ECO mistakes!

joanbubu · Post by **joanbubu** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 8:17 am

Dear all, I really appreciate if you could share your experience with me and give me some advice.

I am from HK and submitted my spouse visa 2 weeks ago. I got a email from ECO 4 days after I submitted documents and said they have refused my applications as I have submitted a certificate from CITY AND GUILDS, which on the provider list, I have to provide an International Diploma from that organization.

However, my english test certificate is from Trinity College in London, which I am 100% sure that is on the provider's list. Now the ECO requested me to bring in the correct Diploma from City and Guilds before they start to lodge in my application.

Its obvious that they have made a mistake, I have emailed him back one week ago to clarify, but have not heard from him since then. Now I am stuck, I am not sure if he has read my email and realised he made an mistake, or he ignores my case until I submit the requested diploma from City and Guilds (which is ridiculous!)

Can anyone advise me what to do? If I don't hand in the so call ''diploma'', they might ignore my case till god know when!

Please help xxx

Post by **Lucapooka** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 10:00 am

I'm afraid that the ECO is correct. Your particular certificate is not on the approved list. If you are providing a certificate from C & G, it has to be the International Diploma to the exclusion of all others.

New Approved English Tests

However, it sounds like the ECO is being generous and has not accepted the application (saving you the cost of the fee) rather than simply processing it and issuing a refusal.

Kitty · Post by **Kitty** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 10:08 am

I think the OP's problem is that she did not submit a C &G test in the first place: her test is from Trinity College.

To the oP: is your Trinity College test on the list Lucapooka linked to?

Contact the ECO again, and I suggest you attach a copy of your Trinity College certificate if you can.

Post by **Lucapooka** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 10:12 am

Kitty wrote:I think the OP's problem is that she did not submit a C &G test in the first place: her test is from Trinity College.

She clearly states that she submitted the UK certificate but that it is being declined because it is not the International Diploma.

joanbubu wrote:I have submitted a certificate from CITY AND GUILDS, which on the provider list, I have to provide an International Diploma from that organization.

joanbubu · Post by **joanbubu** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 11:06 am

Thanks for responding guys! What I mean is they stated that I have submitted the C & G certificate which is not on the list, but the certificate I sent is from Trinity College!!! And it is on the provider's list.

Unfortunately I do not keep a copy of the certificate, my mistake. But have immediately replied to clarify the point. But never heard from him since then. I wonder if ECO will reply to me to admit it was a mistake.

I don't know what can I do if the ECO keeps ignoring me. Should I write a complain to ECM and ask them to look into it? Cos its obviously a mistake they have made!

Thanks a lot

Post by **Lucapooka** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 1:06 pm

joanbubu wrote:Thanks for responding guys! What I mean is they stated that I have submitted the C & G certificate which is not on the list, but the certificate I sent is from Trinity College!!! And it is on the provider's list.

But they seem to be saying that it's not the International Diploma. Yes, the exam provider is on the list but they are asking for a specific exam from that provider. The UKBA have cited only the International Diploma from the C & G portfolio as being acceptable.

For example, Marks & Spencer have lots of types and styles of underwear but I am only willing to accept the silk boxers. If, instead, you try to provide the M&S cotton y-fronts I will not accept those.

pennylessinindia · Post by **pennylessinindia** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 1:13 pm

Lucapooka wrote:
joanbubu wrote:Thanks for responding guys! What I mean is they stated that I have submitted the C & G certificate which is not on the list, but the certificate I sent is from Trinity College!!! And it is on the provider's list.
But they seem to be saying that it's not the International Diploma. Yes, the exam provider is on the list but they are asking for a specific exam from that provider. The UKBA have cited only the International Diploma from the C & G portfolio as being acceptable.

For example, Marks & Spencer have lots of types and styles of underwear but I am only willing to accept the silk boxers. If, instead, you try to provide the M&S cotton y-fronts I will not accept those.

Perhaps this should be a new rule only applicants with silk underwear will be issued visas, would make for interesting interviews !

joanbubu · Post by **joanbubu** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 1:20 pm

thanks for responding. But on the application I have stated that my english test evidence provided by an A1 cert of GESE grade 2 from TRINITY COLLEGE which is from the english test provider's list.

I just don't understand why he claimed that my english test result is from C & G. It is so obvious that he has made a mistake.

Post by **Lucapooka** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 1:27 pm

Are you saying they made a mistake in that your exam is not from C & G but from Trinity College instead, yet they say it's from C & G? If so, they simply email them to say look again at the certificate.

joanbubu · Post by **joanbubu** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 1:55 pm

Hi Lucapooka,
Yes, correct!!! I sent email to them immediately but wonder will they really read and admit they have made a mistake. I haven't heard from them yet so I am not sure if they have read my email, or have already looked into my application again. They seems don't reply you bad.

I really don't understand they have mixed up my certificate, not sure if they have lost my certificate. Should I contact Trinity College and pay for the replacement certificate and send it over to them again?

Cheers xx

Post by **Lucapooka** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 2:36 pm

Did you provide copies of all your paperwork (in addition to the originals) when you submitted the application?

joanbubu · Post by **joanbubu** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 2:41 pm

yes, I did, they should be able to find the copy of my certificate from the provided copies. My worries is will they just ignore my email reply and put my application in ''awaiting for further evident'', unless I re-submit so call ''International Diploma'' from C & G.... any thought? MANY THANKS!!

Here is the email they sent me....

You recently applied to this office for entry clearance to join your sponsor in the UK with a view to settlement. Your application has been deferred for further enquiries and evidence.

I note that as evidence to meet the English language requirements of Paragraph 281 you have provided a test certificate from the City and Guilds organisation. I note that the UK Border Agency's list of approved English language tests (available at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... h-language) states the only test accepted from City & Guilds is the 'International ESOL Diploma' and states that the following documents must be provided: "(Diploma) Certificate and Notification of Candidate results sheet (Speaking result on a separate certificate and Notification of Result sheet. You have not provided the requisite documents as listed and you have not provided a diploma certificate. As it stands your application falls for refusal without the requisite documents. Please obtain these documents from City & Guilds and provide these to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Hong Kong to forward to this office. Please take a copy of this email with you to show to security.

Post by **Lucapooka** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 3:04 pm

It seems you have done all that you can and I would now simply wait for the outcome. It's clear that it's a crass error that is easily corrected if, indeed, they do refuse the visa.

Additionally, there is a ECM complaints email on the UK in Hong Kong website. I would definitely email them now before the decision is made.

By email to: manilavisafeedback@fco.gov.uk
Please include â€˜HK Complaintâ€™ in the subject of the email and mark your complaint for the attention of the Entry Clearance Manager in the body of the email

joanbubu · Post by **joanbubu** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 3:26 pm

Thanks a lot.

I have thought about to complain but I am afraid it will affect the rest of my application. As I am not sure if they have checked all the documents and only found the english test didn't satisfy them, or they took english test as the starting line, if english test fails, then don't bother to look at the rest....

Post by **Lucapooka** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 3:32 pm

It's not a complaint and it's the only direct way to communicate with the ECO that is dealing with your case.

joanbubu · Post by **joanbubu** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 3:34 pm

I have emailed back to the ECO who sent me the refusal email. Do u think it still necessary to write to ECM right now?

Post by **Lucapooka** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 3:39 pm

No, not if you have the email of the ECO and have made contact. I assumed that you did not have this when I suggested emailing the ECM complaint address. If you are refused you should use this option.

joanbubu · Post by **joanbubu** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 3:45 pm

Lucapooka wrote:No, not if you have the email of the ECO and have made contact. I assumed that you did not have this when I suggested emailing the ECM complaint address. If you are refused you should use this option.

Cheers Lucapooka.

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ECO mistakes!

ECO mistakes!