IBNLive Chat: Moving to UK? Develop neutral accent

Recently, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced that would be spouses of British nationals from the Indian sub-continent would have to pass English language tests before they could be allowed into the UK.

What does this mean for those wanting to immigrate to the UK? What kind of preparations are required? What are the steps to be followed for such language tests?

IBNLive.com organised a chat with Gurpreet Wadhera, Programme Manager, English Language Division, TCY, in order to get the answers to the above questions and more.

Jatinder: I am planning to go to England on a tourist visa. My hubby is permanently settled there. Do I need to pass the English test?

Gurpreet Wadhera: There is no IELTS for tourist visa.

Mandeep: Can you also tell me what are the main areas that one needs to cover while preparing for this test?

Gurpreet Wadhera: Reading comprehension, listening comprehension, writing & speaking.

Sathi: I have earned my MBBS MD Diploma from Russia. Can I go there without clearing the IELTS if I clear my PLAB exam? Or will it be compulsory for me also?

Gurpreet Wadhera: You must check with your licensing authorities, you may have the option of OET.

Mandeep: How long does one need to prepare for this test?

Gurpreet Wadhera: Depends on your current level of English & reading habits. We've got programmes ranging from 10 days to 60 days.

Shashank: If I want to pursue higher studies like MBA, is the English test necessary?

Gurpreet Wadhera: Yes it is mandatory if your first language is not English.

Oyt: Does it matter where I take an IELTS test, as in India or UK? Is it more difficult if I take it in the UK? I ask this as I have time restraints and can't get a test date.

Gurpreet Wadhera: You can take the test anywhere, the degree of difficulty remains the same.

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Jahnavi: My husband went on work permit and his duration of stay is uncertain and I want to process my spouse visa. Is IELTS required?

Gurpreet Wadhera: If you're planning for permanent immigration, you must. I also suggest that IELTS is a good indication of your skills, you can go for your own evaluation.

Kamod: Can you kindly guide me whether I am eligible for HSMP: I am B.E with 8 yr experience in software with Indian salary of Rs 10 lakh.

Gurpreet Wadhera: Yes, you're eligible to apply.

Nisha: Can you suggest me steps to improve my English fluency? I feel I’m not up to the mark.

Gurpreet Wadhera: Yes, you should concentrate on various aspects like reading, listening and primarily on spoken skills. You may try some free tests on www.tcyonline.com.

Raj: Ma’am, I would be joining my wife in London during the next couple of months. But I am afraid my spoken English is very poor. How can I remove my hesitation and become fluent in the English language? Also, please tell me how important is accent for a person of Indian origin.

Gurpreet Wadhera: I think you must take some professional help in improving your communication skills. Neutral accent is what you should focus on.

Jahnavi: Does this mean that the test is not needed for spouses who wanted to stay only for a short period of time?

Gurpreet Wadhera: If she is on a visitor visa, IELTS is not mandatory.

Nisha: I want to improve myself to understand UK accent, how can I improve it? Are there any websites available for the same?

Gurpreet Wadhera: I strongly suggest you focus on the neutral accent, you will naturally adopt the accent once you start living there.

Jahnavi: I will be going to UK for 3 months. I may process my spouse visa in the next month. Is it compulsory to pass the IELTS exam?

Gurpreet Wadhera: IELTS is required only for permanent immigration & education.

Shyam: I am moving to the UK in May. My fiancée is supposed to join me by the year-end. She is a software professional. Does she also need to take the test? Also, if you could kindly furnish some details about the test, and how does one go about it?

Gurpreet Wadhera: Yes, she needs to. For more details visit www.ieltsindia.com.

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Abhi: What are the provisions for the handicapped and aged people who have limitations to learn English or prove their ability?

Gurpreet Wadhera: You must qualify on the point-based system to get immigration.

Deepak: What’s the fee for the test? How can I do it?

Gurpreet Wadhera: It’s Rs. 7,200/- & please book online at www.ieltsindia.com.

Raj: I have done my graduation in 2002. Can I go for IELTS test now as there is a gap of around 5 years in my studies?

Gurpreet Wadhera: Yes, we recommend a formal training course.

Siva: Wanted to know how is it in the UK? Am taking my wife there with me, she is a chartered accountant in India. What are her chances of getting a job there?

Gurpreet Wadhera: Her chances are definitely bright as she may take up financial consulting & auditing jobs.

Jahnavi: From when this rule will be applicable for spouses?

Gurpreet Wadhera: It became applicable from February 29.

Joydip Sanyal: I am an Indian, my wife is supposed to join me in the UK. Does she need to pass any test?

Gurpreet Wadhera: Yes, for permanent immigration it is required.

Mini: I am a twenty-year-old, shortly planning to go to the UK .Can I appear for any test?

Gurpreet Wadhera: Yes, you should appear for IELTS.

Raj: Can you suggest where can I have practice material for grammar?

Gurpreet Wadhera: Yes, www.tcyonline.com.

Raj: Where can I find more details regarding IELTS?

Gurpreet Wadhera: You may visit www.tcyonline.com for more details & free tests.

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Ratna Bhattacharjee: What kind of English do I need to learn?

Gurpreet Wadhera: You need to learn neutral accent & grammatically correct English.

Miftah: I don’t think its mandatory to test one's English before going to the UK. It depends on whether she is going to take up a job there or not.

Gurpreet Wadhera: If one is going for permanent immigration, yes it is.

Raj: I got HSMP recently. My wife is a B.Com (English medium) and currently she is studying MA English. Does she need to write the test?

Gurpreet Wadhera: Yes, she will have to as it is compulsory now.

Rajeev: What kind of parameters would the British High Commission include to test English skills? Would it be just speaking skills or grammar tests as well?

Would it include the UK pronunciations as well?

Gurpreet Wadhera: It may be both your interview and a written test as well.

Praveen Kumar K: Would the medium of instruction certificate from the university help instead of going for English test such as IELTS ?

Gurpreet Wadhera: It might help, but you will have to write to the concerned High Commission and convince them about your English language skills.