Following the Government's announcement of a review of the criteria for language tests used to regulate applications for student visas, Cambridge ESOL, the UK's largest provider of English-language tests, is calling on the Home Office to ensure that only tried-and-tested systems with high levels of security and quality control are recognised for this purpose, and warns that changes announced by the Home Secretary may not reduce the number of bogus students applying for courses in the UK.

Cambridge ESOL's CEO, Dr Michael Milanovic, says, "We recognise the need for a well-regulated student visa system, but there is little evidence to suggest that the people who are abusing the system are predominantly those with a very low level of English-language skills. I am concerned that changes could prove unfair to a large number of genuine students, particularly those who are at an early stage in their language learning."

The measure is part of a package designed to reduce the number of people inappropriately obtaining UK student visas. Home Secretary Alan Johnson said that prospective students coming to the UK for courses of six months or more under the Points Based System will have to demonstrate that their level of English is at least equivalent to Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference.

The announcement follows discussion between language-teaching specialists and the UK Border Agency. Cambridge ESOL hosted a major conference on the subject in Westminster last month.

Cambridge ESOL, a department of the University of Cambridge, has worked with governments, businesses and universities throughout the world to develop and implement practical language assessment solutions. Its exams are taken by more than three million people every year.