Wednesday, 21 April 2010

Life in the UK test



The ZAUK team have now been in the UK for 5 and a bit years, so it was time to do our 'Life in the UK' test, which is the test that we have to take to prove we have integrated in the UK way of life and can communicate in English.

It has been years since any of us had studied or taken a test which was probably the cause of most of our nerves. Well this and also having to know the answers to things like....what percentage of London is made up of the ethnic minority? Where is the European Parliament based? How many seats are in the Welsh Assembly? How many Buddists live in the UK? Did you know any of these answers...? So after much studying and practice tests we ate our Pronutro and drank our Milo for optimum energy and brain power then made our way to the test centre. The waiting felt like forever (you know when you just want to get it over with?) but we met a lovely South African family in the waiting room so the time started going faster. Eventually we sat the test and although it is only 24 questions and multiple choice you start doubting yourself as you really don't want to be the first South African in the history of this test to fail! It actually only took about 5 minutes (yes that was including the time to double check all the questions and answers) and then we got the news that we passed...woohoo!!!!!
So this allowed us to apply for our Indefinite Leave to Remain which came through today (yay!) and means that in just one more year's time we can apply for our British citizenship which is the ultimate prize for any South African wanting options in life. The next step is to get our letter from the SA Home Office confirming we can have dual nationality before we apply for our British passports.
It has been a good week :)





1 comment:

  1. I am also in the process of studying for the Life in the UK Test and enjoyed reading about your experiences. Been 40 years since I have had to do studying! Now inspired by you. Thanks.

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