IELTS skills life VS NARIC for spouse visa

[seagul]

If someone has been married in pakistan then obviously will have to be called with married name which include part of its husband name. So what's preferably should be done before applying spouse visa either to change the name on passport with married name which will of course need for tb test and A1 test or the married name on passport shouldn't be changed on passport and let the tb test and A1 English test in previous name. What should be done?

[hussain252]

Soon as u married u need to get ur Pakistani identity card(nadra card) changed to ur married status and then apply for ur new passport with the name change.

[seagul]

Soon as u married u need to get ur Pakistani identity card(nadra card) changed to ur married status and then apply for ur new passport with the name change.

You mean the reason to change with married name so that t b test and A1 English test shows married name because they follow passport.

[MobeenSaeed]

If someone has been married in pakistan then obviously will have to be called with married name which include part of its husband name. So what's preferably should be done before applying spouse visa either to change the name on passport with married name which will of course need for tb test and A1 test or the married name on passport shouldn't be changed on passport and let the tb test and A1 English test in previous name. What should be done?

When I was applying for spouse visa in June 2016, my wife's name was still the same after marriage. Nothing new was added to the passport and NICOP/NADRA card. The only thing that's required is, Original Nikah Nama (with English translation) and Marriage Registration Certificate for spouse visa.

Now, to be more specific, when filling in the forms to take the TB Test and IELTS, you should use whatever is written on the Passport. If it says Miss X X, even after marriage, you still write Miss X X, and this is the general rule, because you will need provide identity documents, and, of course, it should match up. And, this will not affect your spouse visa, if you don't change her name to married name on NICOP/NADRA Card and/or passport, because it's not necessary.

[seagul]

Regarding meeting English language requirement for spouse visa what would be best to opt for applicant: either

1. Passing A1/A2/B1 IELTS

2. Getting Naric comparability report

Which one is better in long run up.

[seagul]

Hi all
As we all know that English language can be met by either undertaking A1/A2/B1 test or getting NARIC comparability report with English language proficiency letter. Since the cost of both strategies are almost same but IELTS test expires in 2 years so in long run up what's best to get??

[seagul]

Hi all
As we all know that English language can be met by either undertaking A1/A2/B1 test or getting NARIC comparability report with English language proficiency letter. Since the cost of both strategies are almost same but IELTS test expires in 2 years so in long run up what's best to get??

I am very amazed that a simple question has silenced the board

[CR001]

It is your choice which you choose. No one else can make that decision.

The rules could very well change in 5 years time anyway and the requirement slightly different for ILR.

[seagul]

Thanks for reply. If you choose ielts test then if its expires in future but still on HO approved list then whether expired ielts remains acceptable??

[CR001]

If you do the A2 or B1, yes, you can use it if used in a previous app and it is still on the list of HO approved providers.

[seagul]

If you do the A2 or B1, yes, you can use it if used in a previous app and it is still on the list of HO approved providers.

You mean it remain acceptable even if its expires with its 2 years of validity?

[CR001]

Only if it was used in a previous application AND the test and test provider is still on HO's approved list at whatever point in the future.

[MobeenSaeed]

If you do the A2 or B1, yes, you can use it if used in a previous app and it is still on the list of HO approved providers.

You mean it remain acceptable even if its expires with its 2 years of validity?

"32D. If an applicant applying for limited leave to enter or remain under Part 8 or Appendix FM submits an English language test certificate or result and the Home Office has already accepted it as part of a successful previous partner or parent application (but not where the application was refused, even if on grounds other than the English language requirement), the decision-maker will accept that certificate or result as valid if it is:

(a) from a provider which is no longer approved, or
(b) from a provider who remains approved but the test the applicant has taken with that provider is no longer approved, or
(c) from a test centre which is no longer approved, or
(d) past its validity date (if a validity date is required under Appendix O), provided that it is at or above the requisite level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and when the subsequent application is made:
(i) the applicant has had continuous leave (disregarding any current period of overstaying where paragraph 39E of these Rules applies, as well as any previous period of overstaying where: the further application was made before 24 November 2016 and within 28 days of the expiry of leave; or the further application was made on or after 24 November 2016 and paragraph 39E of these Rules applied) as a partner or parent since the Home Office accepted the test certificate as valid; and
(ii) the award to the applicant does not fall within the circumstances set out in paragraph 32B of this Appendix."

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... d-evidence

[seagul]

So it means as per above advises if applicant chooses B1 test instead A1 for initial spouse visa application then B1 even having 2 years expiry will remain valid for extension as well?

[KVP]

On a slightly different case of mine, I am curious to know

whether B1 is accepted for A1 / A2.

I couldn't see any clear rule/statement that B1 is accepted for A1/A2 (assuming B1 certificate is provided first time to Home office).

My case:
My spouse used A1 for initial FLR-M.
Her FLR-M extn is due next year but we do not want to waste money and effort doing A2, and then B1 for ILR.
So she can take B1 (if it is firstly accepted for FLR-M extension).

Would be so great if anyone can help.

[CR001]

On a slightly different case of mine, I am curious to know

whether B1 is accepted for A1 / A2.

I couldn't see any clear rule/statement that B1 is accepted for A1/A2 (assuming B1 certificate is provided first time to Home office).

My case:
My spouse used A1 for initial FLR-M.
Her FLR-M extn is due next year but we do not want to waste money and effort doing A2, and then B1 for ILR.
So she can take B1 (provided if it is firstly accepted for FLR-M extension)

Useful to keep your questions in your own topic you have rather than tagging onto another members entry clearance visa question thread. B1 is acceptable for an extenaion

[KVP]

[/quote]
Useful to keep your questions in your own topic you have rather than tagging onto another members entry clearance visa question thread.
[/quote]

Agreed and apology for hijacking another thread.

[/quote]B1 is acceptable for an extension[/quote]

And thanks for your reply. Using all the info in this thread & Rules/statements, I can assume that B1 can be used for A1 and/or A2 and all the way for ILR as well (past it's validity date).

Please correct me if I am wrong. Thank you.

[seagul]

If you do the A2 or B1, yes, you can use it if used in a previous app and it is still on the list of HO approved providers.

You mean it remain acceptable even if its expires with its 2 years of validity?

"32D. If an applicant applying for limited leave to enter or remain under Part 8 or Appendix FM submits an English language test certificate or result and the Home Office has already accepted it as part of a successful previous partner or parent application (but not where the application was refused, even if on grounds other than the English language requirement), the decision-maker will accept that certificate or result as valid if it is:

(a) from a provider which is no longer approved, or
(b) from a provider who remains approved but the test the applicant has taken with that provider is no longer approved, or
(c) from a test centre which is no longer approved, or
(d) past its validity date (if a validity date is required under Appendix O), provided that it is at or above the requisite level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and when the subsequent application is made:
(i) the applicant has had continuous leave (disregarding any current period of overstaying where paragraph 39E of these Rules applies, as well as any previous period of overstaying where: the further application was made before 24 November 2016 and within 28 days of the expiry of leave; or the further application was made on or after 24 November 2016 and paragraph 39E of these Rules applied) as a partner or parent since the Home Office accepted the test certificate as valid; and
(ii) the award to the applicant does not fall within the circumstances set out in paragraph 32B of this Appendix."

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... d-evidence

Another valid argument is that if by virtue of 32D the previously gained English test which was resulted in successful spouse visa application still considers valid then why HO insist on A2 test at extension stage despite A1 test was used in initial application?

[CR001]

If you do the A2 or B1, yes, you can use it if used in a previous app and it is still on the list of HO approved providers.

You mean it remain acceptable even if its expires with its 2 years of validity?

"32D. If an applicant applying for limited leave to enter or remain under Part 8 or Appendix FM submits an English language test certificate or result and the Home Office has already accepted it as part of a successful previous partner or parent application (but not where the application was refused, even if on grounds other than the English language requirement), the decision-maker will accept that certificate or result as valid if it is:

(a) from a provider which is no longer approved, or
(b) from a provider who remains approved but the test the applicant has taken with that provider is no longer approved, or
(c) from a test centre which is no longer approved, or
(d) past its validity date (if a validity date is required under Appendix O), provided that it is at or above the requisite level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and when the subsequent application is made:
(i) the applicant has had continuous leave (disregarding any current period of overstaying where paragraph 39E of these Rules applies, as well as any previous period of overstaying where: the further application was made before 24 November 2016 and within 28 days of the expiry of leave; or the further application was made on or after 24 November 2016 and paragraph 39E of these Rules applied) as a partner or parent since the Home Office accepted the test certificate as valid; and
(ii) the award to the applicant does not fall within the circumstances set out in paragraph 32B of this Appendix."

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... d-evidence

Another valid argument is that if by virtue of 32D the previously gained English test which was resulted in successful spouse visa application still considers valid then why HO insist on A2 test at extension stage despite A1 test was used in initial application?

Members have posted in recent months of being refused for submitting the A1 when applying for FLR(M) extension. From May 2017, A2 or higher is mandatory for spouse visa extensions.

immigration-for-family-members/importan ... 19289.html

[seagul]

You mean it remain acceptable even if its expires with its 2 years of validity?

"32D. If an applicant applying for limited leave to enter or remain under Part 8 or Appendix FM submits an English language test certificate or result and the Home Office has already accepted it as part of a successful previous partner or parent application (but not where the application was refused, even if on grounds other than the English language requirement), the decision-maker will accept that certificate or result as valid if it is:

(a) from a provider which is no longer approved, or
(b) from a provider who remains approved but the test the applicant has taken with that provider is no longer approved, or
(c) from a test centre which is no longer approved, or
(d) past its validity date (if a validity date is required under Appendix O), provided that it is at or above the requisite level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and when the subsequent application is made:
(i) the applicant has had continuous leave (disregarding any current period of overstaying where paragraph 39E of these Rules applies, as well as any previous period of overstaying where: the further application was made before 24 November 2016 and within 28 days of the expiry of leave; or the further application was made on or after 24 November 2016 and paragraph 39E of these Rules applied) as a partner or parent since the Home Office accepted the test certificate as valid; and
(ii) the award to the applicant does not fall within the circumstances set out in paragraph 32B of this Appendix."

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... d-evidence

Another valid argument is that if by virtue of 32D the previously gained English test which was resulted in successful spouse visa application still considers valid then why HO insist on A2 test at extension stage despite A1 test was used in initial application?

Members have posted in recent months of being refused for submitting the A1 when applying for FLR(M) extension. From May 2017, A2 or higher is mandatory for spouse visa extensions.

immigration-for-family-members/importan ... 19289.html

Then it means 32D does not exist and they must delete it from their guideline.

[MobeenSaeed]

"32D. If an applicant applying for limited leave to enter or remain under Part 8 or Appendix FM submits an English language test certificate or result and the Home Office has already accepted it as part of a successful previous partner or parent application (but not where the application was refused, even if on grounds other than the English language requirement), the decision-maker will accept that certificate or result as valid if it is:

(a) from a provider which is no longer approved, or
(b) from a provider who remains approved but the test the applicant has taken with that provider is no longer approved, or
(c) from a test centre which is no longer approved, or
(d) past its validity date (if a validity date is required under Appendix O), provided that it is at or above the requisite level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and when the subsequent application is made:
(i) the applicant has had continuous leave (disregarding any current period of overstaying where paragraph 39E of these Rules applies, as well as any previous period of overstaying where: the further application was made before 24 November 2016 and within 28 days of the expiry of leave; or the further application was made on or after 24 November 2016 and paragraph 39E of these Rules applied) as a partner or parent since the Home Office accepted the test certificate as valid; and
(ii) the award to the applicant does not fall within the circumstances set out in paragraph 32B of this Appendix."

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... d-evidence

Another valid argument is that if by virtue of 32D the previously gained English test which was resulted in successful spouse visa application still considers valid then why HO insist on A2 test at extension stage despite A1 test was used in initial application?

Members have posted in recent months of being refused for submitting the A1 when applying for FLR(M) extension. From May 2017, A2 or higher is mandatory for spouse visa extensions.

immigration-for-family-members/importan ... 19289.html

Then it means 32D does not exist and they must delete it from their guideline.

No, this does not mean 32D does not exist and that it must be deleted from their guidline.

"32D. If an applicant applying for limited leave to enter or remain under Part 8 or Appendix FM submits an English language test certificate or result and the Home Office has already accepted it as part of a successful previous partner or parent application (but not where the application was refused, even if on grounds other than the English language requirement), the decision-maker will accept that certificate or result as valid if it is:

(a) from a provider which is no longer approved, or
(b) from a provider who remains approved but the test the applicant has taken with that provider is no longer approved, or
(c) from a test centre which is no longer approved, or
(d) past its validity date (if a validity date is required under Appendix O), provided that it is at or above the requisite level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and when the subsequent application is made:
(i) the applicant has had continuous leave (disregarding any current period of overstaying where paragraph 39E of these Rules applies, as well as any previous period of overstaying where: the further application was made before 24 November 2016 and within 28 days of the expiry of leave; or the further application was made on or after 24 November 2016 and paragraph 39E of these Rules applied) as a partner or parent since the Home Office accepted the test certificate as valid; and
(ii) the award to the applicant does not fall within the circumstances set out in paragraph 32B of this Appendix."

Notice the bolded statement. So, what does 32B state?

"32B. Where the decision-maker has:
(a) reasonable cause to doubt that an English language test in speaking and listening at a minimum of level A1 or A2 (as the case may be) of the Common Framework of Reference for Languages relied on at any time to meet a requirement for limited leave to enter or remain in Part 8 or Appendix FM was genuinely obtained; or
(b) information that the test certificate or result awarded to the applicant has been withdrawn by the test provider for any reason,
the decision-maker may discount the test certificate or result and require the applicant to provide a new test certificate or result from an approved provider which shows that they meet the requirement, if they are not exempt from it."

[seagul]

In my opinion 32d still doesn't apply since HO insisting on A2 on extension stage.

[seagul]

Whether it keeps worth that for initial spouse visa stage instead doing A1 Ielts life skills do B1 Ielts skills life test since the cost & test structure is same? No one ever be appeared on forum who confirmed that he passed B1 & it was accepted for initial spouse visa where A1 was needed. Any official link in this relation?

[Katie_France]

Whether it keeps worth that for initial spouse visa stage instead doing A1 Ielts life skills do B1 Ielts skills life test since the cost & test structure is same? No one ever be appeared on forum who confirmed that he passed B1 & it was accepted for initial spouse visa where A1 was needed. Any official link in this relation?

hello seagul,

in the guidance for the english language requirements, it is written that the higher level can be accepted.

Also, there is a link with the english tests accepted, as of june 2018 Approved secure english tests

[Katie_France]

Tests at higher level than required

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