English Test Exemption...

[katieandhugh]

I am an unemployed American who has married my husband in the US, in May. We have been together for nearly 4 years. I am in the process of applying for a spouse settlement visa, and am very stressed about the imagined outcome. I can’t imagine the UK wants me. I am a bit terrified of being stranded in the US without my husband much longer, and not sure what I will do if it comes to that. My husband continues to reassure me that, as he makes over the threshold for sponsorship, my employment status will be no problem. But I worry. I am long-term unemployed due to disability. It’s something I have been working on and know I will be able to secure employment once in a more stable living situation. But I don’t think the Home Office really cares about that.

Another worry: 6 years ago I had a psychiatrically distressing response to new medication which lead to my being sectioned. I cannot recall any of this. On the way to the hospital, a paramedic made a complaint against me which lead to me having to pay a fine and be ordered to therapy. I followed all the rules. I was 20 at the time. I stated this on my application, plainly and succinctly. Still very worried it will hinder my chances of being accepted. Again, my husband continues to reassure me, but I am very scared.

Can anyone tell me from experience if I have any chance of being accepted?

[seagul]

Is your husband British citizen/ILR holder? Where is/has he been working? Where you got hospital treatment, UK/USA?

[katieandhugh]

Hi, yes he is a British citizen. He works for the NHS. My hospitalization was in the US, in 2013.

[seagul]

Hi, yes he is a British citizen. He works for the NHS. My hospitalization was in the US, in 2013.

Then is no issue and you are over stressing yourself. If he is earning at least £18600 per year and has sufficient sized accomodation then you can apply spouse visa.

[katieandhugh]

Thank you so much! This is what he's been telling me. He makes over the threshold and has a two bdrm house, the estate agent has written a consent letter allowing me to take up residence there. I've already applied on line and my biometric appt is in one week. Really hope this all works out. One thing I have been worrying about is that the bank statement he gave me is dated 28 May. The statement has to be less than a month from the time of submission. I submitted my online application on 25 June...is this an okay date? Or does he need to scan another to me?

[katieandhugh]

I am American, English is my first language and I use it proficiently, however I have not received a degree, and left high school early with an equivalency certificate. Am I required to sit an English test? I stated that I was exempt on the online application. Was this a bad move?

[Casa]

I am American, English is my first language and I use it proficiently, however I have not received a degree, and left high school early with an equivalency certificate. Am I required to sit an English test? I stated that I was exempt on the online application. Was this a bad move?

Relax....you are exempt due to your nationality.

[seagul]

Latest 6th month bank statement, payslip and employer letter must not be older than 28 days from the date of online submission of application.