Validity of Previous A1 English Tests for FLR

[Rob180]

Certificated BULATS online - important information for UK immigration

Since 22nd August 2014, results from Certificated BULATS tests are no longer accepted for UK visa purposes.

For information on which Cambridge English exams are approved by UK Visas and Immigration, visit the Cambridge English website

Further information

Visit the UK Home Office Website

I had been assuming a Vantage Siam Bulats A1 Test passed in Thailand in November 2013 could still be used for an FLR application in September of this year. According to that message above, BULATS passes are no longer valid? Could someone clarify this please as the information on the Govt website is undecipherable.

[TCA]

It can still be used. My wife was granted FLR 3 months ago with her Vantage Siam Bulats test from April 2013. The application form has been amended to include "If you are relying on an English language test which was accepted with your previous partner or parent application, provide details below of the test taken".

See section 8:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/517420/FLR_M__04-16.pdf

[Rob180]

It can still be used. My wife was granted FLR 3 months ago with her Vantage Siam Bulats test from April 2013. The application form has been amended to include "If you are relying on an English language test which was accepted with your previous partner or parent application, provide details below of the test taken".

See section 8:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/517420/FLR_M__04-16.pdf

Thanks TCA. I received this (below) back from IELTS Cambridge English and they told me BULATS TESTS are no longer valid. I'm glad I've started looking into all this early, because as usual it's impossible to make any sense of what's on that Government website. Dozens of pages about English tests. Why can't they just provide a list on half a page of what's acceptable and what's not? A simple phone call could clarify anything quickly but they don't seem to accept phone calls. So basically I've been told the BULATS is invalid, but yours has been accepted 3 months ago? As usual, as it always is with the UK Border Agency and immigration, nothing's clear, they're constantly changing the rules and the Guidance notes couldn't be deciphered by Einstein.

I saw that part you mentioned TCA about if BULATS was used for the entry visa it can be used again. It obviously can because yours was ok,

I'll contact IELTS again I think.

Thanks for your help.

The Home Office asks that those applying for a 'family of a settled person' visa (often previously referred to as a 'spouse' or 'partner' visa) can demonstrate that they have at least an A1 level of English, as measured by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The following Cambridge English tests will be accepted by the Home Office as meeting this requirement:

• IELTS Life Skills (Level A1 or B1) - Pass
• IELTS for UKVI - bandscore 4.0 or above in the Speaking and Listening papers of the test

Further information, including details of how to register for the tests, can be found on our support site.

[Rob180]

This also appears in the 'transitional arrangements' guidance and states previous tests pre-April 2015 can only be used up until Nov 2015?

Secure English Language Tests – Transitional The following is the list of Secure English Language Tests that have been assessed as meeting the Home Office’s requirements from 1 August 2014. These tests can be used in a UK immigration application until 5th November 2015 only when they have been taken on or before 5th April 2015. From 6th April 2015 there will be a new list of approved Secure English Language Tests and Test Centres. Anyone taking a test on or after 6 th April 2015 must take one of the new listed tests at one of the approved centres if they wish to use it in a UK Immigration application. The list will be published by the end of February

[TCA]

Paragraph 32D of Appendix FM-SE is where the rule lies. Most of the advice you're hearing is in respect of new initial/entry clearance visa applications. The transitional list only applies to SELT tests, which excludes BULATS.

See Section 2.5 here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/478188/Appendix_FM_Section_1_21_-_Nov_2015_final.pdf

And paragraph 32D here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-fm-se-family-members-specified-evidence

My wife applied for FLR in December with a BULATS certificate and it was granted in January. Nothing has changed since then as far as I'm aware.

[Rob180]

Many thanks TCA. I guess I better get this FLR application done as soon as it's allowed as I'm sure they'll brIng out some other rule invalidating previous certificates. Actually, I think they already have as from October it's changing to A2 minimum I think? Thankfully the application will be going in about mid- September which avoids that.

I saw somewhere that as well as payslips, bank statements and a letter from the employer, they want a signed contract of employment now also? Did you have to get that? Or am I reading something out of date or that's been changed!?

Edited April 24, 2016 by Rob180

[TCA]

I'm not up-to-date but yes, October this year was given as the date when A2 will be required for FLR. We went the cash savings route to meet the financial requirement, so I've no idea about the paperwork for the employment route. Hopefully someone else here can advise.

My wife also applied for FLR at the earliest opportunity. Just in case you don't know, your wife can apply for FLR 28 days before she's been in the UK for 30 months. i.e. UK entry date + 30 months - 28 days.