argomento: News del mese - Diritto Internazionale e Comunitario

Articoli Correlati: U.K. - language tests - scandal

The National Audit Office (NAO) has completed a lengthy investigation into the English language test scandal discovered by the BBC Panorama program in 2014.
Most Visa applications require to demonstrate that they have English language skills. Those who come from English-speaking countries or have an English degree are considered to be able to speak in English automatically. In other cases, they must take a test with authorized providers. At the time of the scandal, the Home Office had a long list of providers, which included a US company, Educational Testing Service, which had numerous centers worldwide. When the investigation came to light, ETS examined all the tests carried out between 2011 and 2014, using a voice recognition system, determining that a surprising 97% was not valid or questionable, about 56,000 tests.
The Interior Ministry undertook rapid action that led to 25 criminal convictions, 25,000 actions against student visa holders accused of cheating and the closure of dozens of educational institutions. Starting from April 2015, the list of providers has been reduced and the tests are now carried out at English language centers (SELT). Applicants must ensure that they have booked the right test, capable of meeting the requirements of the UK Visa and Immigration. The test is substantially the same but UKVI has strengthened the security controls, the center sends the results directly to the Home Office. Candidates who pass the test can obtain the certificate, which is valid for two years.