR (Elementary / Waystage)
  ▪ Can communicate in simple routine tasks
  ▪ Common evidence: SELT A2 (IELTS UKVI Life Skills A2) OR degree-in-English

Stage 3 — ILR (Appendix FM E-LTRP.4.1 at 5 years):
  ▪ B1 CEFR (Independent / Threshold)
  ▪ Can understand main points + describe experiences
  ▪ Common evidence: SELT B1 OR degree-in-English

§2 — INDIAN APPLICANT FIT (120-150 words)

India is NOT on the majority English-speaking country list.

Three routes to satisfy English at each stage:

Route A — Nationality:
  ▪ Not applicable for Indian nationals (until naturalisation)

Route B — Degree-in-English:
  ▪ Most Indian Bachelor's degrees from major universities accepted
  ▪ IITs, IIMs, Delhi University, etc. — accepted
  ▪ State + private universities — accepted if English-medium
  ▪ ENIC-UK equivalency may be required for less-known universities

Route C — Approved SELT:
  ▪ IELTS UKVI Life Skills (A1 / A2 / B1)
  ▪ PTE Academic UKVI [VERIFY 2026 acceptance]
  ▪ Trinity College ISE
  ▪ LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

For Indian applicants with Bachelor's from major university:
  ▪ Typically satisfies all three stages (A1 / A2 / B1)
  ▪ Single evidence covers entire 5-year + ILR journey

§3 — IELTS UKVI LIFE SKILLS — A1 / A2 / B1 (150-180 words)

IELTS UKVI Life Skills tests:

A1 Life Skills:
  ▪ Tests Speaking + Listening
  ▪ 16 minutes
  ▪ Two candidates per session
  ▪ Pass / Fail only (no band score)
  ▪ Fee: GBP 150-200 in UK; INR 12,000-15,000 in India

A2 Life Skills:
  ▪ Tests Speaking + Listening
  ▪ 22 minutes
  ▪ More complex topics than A1
  ▪ Pass / Fail
  ▪ Fee: similar

B1 Life Skills:
  ▪ Tests Speaking + Listening
  ▪ 22 minutes
  ▪ More extended discussion
  ▪ Pass / Fail
  ▪ Fee: similar

Centres in India: British Council + IDP across major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata).

Validity: 2 years from test date.

§4 — DEGREE-IN-ENGLISH AS ENGLISH EVIDENCE (100-120 words)

If [PRIOR_DEGREE] is Bachelor's-level or higher taught + assessed in English:
  ▪ Acceptable as A1, A2, AND B1 evidence at all stages
  ▪ Single evidence covers entire Partner route

Requirements:
  ▪ Degree at Bachelor's level (Class XII / A-Level alone insufficient)
  ▪ University recognised by ENIC-UK or institution accepted by Home Office
  ▪ English language of instruction confirmed by university

For most Indian Bachelor's degrees:
  ▪ Major Indian universities (IITs, IIMs, Delhi, Mumbai, etc.): accepted directly
  ▪ Lesser-known universities: may need ENIC-UK letter (GBP 75-150)

Documentation:
  ▪ Degree certificate (original + certified copy)
  ▪ Transcript showing language of instruction
  ▪ University letter confirming English-medium (if needed)

§5 — PROGRESSION STRATEGY (100-120 words)

If [CURRENT_ENGLISH] = "Indian Bachelor's English-medium":
  ▪ Use this evidence for ALL stages (A1, A2, B1)
  ▪ No additional test needed
  ▪ Re-submit same degree evidence at each visa renewal + ILR

If [CURRENT_ENGLISH] = "IELTS UKVI A1":
  ▪ Sufficient for initial entry + extension to 30 months
  ▪ Will need to upgrade to A2 at 30-month extension (or use Indian degree if available)
  ▪ Will need B1 at 5-year ILR application (2-year IELTS validity = retake needed)

If [CURRENT_ENGLISH] = "none":
  ▪ Cannot apply
  ▪ Book IELTS UKVI Life Skills (level depending on stage)
  ▪ Allow 4-6 weeks prep + test

§6 — PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT FOR APPLICANT (60-80 words)

For [CLIENT_NAME] at [STAGE]:

If applying for initial entry: A1 required
If applying for extension (30 months): A2 required
If applying for ILR (5 years): B1 required

Use [PRIOR_DEGREE] if applicable; otherwise book appropriate level SELT.

If degree available: degree-in-English route is most efficient (no test costs / time).

§7 — DOCUMENTATION + SUBMISSION (60-80 words)

At each stage submit:
  ▪ SELT certificate (current — within 2 years of test date), OR
  ▪ Degree certificate + transcript + university confirmation of English-medium

Cross-check:
  ▪ Name on test certificate matches passport
  ▪ Test centre on certificate is UKVI-approved
  ▪ Test date within 2 years of application

End with: "DRAFT — for OISC/IAA-registered adviser or solicitor review. For Indian applicants with English-medium Bachelor's degree, this is the simplest evidence — works at A1, A2, and B1 stages. SELT tests must be at UKVI-approved test centres — standard IELTS / TOEFL is NOT acceptable. Allow 4-6 weeks for SELT booking + result delivery."