Thread by @mohnkuchenfan

Apologies for the thread, but this is what happened to me:

As EU citizen Brexit makes me very nervous and I have decided to secure my rights by way of applying to be naturalised as a British citizen. The Home Office managed to make an administrative error in my /1

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naturalisation application regarding my language proficiency. My post grad diploma from Christchurch Uni was not recognised as it says grad diploma on the transcript. The definitions were used indifferently until 2015 when the QA framework for HE changed. My degree is /2

from 2007. I also hold a level 5 diploma in management and leadership awarded by the CMI as well as being a registered professional with HCPC. Neither of this counts.

The HO sent a letter dated Tue 06/02/18 which I received on Fri 09/02/18 requesting proof of /3

language. I tried to challenge this but had no response from the HO. Not even my MP @rosieduffield1 who was excellent in her support was able to get a quick answer. The HO requested proof of language by 20/02/18. If I were not to respond by then/ send satisfactory /4

proof of language knowledge my application would be rendered invalid and I would lose the fee of £1202.

Fortunately I used the Nationality Checking Service (at an extra cost) but at least I had my passport readily available to book the test. I booked the/5

test on Sat for Tue 13/02/18 which was the earliest test slot available and this is what happened yesterday.

The secure test situation was awful. In itself the test was at a ridiculously basic level GESE level 5 (B1) and clearly aimed at people who /6

have just started learning English.

I was not allowed to take anything into the actual test room. Pockets had to be empty (not even tissues or a tampon!). All my worldly goods were put into a locker and I was given the key for the locker. My photo /7

was taken at registration and a sound recording of my voice completed. The test centre was ‘plastered’ with CCTV cameras. I had to sign in front of the person registering me and the signature was compared with the one on my ID card and had to match. /8

My ears were checked as well as my arms to ensure I had not written anything on my arms or carry any cheating devices.
The test took 10 minutes, spoken, conversational. Very basic. I had to prepare a topic to talk about as well as the examiner /9

asking questions about 2 other topics. I had to ask a question to demonstrate I can hold a basic conversation.

After the test I was brought into another room away from the registration area to prevent me meeting any candidates who have not/11

sat the test. In that room I was given my provisional results. I had to handover the key to the locker and my coat and bag were brought to me. I had to leave the building a different route than I had come in to ensure I do not accidentally/12

meet other candidates.

To take the biscuit I had put a preference for an afternoon test and there was good availability for the day according to the booking site. I was allocated a slot at 11:08 and had to be there at 10:48 for /13

ID checking.

That meant I was only just able to get an off peak train but as it was so early, I could not use my network rail card. This added another £40 odd pound to the cost of £150 for the test.

The staff in/14

the test centre were lovely but the system made me feel like a cheat and incredibly unwelcome and unworth. I was very upset and still am about the way this country is treating me. After 19 years living here.

This whole /15

system needs a public outrage and policy change. All qualifications achieved and awarded using English language should be recognised as proof of language knowledge.
/16

Please be angry and upset with me and the other @the3million.
#600days in limbo
#staatswillkuer
#stopbrexit
#judicial review
/17 end