The department is currently engaging with both potential tech suppliers and other branches of government to assess whether tests administered as part of immigration system could be undertaken at home

The Home Office is working with digital experts as part of exercises to consider the possibility that English language proficiency tests could be delivered remotely online.

For the purposes of obtaining citizenship or a visa, the tests can currently only be delivered in-person at approved facilities. As part of an ongoing commercial process to engage with the market – and, ultimately, appoint a new single supplier to an £800m-plus contract to deliver the tests – the Home Office is currently exploring the possibility that the proficiency exercises could be securely delivered online, and accessible via an individual’s personal computer.

As well as hearing from potential suppliers, the department is also engaging with other parts of Whitehall – including tech specialists, according to Lord David Hanson, a junior minister at the Home Office.

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“The Home Office recognises the importance of ensuring English Language Tests used across immigration and education services are fit for purpose,” he said. “We will continue to engage other government departments as well as gathering insight and feedback to help shape the Home Office English language testing tender. The Home Office are working with the Government Digital Service within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology as part of our procurement approvals process and will continue to do so throughout this procurement.”

The minister, who was answering several written parliamentary questions from Liberal Democrat peer Lord Tim Clement-Jones, added that, while the potential for remote delivery of tests is being actively explored, the department has yet to decide on its ultimate course of action.

“The Home Office is currently conducting market engagement to gather market insights on remote testing technology and its viability for the Home Office English Language Testing service,” Hanson said. “Before any decision can be made to formally include at-home English proficiency testing as part of the contract, the Home Office would ensure appropriate risk assessments are conducted to ensure compliance with Home Office policy.”