UK - FLR Implementation date for language requirement, and other technical changes

[theoldgit]

The UKVI announced earlier this year that the English Language requirement for those applying for FLR after 2.5 years was to be changed to A2 at some time in the future, they have now announced that the new requirement will apply to partners and parents whose current leave under the family Immigration Rules is due to expire on or after 1 May 2017. Not a massive change, and I suspect it will not cause a problem for most applicants, but a change nevertheless and something that needs to be factored in.

 

The other changes announced are for Tier 2 & 4 applicants, and probably will not affect too many members of this forum.

 

The details can be found here  Changes-to-the-immigration-rules

[Eneukman]

Curses! That will affect me though I was, for some reason, under the impression that it had already been implemented so not really a problem as I was already allowing for it. I assume it's still level B1 for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years?

 

Alan

[rasg]

Am I right in interpreting this that my wife will now need A2 because her first FLR runs out in April 2019? The way I understood it, she was able to continue using her A1 until she gets to ILR.

[7by7]

10 hours ago, Eneukman said:

Curses! That will affect me though I was, for some reason, under the impression that it had already been implemented so not really a problem as I was already allowing for it. I assume it's still level B1 for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years?

 

Alan

 

The original announcement was that the change would come into effect in October 2016, though no actual, precise date was given. It seems that, for a change, the government have decided to give people notice of the change.

 

Yes, at present B1 is still the level required for ILR; plus the LitUK test, of course.

 

1 hour ago, rasg said:

Am I right in interpreting this that my wife will now need A2 because her first FLR runs out in April 2019?

 

Unfortunately; yes. As she will be applying for FLR after 1st May 2017 she will require A2. I'd suggest aiming for B1 so she can use that for her ILR as well; unless they change the requirement for that!

 

1 hour ago, rasg said:

The way I understood it, she was able to continue using her A1 until she gets to ILR.

That was the case before this change, and still will be for those applying for FLR before 1st May 2017.

 

N.B. To head off any confusion, rasg says "her first FLR runs out in April 2019" because his wife entered as a fiance and so had to obtain FLR after their marriage and within 6 months of her arrival. This is why she will need a second FLR.

[rasg]

Thanks for the confirmation.