Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what controls are in place to prevent personation by people sitting English language tests in connection with visa applications for travel to the UK; and if she will estimate the proportion of people who pass such tests who do so as a result of personation.

The licence with secure English language testing providers is clear that providers must put measures in place to combat abuse and any concerns regarding fraud or abuse should be reported to the Home Office.

Over the lifetime of the licence, the Home Office has introduced a range of improvements including a more secure online verification system; extra identity and security checks on candidates; and further measures to ensure the test
centres are secure. In addition this Government introduced a requirement that a visa officer must be satisfied that an applicant is a genuine student, tested at interview, helping to prevent abuse of the student visa system.

The Home Office will not hesitate to take action where abuse is identified.