My wife and I are preparing her application for her extension of spouse visa here in the UK.

We're not sure if she needs to do another English test. Obviously, she did the initial test in BKK. That was the Key English Test through Cambridge English Language Assessment which she passed with Merit at C1 (CAE)

Upon arrival she undertook a year of English at the local collage and gained Entry Level Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life, (entry 3) (qcf)

 

We're hearing rumors that she will now have to sit another exam, as the first listed above is no longer accepted by the home office, and the second is not relevant to her application to extend her spouse visa.

 

Can anyone shed light on this for us please.

I'm saying "rumors" because we're being told a lot of different information. 

I'd have thought that because she was granted a visa with the KET, it would be grandfathered and she wouldn't have to do another test.

 

Thanks in advance for any comments given.

A similar thing has happened to my wife but she did A1 at Trinity college Hammersmith while on a visit visa here in the UK. As we were married in the UK she will need A2 for her second FLR.

 

I don't understand all of the different ESOL, CASF, entry 3 QCF etc, I'm afraid but somebody who married in Thailand will no doubt, come along and let you know if the second course that your wife did is sufficient.

Hi

Thanks for your input.

 

The English and speaking qualification for FLR must be at grade A2 or better. C1 is better than A1, so that's covered.

 

The test and the test provider must also both be on the approved list.

 

However, if a test or provider is no longer on the list, but that test has previously been used for a successful visa or leave to remain application, it can be used again in subsequent ones; even if the test certificate has expired.

 

So she should be able to use her C1 test result for her FLR application.

 

As the requirement for ILR is B1, she should also be able to use it for her ILR application as well. Though remember that she will also have to pass the LitUK test.

 

You are correct that her Entry Level Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life, (entry 3) (qcf), which used to be an alternative to the LitUK test, is no longer acceptable for visa, LTR or citizenship applications; and has not been since October 2013.