Applying for SET M after extension

[gadgetguy]

My wife came here on a spouse visa in 2009. After struggling with the Life In UK test we extended her visa in May 2012 where she did the biometric registration and received a Residence Permit card valid until May 2014.

I would like to apply for SET M before October as I noticed that after then you have to take an ESOL course and the Life In the UK test. Called the centre/service we used for her last English test to apply for the extension and they said that even though shes been her for close to 3 years on a spouse visa we still have to wait until 28 days before the extension expires to apply.

Does anyone know if this is correct or not?

Thanks

[Greenie]

Completely incorrect.

[gadgetguy]

Completely incorrect.

OK so we in theory could apply tomorrow if she had passed anther relevant ESOL test?

Is this from personal experience or is there anywhere for info on this?

We all know what the UKBA site is like for finding basic stuff out, never mind anything slightly off peak

[Casa]

You mention an ESOL 'test'. The ESOL option requires attendance on a UKBA approved course and the student has to prove that they have progressed from one level to the next.
Here's a link:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/briti ... tizenship/

[gadgetguy]

You mention an ESOL 'test'. The ESOL option requires attendance on a UKBA approved course and the student has to prove that they have progressed from one level to the next.
Here's a link:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/briti ... tizenship/

Yes, thats the option were hoping to go for but as I mentioned thertes confusion over whether we can apply before the current extension expires. Shes only 10 months ish into it.

[gadgetguy]

Spoke to an immigration adviser today who said that you can apply as we have completed the qualifying period.

Now the next headache, the ESOL and citizenship test. For her previous English test we used a company in Leicester called Learn Skills Today who offer this course http://www.lstuk.co.uk/coursedetail.php?p=1 but on the UKBA site it states

You must have attended your ESOL course at an accredited college.
The course must have included citizenship materials derived from the document 'Citizenship Materials for ESOL Learners' (ISBN: 1-84478-5424).
You must have obtained a relevant ESOL qualification from an approved awarding body.
You must demonstrate that you have made relevant progress

Do companies like this just train you then do the test at an accredited college?