Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the British Nationality (General) Regulations 2003 (“the 2003 Regulations”), which detail the procedures and requirements relating to applications in connection with British nationality made under the British Nationality Act 1981 (“the 1981 Act”).

Persons making an application for naturalisation as a British citizen under section 6 of the 1981 Act are required to fulfil the requirements of Schedule 1 to the 1981 Act, which includes having sufficient knowledge of the English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic language. Under Regulation 5A of the 2003 Regulations, applicants can demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the English language by passing a test specified in Schedule 2A to the 2003 Regulations.

These Regulations amend the 2003 Regulations so as to remove two tests offered by Educational Testing Service (“ETS”) in Schedule 2A.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as limited impact on the private or voluntary sector is foreseen.