magicroundabout

Hi all,

I've sat and read all the statement of rule changes to immigration. There is about 350 pages. The only changes that have not been updated in guidance is a paper called HC535 which was issued on the 29th October. The makes a change to section 27 of the FM-se but section 32 is still valid.

I also got a reply from my MP office today. (you will like this) "I've have contacted the Ukvi office today but I could not get an unambiguous reply to your query I will contact them again Tomorrow".

How on earth are normal people meant to understand all this!!!

Well just broke the news to my missus and she has taken it very well. We are going to book for Thursday on the A1 level. This may make our application a few days late but I think better than not providing the English result. I phone Ukvi tomorrow and seek guidance on late application . In my letter to my Mp I specifically mentioned the guidance notes and section 32 be interesting to see what the reply will be. Trust me looking at other forums this is going to catch out a lot of People!!! I would like to thank 7by7 for pointing this out as I think most of us were relying on the guidance notes

Thanks for the update although not what I wanted to hear if you know what I mean. This would match what I was told by the Ukvi. I think there maybe some confusion from Ukvi staff matching Bulats as an Esol exams. As some people are saying they are phoning and it will be accepted. My Mp as advised me they are contacting the Ukvi to clarify. However I'm going to book an English Exam for Thursday or Saturday. My missus will be furious when I tell her tonight.

Hi, Naruk86 looks like we are in the same situation. I've done a bit of digging around and found a freedom of information request that was responded to that indicates that section 32 still applies after the recent changes - which is good news..I think. however, I'm still worried. I've sent my Mp an email asking her if she can look into the issue. Naturally, as soon as I hear anything I will post.

Hi 7by7 to be honest we intend to move back to Thailand when her next visa expires so the b1 never really been on the radar.

The visa expires on the 28th November...am I right in thinking there is also 28 day grace period on top of this?

I think my plan of action then will be to sit a new test prior to this...if she passes then all is great if she doesn't go with the old one and see what happens.

Hi,

Thanks durhamboy - I think 7by7 point about may instead of will is very valid.

Given the ECO will have to make decision on this I don't think anyone in authority will says it ok to use hence some confusion .

As you said it appears that it can be rejected if there doubt about the validity of the certificate.

As far as I'm aware there has been no issues with the validity of the bulats therefore I would struggle of a reason why it could be rejected based on there own guidelines.

Looking at other forums most people are still using old certificates although this doesn't necessarily mean it's right - Hopefully some might post up how they got on.

Hi all,

Well even more confusing...I've always been relying on page 60 of thr flr form where it has a tick box that states you are not including because it's been used on a previous application.

Based on 7by7 concerns I thought I would give immigration a call. The first agent I spoke to confirmed the bulats would be accepted. However, right at the end of the conversation he stated that they are no longer accepting Esol exams. It didn't dawn on me to afterwards that they are the same - are they not? I phoned back to clarify and spoke to another agent. He stated that they will only accept from the new list of providers. When I asked them about guidance notes,tick box and section 32 he couldn't answer.

I really don't know what to do... My wife panics in exams and has already failed the new exam despite her english being reasonably good. Do you think an immigration solicitor would he able to give a definitive answer on the English test? Also, if my wife's visa failed based on using the BULATS test (and her visa has expired) am I right in thinking she could only reapply from Thailand.

Hi,

Just curious about only english tests will be accepted from the new list of approved providers from Nov. I thought if a test was previously used for a successful application it can be used for again. In my case we are going to use bulats for my wife's extension.

Hi All,

Sorry but another question on the Flr form for my wife's extension. It asks for birth certificates for any children. My wife has two children who stay with her parents in thailand (and are not part of the application). Do I really need to get them to post the birth certificates to the UK to be included. I can't remember including them in her original application.

Thanks again

I'm doing my Flr as well at the moment here's my thoughts.

bulats test is ok

Nhs surcharge will be 500 (you only pay for the extension)

The BRP letter will be issued to you after you send the application form (there is a part to complete in the form)

I don't think the change address matters (I never informed them).

I'm sure someone will correct if any of above is wrong.

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone knows a rough timescale for when payment is taken for Flr application from date of posting? It's being paid on debit card.

Thanks

Thanks 7by7. It's her first Flr so it's clear now. Glad I checked I would have ticked the wrong box.

Hi all

A quick question applying for flr for my wife to extend current spouse visa.

In section 2.3 should I tick Second period of leave to remain (following initial grant of leave to remain) or further leave to remain to obtain the relevant qualifications to meet the KoLL

Seems a simple question but keep changing my mind. Many Thanks

Thanks Durham boy - I've had a look at some other sites and it appears that most people are saying the same. If I think about logically it would mean everybody who is applying for FLR from November would have to re-sit the English test (mind you when does logic come into VISA applications!!). I've doubled check as well and 32D is still valid - hope they don't change it in the next few weeks!! Good point about the comments sections I'll add it in.

I think in general the FLR form is a bit strange - Don't understand why the ask "When did you last see your sponsor" when you really have to be living together....It seems a lot of questions are lifted straight from the initial visa application form which makes it confusing.

PS - My understanding is the BRP doesn't mean you application has been successful just you have submitted a valid application (Not sure what a valid application is thou). How long did you apply?

Hi Folks,

Some of may remember a few months ago I posted about my wife who failed her A1 English test with Trinity for FLR - I incorrectly thought she had to sit a new test due to the changes in the UK test providers. Anyway, thanks to this forum (and section 32D - I think it was) it turned old test certificates are accepted if they were used for the original application.

We decided to leave the renewal to November - I'm just filling out the FLR form which was updated in April. The question seems to have changed it states

"Have you passed an acceptable English test provided by a test provider approved by the Home office for this purpose" Answers are Y or N and then gives the URL for approved providers. It then states Transitional arrangements apply for people who sat a test before the 6th April 2015 - You may still be able to use your test with applications made before 5th November 2015.

.

The would seem to indicate that after the 5th November you must have a English test from the new provider - which seems to contradict section 32D!!!

Wouldn't mind people thoughts should the old test certificate be accepted? Despite what the applications says.....Im a bit of panic!! PS I cant apply early as we are off to Thailand in two weeks and not back until 7th Nov.

Many Thanks again

Greg

I did this a few years ago when travelling back to the UK with my girlfriend (now wife). We were flying with air India who weren't going to let her travel with a one way ticket. After a lot of discussion I had to sign a waiver to say I would be responsible for any costs if she was refused entry. At uk immigration they didn't ask to see a return ticket so all was fine in the end. However, I would suggest either checking with the airline or even better buying an open ticket.

Hi All,

I'm just wanting to check a couple of things with regards to dates for FLR application - My wifes visa expires on the 28/11/2015 using the 30months minus 28 days from date of entry we can apply from 1st October. However, we are planning on going to Thailand in Mid October and returning Mid November (two weeks before her visa expires). I was therefore planning on sending off her application as soon as we are back.

i) Would coming back to the UK with only a couple of weeks left on the visa cause any problems at immigration?

ii) Would my wife still be able to work while the request in being processed?

Many Thanks

I went on the site today and there is an online calculator for the costs and flr is an option. So I would say yes.

There is some more chat about this on the Trinity a1 failed thread. It appears to be a correct statement

Hi,

I do love this forum - Durhamboy thanks! It would seem clear reading this that her test should still be valid.

The reason we sat the test is a friend of mine has just extended his wife's visa - He said he got the information from this forum that an expired English test could not be used to renew a visa and a new test was required. People had been refused visa trying to use the expired BULATS test - I take this is not the case? I took the advice on face value to be honest without double checking!

Hi, 7by7 She did take the GESE level 2 test - Speaking to my wife (now she got over the shock) she admitted she was very nervous and sometimes just gave one word answers. I think that was her downfall!

Hi Everyone,

A long time since I've used this forum - it was such a great help a couple of years ago when I was applying for my wife visa to the UK. Cant believe it was 2 years ago!! - Anyway, we have just started the process for extending her visa and she sat her A1 English test today with Trinity College( as I believe the BULTAS one expires after 2 years).

We are in a bit of shock as she failed - We honestly cant understand it....she speaks English every day and its improved so much over the last 2 years. I'm wondering if anyone has been in the same situation? Any words of advice would be appreciated.

Many Thanks

I sent parcel to my mother in law last week with DHL (contained some clothes, sweets) total value £150. My mother in law got a call on Monday (from someone at the airport - I'm presuming it was customs) asking what was in the parcel and she would need to send copies of her family book and ID card before it could be released.....She sent them a copies! She got another call on Wednesday saying she would need to send 5000 baht in order for the parcel to be sent to her home address - nothing about it being for tax just to send. All seems a bit suspect to me - Anyone, ever been asked to send ID card and family book to customs before??

Greg

Hi,

No - I recently got a visa for my wife and was in a similiar situation. It didnt seem to cause any problems at all.

Got decision 30 mins ago 20 mins after sending email asking for confirmation of receiving additional documents, 2day wait in village now for post lol

Hi Neil, The wait....this is the worse bit!!! Sounds like they just wanted to check something sure it will be a yes and that will be hatrick. My wife got her passport this morning with a nice visa in it :-). Worth the wait in the end! Best of luck and let us know how you get on. Greg

PS Thanks to everone involved in admin and posting on Thai Visa Forum its such a great help.

72 Days and just got an email saying the decision has been made! The only problem is my wife cant remember where she asked the passport to go to - She thinks Khon Kaen but not sure. Anyone know if there is an easy way to check?