City and Guilds A1 English Test

[JAGOO]

I hope members can help me.

1. I came to UK (New Entry Clearance) on a spouse visa in July 2013.
2. My visa is valid until Mar-2016.
3. I used the City and Guilds test at A1 whcih was accepted.
4. Now reading upon City and Guilds, it says its going to be withdrawn in April.
5. When i took the test it said NO EXPIRY on the test validity.
6. My husband and child (born in the UK) both British Citizens.

My question is would I still be able to use the test to extend my visa or not. I have read the rules and Appendix on this and it says that if a test was accepted before then the applicant does not need to take a new test and it will be accepted.

Any advice and help will be mush appreciated.

[maniani]

I am in same boat like you. Maybe moderator can answer this question.

[JAGOO]

I am in same boat like you. Maybe moderator can answer this question.

It seems like that may be people do not know the answer to it otherwise so many views but no answer. It is very conflicting information as there rules and appendix say different things. May be you want to read it. Also I think may be we can have more clearer information in April.

[WR1]

see this link.

[JAGOO]

see this link.

Hi,

Thank you for the information. I have read it all and I am still not sure about if I would be able to use the test or not in 2016. As I mentioned earlier the April English list states that the tests on Appendix O will be accepted until 5th November. When you read the guidance and immigration rules it says it can be accepted (if it was accepted before) hence the reason I am confused.

I hope you can shed some more light on this information.

[WR1]

This topic is useful as it has the moderators discussing the scenario you are in.

From what I can read and my understanding of the topic, it seems that if the English test WAS used in a previous application, then by virtue of 32D, it should be accepted. However, this depends on the case worker who handles the file to be aware of 32D.

My advice is that you write directly to the Home Office explaining your situation and referring to 32D, attach a stamped self addressed envelope for the response (most likely to receive a reply back). If the Home Office confirm that the certificate will be accepted, then at the time of application in 2016, attach the letter with your application to avoid any confusion so the case worker who deals with the file is aware of its acceptance. (This will avoid having a wrongful rejection and having to go through an appeals process).

Or another option is to do another test that is on the current list of acceptable qualifications (I'm in a similar situation and chose this option just for a peace of mind knowing the certificate will be accepted).

[JAGOO]

This topic is useful as it has the moderators discussing the scenario you are in.

From what I can read and my understanding of the topic, it seems that if the English test WAS used in a previous application, then by virtue of 32D, it should be accepted. However, this depends on the case worker who handles the file to be aware of 32D.

My advice is that you write directly to the Home Office explaining your situation and referring to 32D, attach a stamped self addressed envelope for the response (most likely to receive a reply back). If the Home Office confirm that the certificate will be accepted, then at the time of application in 2016, attach the letter with your application to avoid any confusion so the case worker who deals with the file is aware of its acceptance. (This will avoid having a wrongful rejection and having to go through an appeals process).

Or another option is to do another test that is on the current list of acceptable qualifications (I'm in a similar situation and chose this option just for a peace of mind knowing the certificate will be accepted).

I agree that might be the case. It is so frustrating when HO does not make things clearer on their policies and how would it affect the applicants in our situation.

[JAGOO]

This topic is useful as it has the moderators discussing the scenario you are in.

From what I can read and my understanding of the topic, it seems that if the English test WAS used in a previous application, then by virtue of 32D, it should be accepted. However, this depends on the case worker who handles the file to be aware of 32D.

My advice is that you write directly to the Home Office explaining your situation and referring to 32D, attach a stamped self addressed envelope for the response (most likely to receive a reply back). If the Home Office confirm that the certificate will be accepted, then at the time of application in 2016, attach the letter with your application to avoid any confusion so the case worker who deals with the file is aware of its acceptance. (This will avoid having a wrongful rejection and having to go through an appeals process).

Or another option is to do another test that is on the current list of acceptable qualifications (I'm in a similar situation and chose this option just for a peace of mind knowing the certificate will be accepted).

I have spoken to the HO after a long call and I have been told and confirmed that anybody who meets the requirements of the Immigration Rules Part 32D, can use a previous test even after November 2015.

First they told me NO but when I pointed towards the Rules 32D, they put me on hold and then came back saying YES but make sure I include a letter for the caseworker pointing towards the 32D rule.

[maniani]

Thats a good news.

[WR1]

First they told me NO but when I pointed towards the Rules 32D, they put me on hold and then came back saying YES but make sure I include a letter for the caseworker pointing towards the 32D rule.

That's good. Also goes to show that many case workers are not aware of 32D, so best is to specifically mention this at point of application.

I know you spoke over the phone, but in my opinion, it think it would be best to get this in writing from them. Write to them for clarification and when they write back confirming the same, you can include their letter with the application.