UKBA announces date for spouse and partner language tests

I'm getting married on 24th November in india and want to bring my wife as my dependent here in UK. She knows English very well but the only problem is she's not able to register herself to the Test exam Center closer to her on time. We need to apply for the Visa from India and if we are not able to apply before 29th November then I don't know what's going to happen... I have spent 6 years of my life away from her and finally when I'm getting married to her, I don't know if I'm coming back to UK along with her... just because of this test... why did Government have to roll out this test compulsory from 29th November 2010?

I'm so worried :(

This test is rubbish. just unfair to people who been waiting for such a long time to be told that they have to wait even longer.

Is this implementation also applicable to PBS Tier 4 (Student) Visa dependants? Because on the link showing the English exams accredited, it also says there for PBS Tier 2 category. Does this mean Tier 4 is an exemption to this?

What if your spouse had submitted his/her application for spouse visa and entry to UK in October 2010 (i.e. before 29th Novemeber), will they still need to submit a language level result even after the initial application has been submitted?

@Don Flynn;

Thank you for the prompt and useful response. This is extremely helpful and reassuring to know.

Hi Don.

I have sent you a number of emails but there is an error and they are returned.
ok, I just wanted to know if it would be worth applying even though I don't have everything.

1 I live with my Mother and the house is in her name. she is also happy to have my wife and I living here with her, has you know it is a 3 bedroom house and there is just the two of us living here.

2 utility bills are all in her name, but all my letters come here.

3 I don't have six months back statements because I have only been back in the UK 4 months and started work one month ago.

3 I can get a letter from my employer and also if I need a reference I have a good friend who is a magistrate .

I am not sure if I have to produce all of the above . I am able to send the fee to my wife via western union.

most of our contact has been via email and mobile phone, but I have a pay as you go phone and no bills for that.
what would my wife need to supply her end. I

I am just getting ready for work and and have not had much time having worked 12 to 13 hours a day the last month.

thank you again Don for all your help, I just hope we are not too late.

Hi there,
I came here in tier 4 rule,in student visa,,and now time has come i have to extend my visa here.So can you please make me clear if my dependant should give English test if I apply after 29th of november..
Many thanks

Please could someone help me with my wife's UK dependent visa application form? I am Indian, currently on Tier 2 (General) visa in UK. I want to bring my wife as my dependent to UK. Which application form do we have to submit for her visa? PBS Dependent form (http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/1903073/vaf10) or Settlement form?

Please let me know...

@sagar

you should try http://immigrationboards.com/ It is probably a better place to seek such advice.

However be very very careful. I've heard of too many people, who got lousy advice from some who wasn't a practising lawyer. Really, can't stress this enough.
The result of following advice from "good intentioned" people who aren't qualified and registered with the bar, especially on subjects like this one, where the rule hasn't been put into practice, is a lot of wasted time reading wrong info at best, and a life ruined at worst.

Hello again. I was on a student visa here, 4 years ago and I passed the IELTS test with a score of 7.0 . I am from the Philippines, married for almost 2 years now, with a spousal visa.
Am i going to take the Life in the UK Test? or the English Language Test? Help.......thanks !!!

I could not agree with you more Andy.
it is indeed a joke when Theresa May can say that the test is to help none Europeans to integrate into British culture ? and just like you said and I and many other will agree, what about the many thousands from Poland, France, and all the other member states of the European union who are already living here who cannot speak any English or very little at that.
this stupid new law is aimed only at those from outside of Europe. to cut Immigration. and it is a clear case of discrimination of human rights. look it up in the human rights act .
I doubt you will get an honest reply to your emails. and this problem will not go away . this government simply thinks the situation will blow over.
I have sent my documents to my Wife in China via special post that cost me a lot of money. I was told it would take 4 working days. she has still not had the documents and it looks like it could be too late for her to apply for her visa, and of course this means she will have to try and learn English in her own Country of China. only recently she spoke to me saying that David Cameron had been to China and spoke of Human rights with the Prime minister there. how can this government be such hypocrites to preach what they can't even practice.
I shall share the outcome of my wife's application on this forum .
we have been very happily married a year last October , of which we had lived together for 9 months until I had to return to the UK to help take care of my 87 year old Mother who has cancer. I have also managed to secure a good job to support my wife and myself.
I urge those in the same sort of situation to fight on to end this injustice that picks on those who simply do not belong to the European union. it is a clear cut case of discrimination and I shall never give up the fight until this disgraceful injustice is snuffed out and allows us the freedom to marry and live with someone if they happen to come from outside of Europe.
so Theresa May says the new test is to help people to integrate into the British way of life,, then pray answer my question. why is this test not also applying to those who are members of the European union of which many who reside in the UK cannot speak English or very little. I happen to work along side many polish who speak hardly any English..
this happens to be about Immigration control, NOT integration !!!!
there is a saying. you can fool some people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people, all of the time.
Theresa May should know that for many it is virtually impossible to learn English in poorer Countries..it appears she has complete disregard for those of us who will now suffer the break up of family life.
whats wrong with the life in the UK test ? why bring in another test ?
how many have already taken the life in the UK test. passed then not continued to learn English. this will also happen with the new test. even if the government introduces more changes, there will always be those who will want to continue to learn good English and those who will not.
Andy, it is common knowledge that the real truth often offends and we don't always get truthful answers to our questions.
we have not heard the last of what is happening regarding this new test.
I wish you and everyone else here, good luck .

@gian

That's really awful news. Have you considered getting in touch with your local MP? I wish you all the best.

English Language Test - All partners are equal but some are more equal than others.

Let me first state that I'm actually in favour of migrants learning basic skills in English if they want the privilege of living in our fine country and I personally wouldn't oppose the new English Language Test.................BUT, please listen to my personal story.
      I have worked very hard for over 5 months to compile all the necessary documents, papers, bank statements etc for my fiancee's visa application. It was only when I was confident that I had everything as perfect as possible, that I decided to make sure that I had the most up to date application. This was on the 25th November 2010 and I was surprised to find that, on the UK Border Agency's site, there now was a “December 2010” form. I downloaded it to see if it was any different from the one I already had and that's when I noticed two new questions:
8.1.3 Are you exempt from the English language requirement? Put a cross (x) in the relevant box
8.1.4 Please provide details of how you meet the English language requirement.

This was the first I knew about this English Language test. So, although I had an inkling there may be something like this in 2011, I had no idea it was happening so soon. But, I really didn't concern myself too much as my fiancee has very good conversational skills in English and would have absolutely no trouble passing. Upon further investigation, I found that it stated quite specifially and clearly on the UKBA site:
“In the test, you will need to demonstrate a basic command of English (speaking and listening) at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference Someone assessed at level A1 can understand and use simple, everyday expressions and very basic phrases. You will not need to demonstrate your reading and writing skills. The minimum standard that you must meet is in speaking and listening at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference.
It then goes on to give a List of approved test centres.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsfragments/26-english-l...
My fiancee lives in Uganda and, on this list, there is not a single mention for Uganda. After much searching, I found that the British Council offers a test at a substantial cost of £100, a very large amount in Uganda. To put this into perspective, the most recent job my fiancee had, she was earning a tenth of that per month. Once I had resigned myself to this extra cost, I searched for samples of the test and my stomach churned when I saw these. First of all, it was a 3 hour test with a substantial part devoted to serious reading comprehension and writing pieces of “at least 250 words” (and just imagine the added stress to the whole thing for someone with a basic knowledge of English who is already nervous about sitting a test to be with her loved one and then having to count words and make sure she has exactly the right amount. That alone could easily deduct a valuable 30 minutes from their time) As if this wasn't bad enough, the first test the British Council has available is 22nd January and it takes a full two weeks to get the results. Since the visa application can now only be submitted after the test has been taken, it means now that we can't even apply for the visa until 5th February and I thought on the 25th November that I should be ready to apply the following week !
Last week, I sent out a total of 85 emails to language centres, universities, tv stations, newspapers ....you name it – mostly in Uganda in a determined effort to find a fair test that will (as the UKBA site says) demonstrate a basic command of English (speaking and listening) at level A1. I have not found a single place approved by the UKBA other than the British Council.
Today (6th December) I have spent at least 4 hours on the phone calling different people in Uganda including the British Council, the British High Commision, VFS (UKBA's agent in Kampala) and others - all of them are completely intractable.
The British Council told me implacably that they only give the IELTS exam as that's the only one approved by UKBA.......period.

Then I spoke to a very pompous lady in the visa section of the British High Commision in Kampala who said in the very beginning,
“The level she'll be doing is really basic. When did you talk to the BC because all the other Ugandans are sitting this test?” When I disagreed and said that the sample tests were not at all basic. She said, “They are sitting these exams so I don't know why you are saying it's complicated. No, no, no. It's the basic English requirement, the basic level”.and then very matter of factly “”If she's lived in Uganda, studied in Uganda, she should be able to pass. If you check on the website,there's the level 1 and it's the level that she has to take.and she has to pass. If she finds it complicated then she can't apply for the test.”
Then, it appears that she really doesn't know what the British Council has available because she next says,
“If that's what the BC provide, then let her just sit for these 3 hours. I don't see what the problem is (you see she obviously didn't know much about this test and was trying to make me believe she did.) “You cannot dispute what they provide” “When did you talk to the BC because all the other Ugandans are sitting this test?” I'm sure there are Ugandans passing this test but I would hazard a guess that they're all academics not conversational English speakers.
After another of my comments questioning how difficult the IELTS would be with such advanced reading comprehension and writing for someone who's just a conversational speaker, she said, “Level 1 entails all those things and she has to sit for all those things.” Then tries to pass me off with “Anyway, that's what everyone else is doing at the moment.”
This woman, who is a Ugandan herself had such a couldn't care less attitude and did nothing at all to help me find a fair test for my fiancee to take so that we could go ahead and get our application submitted.
As if all of that is not enough, actually registering for the IELTS test is almost as daunting as applying for a visa. There are so many rules that have to be obeyed. Your passport has to be with you on the day of the exam. You cannot leave the room. No phones, bags or any items other than pencils, pens sharpeners. Plus, the fee can only be paid at a bank designated by the BC and you have use a cash deposit slip with British Council logo at the Bank. Remember to pay 2,000 shs in Bank Charges. You can see all the rules and regulations here:
http://www.britishcouncil.org/africa-global-ielts-application-form.pdf
A good analogy that comes to mind regarding the IELTS test as opposed to a test appropriate for spouses who are conversational speakers is that this would be like driving up to a centre to take your driving test feeling fairly confident after a year of lessons and then being told that the only approved test offered was one in which you had to drive a huge lorry with trailer.
You had to back the trailer into considerably difficult spaces and be able to answer questions about customs and excise when taking goods out of the country. When you complained that this was unfair, you were told that this
is the only approved test that the government offers in your area so you'll just have to practise on a huge lorry and learn all the necessary rules and regulations for a lorry even although the government specifically stipulates
that, to pass a driving test, you must only learn to drive a car NOT a lorry. I kid you not !
       Mark Trier at Language Solutions in the UK, whose company offers a UKBA approved A1 test and also have a version specially designed for spouses without the reading and writing sections .  said, "Certainly the IELTS is
like taking a sledge hammer to crack a nut as it is certainly not designed to test at this elementary level. Unfortunately, our test is not available in Uganda."
Knowing that there really are tests like these available, designed specifically for spouses without the reading and writing sections is both a relief and a huge frustration that they're not available to many of the people who need them to (as the UKBA clearly state) demonstrate a basic command of English and this leads one to question if the UKBA has put this “across the board” requirement without there being in place suitable test centres that partners can be realistically tested.
  I have no idea if people in other African countries are having similar problems where the government bodies seem to be quite callous and indeed indifferent to the needs of honest, genuine people who wish only to join their loved ones in the UK.
Of course, by now I had long passed the deadline of the 29th November which, coincidentally??? was when the visa fee increased from £615 to £750. I cringe when I think that, had I known then what I do now, not only could I have saved myself so much in stress and concern, but I would have saved £250 and the visa application would be now in the process of being inspected by the Clearance Officer.

See what you think. Have a look at some samples of the IELTS test and decide whether you'd be happy to (as the pompous BHC woman said) let him/her just sit for these 3 hours. and attempt to pass this test:
https://ielts.britishcouncil.org/Docs%5CIELTSInformationForCandidates.pdf

Hello again. I am from the Philippines and I passed my IELTS test year 2007 in Manila,when I came here on a student visa. I am now on a spousal visa and have to apply for an indefinite leave to remain this coming February 2011. As I am from the Philippines, will I still take the IELTS test again? or is the IELTS test I took 2007 still valid?

I can just imagine if other Countries follow the trend and start asking us Brits to take a language course before we can live in or visit their Country.

so much for the Cap on Migrants.
looks like David Cameron will fail to cut the net migration to tens of thousands as he promised in the Queens Speech.

only a small percentage of migrants come from outside of Europe, not tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands compared to the rest of Europe.

if I was Polish,French southern Ireland or any other part of the European union then I would be able to bring my none European partner into the UK. and no new English test.
someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Can anyone tell me if there is an English test center in Chongqing China.

Hi buddy, join the club. my wife is also in China trying to learn English and I have also been searching the internet for answers without any luck.
it seems the Government has not given any real thought for those whom it affects.
maybe in another 6 months we might all know the information .
I think there are already some Countries including the UK where people have been able to find the approved schools who do the new English A1 test. but for all I know there seems to be very little known about where in China the tests are taken, but I known there are many angry people there who see this only of a way of trying to stop them from pursuing a chance to learn here or some other reason.
if you or anyone else is able to find out where these tests are or will be taken. then please let us all know, I shall also pass on what information I am able to come up with. good luck to you and everyone else in this same stupid situation.

i applied for my wife in china to come to the uk on the 29th november and i believe that this new law was passed so i need to know where she can take this exam.she still hasnt heard off the british embassy and my solicitor hasnt got a clue.she is in fuzhou currently learning english and i dont even know if she is on the right course because its IELTS.then i dont know even know where she takes this exam i am running out of time.i have looked on the british embassy website and their aim is to process applications within 3 months

dear this is not good if any one is saying they will give pass certificate without her passing the test its all fake and your wife might get into trouble when she lands in UK as border agency would interview her at the entry point and if is not able to speak english they will find out that the certificate is fake and the action will be taken.

so would sugest you not to go for it rest its all upto you if you need any assistance kindly call me at +91-9871097333

I think this a great step frm the government because once partners or spouses enter the UK and have gained settlement they tend to leave you. We are having the same problem my sisters mother in law is just waiting for her son to get his indefinite leave to remain and then she I believe and also my sister believes that she will divorce ask her son to divorce my sister. Mother and son r just putting on an act of being nice. My sisters mother in law was totally different when her son was at Pakistan but now since he has arrived in the UK she treats everyone like dirt, like she is a queen, she doesn't care, she has completely changed before she used to talk to my sister over the phone saying nice things now she just talks to her son and hangs up doesn't even bother talking to my sister so my sister in her heart knows that after her husband has indefinite leave to remain things will change in her life. I think the government should even think about extending the length of time before a person should be allowed to apply for settlement 2 years for indefinite leave and 3 years before applying for citizenship is too less i mean in European countries it's more then that for instance Spain 10 years before you get citizenship that's good.

Quote GP:
OK, I am an immigrant from a none European country. I have passed the test and got my visa to live in the UK. now perhaps I have no further interest to continue learning English, so would I perhaps integrate or not.

Then why did you come to the UK? Free NHS? Work in a sweat shop?

The new English language requirements were introduced so that a foreign national would be able to listen and speak English to a very basic level.

The need to learn English already exists under the previous regulations and the new one's.
If you want to remain permanently in the UK then you must attend an accredited college and take ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses.
Only by gaining a level of ESOL above that which you were assessed can you get ILR (Indefinate Leave to Remain). Otherwise you had to apply for FLR ( Further Leave to Remain) ever two years, which is costly.

If you don't want to integrate then keep paying the fees, although how you pay them is a mystery. The question arises if you don't want to integrate then why do you want to live in the UK.
The emphasise on Immigration is now 'if you want to work and live in the UK' You can only work by learning the language !

Your probably aware that I'm in favour of the new Immigration rules, oh! and my wife is a foreign national. However I do agree that the new rules are discriminating against certain natioanalities.

The UK has the door half open to Europe so Europeans travel freely over our borders without the need of nothing more than their ID. Their foreign natinal spouses can accompany the European family with a 'family visa' but they don't need to pass any tests.

I agree it should be one rule for all but until the UK close the door on Europe and get out of the EU then these problems will continually arise.

By the way GP, the 'Life in the UK' test is for those wishing to gain ILR or British citizenship.
It can be passed without speaking a word of English but you must be able to read English to sit this test, therefore it is recommended that only foreign nationals with at least an ESOL Entry 3 level should attempt this test.

My wife wants to work and live in the UK and make a difference to her own life as well. She is currently doing her ESOL entry 2 level. She believes by having a good command of the language she can find a good job and better her future.

Not all spouse's come here just to get indefinite leave to remain. though this does and will continue to happen.it is very wicked to use marriage for this purpose !

the life in the UK test allowed partners to come here and take the test, and as Grumpy said and he is correct, they did not have to learn English as in the new A1 test. so why not allow a spouse to join their loved one and learn English here, in a given period of time.

maybe the rules could be changed for indefinite leave to remain, risen to say six years or longer this would help weed out those who only wish to abuse the Immigration system and use a marriage for the sole purpose of just wanting to live here on state hand outs or others reasons, other than to remain in a permanent happy marriage.
surely this would be a better solution to help greatly reduce the problem of the system.
this would make people think before wishing to come here.
it is obvious there are issues that need to be thought out to allow genuine loved ones to be able to live together.

I believe it is cruel to keep genuine loved ones apart because of those who have and will continue to try and abuse the immigration laws of the UK.
there are better and more human ways of helping those who wish to settle here without the need of breaking up happy families, while also making it more difficult for those who have no wish to settle and integrate here and only use marriage as a way in through the door.
points taken Grumpy, mine also given. and no hard feelings.
have a nice weekend.

Yes, you are right. the life in the UK test never allowed a person to come into the UK. forgive me for my previous mistake in my last post here.
I am also British and not from another country.
it is our wish to settle in her country once I retire in just a few years.

many foreign nationals apart from thinking our streets are paved with gold have never had the chance to learn English. as I said earlier. many come from very poor countries where it is impossible for them to learn our language, let alone pay for tuition in places where it is possible to learn English.
class yourself lucky, you could have had the misfortune to be as unlucky as those who have never had the same chances as you and I.

I am in full time employment, I have my own place, I now help my wife to learn English in the best possible ways I can.
many other foreign nationals from within the European union can come here freely and do the jobs that many UK nationals don't want or are just plain lazy to work. members of none European countries must take a test. I don't call this fair but I do agree that those from other countries should learn our language and given greater encouragement.
one way of doing this would be by allowing them to be with loved ones who would help them even more to integrate here. not break up families.
A time period should be allowed for them the learn and pass the test.
where would I most likely learn better Japanese, Chinese, Indian, to name a few. in the countries where the language is native !
as I said earlier, there are issues here that need to be addressed properly. not hurry in a new law without thinking of how it is going to affect those who wish to settle here.
I am for those who want to settle here, and in the same context I am against those who use methods to exploit the system just to get into the UK for the wrong reasons.

Hi Hans,
A list of approved providers can be found on this page.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/partners-other-f...

Search for providers offering the A1 exam in India. You may need to e-mail some of these for further information, and locations in India.

There are two different types of centres to take the test.
1. Internal Centres
Internal Centres are authorised to run examinations only for students who are enrolled as students at the institution that runs the centre. They are not able to accept entries from candidates who are not their students.
2. Open Centres
Open centres are authorised to run examinations for all candidates, including those who are not taking a preparation course at the institution that runs the centre. Many open centres also run preparation courses for the Cambridge ESOL exams.

I ran a search through the Cambridge University site from the above link and came up with the following test centres in India.

Search results: Concepts Institute of Education IN433 Ahmedabad 380058 Ahmedabad Open centre
Campus Guide (P) Ltd IN033 560004 Bangalore Bangalore Open centre
British Council, Kolkata IN002 16 Camac Street Calcutta Open centre
Cue English (India) Pvt. Ltd IN303 6th Avenue, Anna Nagar West Chennai Open centre
British Council, Chennai IN001 737 Anna Salai Chennai (Formerly Madras) Open centre
Ryan International School, Rohini IN353 Rohini Delhi Internal centre
Extralearn International College IN145 Gurgaon - 122001. Haryana Internal centre
CfBT Education Resource Management Private Limited IN260 500004 Hyderabad Hyderabad Open centre
British Council, Mumbai IN100 Elphinstone Rd (West) Mumbai Open centre
Macmillan Publishers India Ltd IN191 Daryaganj New Delhi Open centre
The British Council, New Delhi IN120 17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg New Delhi Open centre
Academy for Professional Excellence IN452 Open centre

I wish you good luck.

I could not agree with you more.
my wife and I have not seen each other for over 8 months, each day she struggles to learn English. it is often very depressing for us both,
we will have been married 2 years this year.
the UK is rapidly falling behind in human rights issues when we have those within government now hurrying in new laws that affect those who are genuine people only wishing to live together in a loving marriage. if the Government is so concerned about Immigration ,then why not introduce a system that is more fair.
1 allow the spouse to come to the UK.
2 a time period should be introduced for learning and taking the English test.
3 it is well known that there are thoese who cannot learn English in their own Country, due to one reason or another. if my wife was here, then she would be in a much better postion to learn within an English speaking enviroment.
4i ndefinate leave and leave to remain should be increased , if someone is proved to have used the system just to live here, then leave the spouse, then they should be quickly deported.
there are other more human ways of implimenting Immigration control without breaking up those who wish to remain .
I believe most people would find this a better way. and of course it would strongly help to deter those who just come here to abuse the system..

please forgive me on a parting note.
yes it is a violation of our human rights. and one only has to read up on the human rights act.
how hypocritical to preach Human rights to other nations, when we cannot even keep our own home in order.

Grumpy, why don't you ask for specifics nicely? it's not hard to be nice, and you'll get the information that would enable you to judge things properly.

If she takes the test in her own country, she has to wait a few months for the next test, travel a huge distance to take the test, wait (she is told) 3 months for the results, then apply for a visa which takes 2 months, at which time she has to book a flight which realistically often requires a month, but since she has to return back to her country to help her sister later in the year, you'll see that just the test alone (excluding visa and flight) will mean i would not see her for a year.
Furthermore, when she has rung the british council and the test providers there, they have shown such ignorance of things that they've told her she should take it in the UK.
My own experience of the UK is that i rang one of the test providers given on the UKBA list, but they told me they only design the course and had no idea of where the tests would actually be given but to ring the UKBA as they would have the list, but when i rang the UKBA they said they had no idea of where testing would be and to ring the folks i first rang. Each said they didn't know and to ring the other. If that's the case in the UK, I can well imagine the problem she has been reporting getting information about tests in her own country.

All this, when she can speak english perfectly well. So i've found somewhere in the UK, and she is flying all the way over to the UK to take the test and then returning. But then since it would be apparent at any visa interview that she can speak english, the whole exercise, time and money, is completely pointless.

d

I am in the same situation now with my fiancee in China. We have been going in circles trying to find an acceptable test provider, who will produce a certificate - that in turn the UKBA will be satisfied by. Whilst she studied English at the top of her class up to and including University, as it's not considered a Bachelor's equivalent here, she has to do something that is (according to Trinity at least), 6 mins worth of point-and-speak basic patronising.

As a result we are looking at IELTS, though this is *significantly* more complex. Having taught English myself whilst travelling, I'd place it at around the A-Level mark for English comprehension. Either way it's many orders of magnitude more complex than the actual UKBA requirement, which has - as above - been implemented in such a spectacularly bodged fashion as to make a complete mockery of human rights.

I'd like to ask the above posters (G P and DM specifically), if they know of where and what we should book for examination. She resides in Guilin currently but as her brother stays in Guangzhou, it would make life easier for her to take it there.

Any assistance gratefully received.

PS. I wouldn't mind, but neither of us have any plans on staying here, it's just that we can't stand being apart and that I am yet to complete all of my training to teach at the level I'd like to, in Taiwan.

that end paragraph should have said, "i'm very fortunate she had a month left on her visiting visa from before we were married, as i hear they take a dimmer view of issuing a visiting visa to a spouse in the fear they will try to stay on it (because of course they are married)..."

d

I did post earlier but nothing seems to have appeared...

Thanks DM - we investigated visitor visa and because you have to satisfy the UKBA that a non-EU person *will* return, it involved the following:
- Copy of contract from employer (translated by an official in to English and each page countersigned)
- Copy of registered employer business details (translated by an official in to English and each page countersigned)
- Signed, letter-headed notification that she would return to work and holiday was approved (translated by an official in to English and each page countersigned)
- £5,000 (or 50,000 kuai) in her bank account
- copy of her Hu Kou (translated by an official in to English and each page countersigned)
- Letter from my Landlord stating he's happy to have her stay with me (letter-headed of course)
- Copy of my contract with my company, stating position, salary and length of service
- Bank statements proving I can support her

If that wasn't enough, the fact that she's not currently working in a contracted job, means her employer won't provide anything, anyway (many many Chinese work in jobs this way).

Hence the fiancee visa. We were always going to get married, but the loveliness of UK legalities has forced us to bring it forward a year (I simply can't afford the time off work and the cost of flights visiting every month or two).
All this, and we'll be off in a few years anyway. Cheers Cameron, thanks very much.

It's no wonder I consider myself a child of mother earth and certainly *not* British. This silly little island is purely my place of birth.

And thanks Anon, I've registered and will post just as soon as I get an activation on my account.

my wife has passed this english test in china but is there an expiry date? i am having problems with my employment i work in the night part time but i only earn £600 i send my wife £400 and £200 is for rent each month i have spoken to my solicitor and he has said they might refuse the application because its not enough. i have already applied once and i have sorted out the issues surrounding the refusal of the visa.we have been apart 5 years and my daughter who is a british citizen is now 3 and they are both in china. i am trying my hardest to find a job in the daytime whether its part time or full time but i am having no luck
is there any new laws coming out in the next few months????

One of the best pieces of advice i ever saw on the web, was the statement that when you fill in the Application, the answers you give should as much as possible be backed up by your documents, so i went through the application and made sure there were verification documents for all the answers given.

The other thing i did, was to make an evidence summary - a simple list of documents, for each giving the document, key fact(s), provider, date
e.g. Bank Statement --- xxx/year, always xxx in credit --- Halifax Bank --- June 2011
etc

a simple table like this makes their job much easier and pleasurable, and a happier assessor is going to act more favourably.
by contrast, a complicated mass of documents without order which has to be laboriously sifted for imformation, is going to create a less favourable feel.... just my thinking...

d

thanks DM for the advice i really appreciate it i have now decided that if i cant get a daytime job in 3 months because i work in the night i am going back to china and live with my wife and daughter. we have been apart far too long and its heartbreaking. my bank is always in credit the amount of money i have spent is unbelievable on this but i thought in the end it was going to be worth it. i am a british citizen i was born in hong kong but i came to the uk when i was 2 years old.i speak fluent english and got qualifications. the accommodation is sorted i have moved back into my parents house which is a 5 bedroom house. on the refusal letter they even questioned our relationship. i was very upset about that because i got photos to prove our marriage and phone bills since 2006. i have looked through that list of test providers and surprise surprise my wife's english test certificate will be invalid now thats £2000 wasted

to david
i am so depressed its unbelievable i am trying my best to find a 2nd job whether its part time or full time but with that extra income i can get my wife to apply now i am racing against time. i have registered with every recruitment agency in my city plus i went to the job centre but they werent much help. the government say they want to control immigration but this is keeping families apart why dont they look at the people coming into the uk from the EU.

Anon,

Your case isn't yet lost. You have adequate accomodation and your mother and father can also act as joint sponsors.

If your wife has already passed the test once then she can take another test at one of the open centres in China. I'm guessing she went to an IELTS college to learn before, hence the hefty fees. She can walk into an open test centre and retake the test for around £150.

You really should join the forum site I listed above where we can give you specific advice.

Free advice and help is available if you need it. The choice is yours.

I wish you all the very best for the future.

i think the idea of your parental sponsors, is that they say they're happy providing accommodation now and also generally, and there's enough room for you to lead a life there.
The visa assessors know that parents in a good relation with their child will always help the child out, and this safeguards them seeing your wife as someone who will need to draw from the state.
i would think it might also help, if your parents are going to leave something substantial of the large house to you in their will, that this could be mentioned (signed by parents) too in whatever detail is possible/useful.

d

i just registered for that site now i am just waiting confirmation off an email. thanks grumpy for your help. what do i do next????

Our human rights are being violated !!!! it is the right for anybody to be with the one that they love,that is a God given right !!!! the world does not belong to politicians,but God and we the people of the world !!!!! the so called laws that they make deliberately to keep us apart from the ones that we love are not in fact real laws and would never stand up in a real court of law !!!!! we were told that people coming here to the uk should integrate and speak english,but i look around me in my town and see no integration or english speaking from peo
ple coming from the EU !!!!! 80% of immigration comes from europe,with approx
20% coming from non EU countries,yet many people coming from non EU countries contribute to our hospitals and care homes and pay their taxes to this
government,and others just want their human right of being with the one that they
love in this country without having to fight a cold and heartless system and pay sometimes many thousands of pounds for failed visa applications which will never succeed cause of unfair requirements that most of us cannot meet like joint utility bills and good jobs and such like,our human rights should overide any of these required things !!!!!
To me all people are equal from whatever country they come from,but any laws should be the same for everyone so everybody has an equal chance of coming
to stay within the UK,but sadly things are so biased now in this changing world.

^^ which is a nail-biting thing

yes its a hard subject to address but we must have common sense on this issue how can it be right to make people from outside the uk take english language tests when clearly this is against human rights my wife is having to go through this ordeal at the moment and it is proving a struggle even though she speaks english as her second language we are now in a situation of complete madness i work with many people from eastern europe who struggle even to have a conversation but because of the new rules this government has decided anyone from outside the eu has to prove a certain level of english is this discrimination on a political scale i think we need to have a major re think i cant believe this has not been thown in the bin where it belongs

Vince,
I have to be perfectly blunt and honest with you.
1. You don't apply for a Visitor Visa to get married in the UK.
2. If your to busy to visit her, how do you expect to spend time with her here.
3. You obviously haven't provided proof of income, or proof of accomodation.

Why not read the conditions and requirements first, then follow the checklists of required documentations before you blame someone else for what appears to be a shoddy application on your part.

Her refusal has nothing to do with discrimination of her Human Rights.

Hi Don,
As I said I was being blunt and honest with Vince.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with what Vince is doing in terms of his relationship but if he can't be bothered to follow the rules then his application will fail.

Whether I agree or disagree with the rules is not the issue in Vince's case.
We have to work with the rules in place at the current time, like it or not.

I have helped numerous people to prepare Visa applications, appeals and Tribunal hearings with 100% success so far. I do this freely because of my beliefs, provided the parties are honest and sincere and are not attempting to circumvent the system by dishonesty about their circumstances.

I have just helped two British citizens attain Visitor Visa's for their wives. They are both taking English courses in their own Country in order to pass the A1 test, apply for settlement, then live in the UK.
The UKBA are not inhuman. I find most do not submit enough evidence or explain their situation in enough detail which leads the UKBA to be suspicious and doubtful.
The UKBA decisions are always based on the 'balance of probabilities' when there is no evidence to support the circumstances.

IMHO and experience a wife has a far greater chance of getting a Visitor Visa than say a girlfriend.

Vince,
Proof of what you have in the bank is no proof at all.
I presume you are self employed in your business. You must therefore show at least 3 years financial accounts as proof of earnings, and tax returns for the same period.
In relation to your accomodation, you must supply a Property Inspection report as proof of suitable accomodation.

You have 10 days to appeal directly to the UKBA and a Senior Immigration officer must deal with your appeal. Their decision can be overturned in a matter of a couple of weeks if you supply the correct evidence in connection with the refusal notice.
Only appeals that go to an Immigration tribunal take 9 months to conclude.

It does take time and commitment to prepare a proper Visa application.

thanks Don for your supportive comments. The way that I read the visa rules is that there are 2 entry methods to marry in the uk...One where you will want to extend the visa holders stay beyond the entry visa, in which case the english entry test prior to entry applies. the second method is a visit visa to enter for marriage VAF1F. Under terms of this visa you must leave the UK before 6 months after entry. It does not stipulate that you require the pre-requisit of the english language test. (People out there who are better informed please correct me.)Although the nearest 3 test centres in thailand are in excess of 300 miles from my g/f's home, and they are fully booked for the next 12 months, if she is granted entry, she cannot study at the english class at the school a quarter of a mile from my home and then do the test in Leeds. This would be in breach of her visitors visa. I wholly agree she should take a test but lets make it resonably easy for access to take the test. Also a message to grumpy is that there has never been a problem for her 2 previously granted visit visas for me to submit my business bank statements for 6 months(They can have 3 years of them if they want) as proof of my source of income. I have run my business for 20 years and everything goes through my bank showing payments in and out rom national + international companies

Hi Vince,
Please take the following information as advice and not critisism.

In the last twelve months the UKBA have tightened the noose, crossed their t's and dotted their i's so to speak. You must provide to the letter what they ask for otherwise it's refusal!
What was acceptable last year, is not acceptable this year, so take nothing for granted.

I would like to see the wording of their refusal notice.
It is hard for me to make a judgement without seeing the documents you submitted and their refusal notice but from the information you have given me I can see errors in your application.

Firstly with regards to your property. It sounds like you sent them a valuation report. Their not interested in the value, they want to know the condition of the property and especially the number of bedrooms. A property inspection report details the number of rooms, state of repair and decoration. Having lodgers has a significant effect, but provided you have an adequate double bedroom, running drinking water, toilet and the house isn't falling down then they have no reason to refuse on the grounds of your accomodation.

Secondly, you sent adequate bank details to prove you can support her but not sufficient evidence of how you acquired the funds. 3 years certified accounts if your self employed with proof of tax paid to the Inland Revenue. Your revenue must be squeeky clean and proved.

Thirdly, you applied for a Marriage Visa, form VAF1F.
I know you intended to marry and your g/f return to Thailand at the end of her Visa but the UKBA are not flexible with what you may personally want to do.
A 'Marriage Visa' is a 'Fiance(e) Visa' under another name and by declaring your intention to marry in the UK, your g/f becomes your Fiancee. (Engaged to be married).
Under the conditions of this Visa your Fiancee is issued with a 6 month Visa during which time you must marry in the UK. When her Visa expires, provided you married, she DOES NOT have to return to Thailand. She can apply from the UK for FLR (Further Leave to Remain) so she does need to pass the English Language test BEFORE they issue her a 'Marriage Visa' to enter the UK.

The UKBA site is not user friendly and many of the conditions are hidden in adjoining links to the site you may be viewing. It is very important to read the paticular type of Visa form, plus the Guidance notes to it, and all other links.
Form VAF1F:
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/1903073/VAF1F
Guidence Notes for - vaf1a, vaf1b, vaf1c,vaf1d, vaf1e, vaf1f, vaf1g, vaf1h,vaf1j, vaf1k.
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/1903073/VAFguidancenotesvaf1...

The most important one, and I fear the one you missed is 'who' must meet the English Language requirements.
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/2885878/guidepartnersenglish...

From 29 November 2010, any migrant applying to enter the UK or applying to
remain in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or a person settled here will
need to show that they can speak and understand English.
An applicant will need to meet the requirement if they are:
1. a national of a country outside the European Economic Area and
Switzerland; and
2. in a relationship with a British citizen or a person settled here; and
applying as that person’s husband, wife, civil partner, FIANCE(E)
proposed civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner.

Forget the refusal Vince, re-apply for a Visitor Visa as you did before. VAF1A.
Without the English Language test it scuppers your plan to marry in the UK.
Unfortunately an intention to marry in the UK is the same as an intention to remain in the UK.
The UKBA do not have a Visa to meet your personal choice of how you want to lead your life!

If your g/f speaks even a little English she can get a Visitor Visa and then take the test in the UK at one of the open centres. Their are no regulations to state where an applicant can take the test !

I have a personal friend in the same predicament. His g/f actually arrives in the UK today on a Visitor Visa and she will take the English Language test within the UK.
They are both returning to China in December, getting married and applying for a Settlement Visa for the UK.

The Immigration system can be unfair, understand what each Visa is for and then use the system to reach your goal.

I run a forum which is predominately to help Chinese with Visas amongst other issues, but the Immigration rules and Visa applications for the UK are the same for overseas migrants from Thailand, China, India, Pakistan or wherever.

I hope Don doesn't mind me using this thread to give Visa help.

Hi Vince,
Sorry for the delay, very busy on my forum.

The UKBA don't have to state all the grounds for refusal, just one ground is enough for refusal. I know that doesn't help but their not a helpful lot at times.

They place the onus on you to follow the rules and guidance, there is no onus on them.

Youv'e probably explained more of your personal situation on this forum than you did to the UKBA. Did you provide any personal letters explaining your work commitments and the fact that your Fiancee doesn't want to immigrate to the UK ?

Whenever I help with Visa applications I look at the information being presented on the application, then review it as an ECO (Entry Clearance Officer) would.
Add to that the personal information I know about the applicant, their circumstances and the reason for an application and it paints two different pictures!

An ECO will base their result on the 'balance of probabilities' on the information you give them.

The trick is to know what to tell them and what not to tell them.

From the information you have already given me, as an ECO I would be suspicious of your application and your motives.
1. Because of work commitments you don't have time to go to Thailand, but you will have time to spend with your Fiancee if she comes to the UK ?
2. You want to marry in the UK but your Fiancee doesn't want to live here ? (A married couple would usually want to remain together - why else get married.....unless you have an ulterior motive).
3. Your Fiancee is busy with farming and family commitments, but..... she can stay in the UK for 6 months at a time ?

I'm not teasing you, I'm just showing how the picture looks to them without further explanations. You have to give answers, before they ask the questions, if you understand my meaning.

Vince, if you want personal help and advice about your Visa application why not join http://nanninginfosite.editboard.com/ although it's predominately a site for helping UK, Australian and European citizens with Visa help for Chinese family, wives, fiancee's etc the guy's can give you good advice based on their own experiences for various Visa's to the UK.

i got married n april i m 21 i m from pakistan..........but my wife is nt 18 years old she wil b 18 next yr .......i will apply next year n feb....and i dnt knw what documents i will need when i will apply for visa......i knw nothing plz can someone help me by tellin me abt all the docs i will need

In Pakistan, relationship before marriage is unthinkable. In UK, parents allow their daughter to spend the whole night with their boy friends and have babies with pride and honour. Modern western cultures are obsessed with sex. They have sex on the brain. Sex is a normal part of life, i.e. of marriage, but western culture is debauched without realising it and inserts sex into everything. Furthermore, western culture is intent on treating homosexuality as though it were normal and perfectly fine, when in fact male homosexuals have been demonstrated in studies (and by their own admission) to be horribly promiscuous, sometimes having 100s of sex partners in a lifetime, having almost no interest in monogamy, and not requiring it of one another even in committed relationships. They are still the number one group having and spreading AIDS. Their sexual practice makes them prone to many diseases and serious medical issues that often shorten their lifespans. All of this is scientific fact, but no one is talking about it. This demonstrates that modern western culture is idiotic and will not survive.

The fact is that British Establishment foes not want Muslims to bring their spouses from their home land. But Muslim youths does not want to marry someone who have been mis-educated and de-educated and de-educated in state schools with non-Muslim monolingual teachers. This is one of the many reason why majority of Pakistanis marry back at home.

Cecilia Malmström, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, said: "Successful integration implies that migrants are given the opportunity to participate fully in their new communities. Learning the language of the receiving country, getting access to employment and education and having the socio-economic capacity to support themselves are crucial elements for a successful integration. To date, integration of migrants in Europe has not been very successful. We must all do more – for the sake of the people coming here, but also since well-integrated migrants are an asset for the EU, as they enrich our societies culturally and economically."
IA
http://www.londonschoolofislamics.org.uk

i suspect the forum isn't meant for exploring ideals such as these, rather, more of a practical sharing help.
Since these ideals have been mentioned, i'd suggest both iftikhar and elf each have some valid points. The UK - along with many other countries - has almost completely lost the plot when it comes to things like community - but Pakistan is no Eden either, in various areas. Both fall far short of what is desirable for humanity to live in, both could do far better if they put their minds to it, and both would do well to learn the best aspects from each other and heed the knowledge of the adversities the other has got into. By humble learning from each other, all things progress. What elf says is true; the UK is what the UK is, these are its conditions, some good, some adverse, and choosing to live in a country is part of the weighing up of different goals and values, and once there, you contribute to steering a country's values forward in a practical way using a style that's attractive to others learning and taking it up...

back, i hope, to practical help.

iftikhar, if you've visited the Visa website and have the form and have seen the recommended documents to provide (Passport, marriage certificate etc) just make sure you provide documents to back up as many as possible of the answers you provide in your questionnaire, and as many documents that answer the questions they will naturally ask in their minds, which will revolve arround, in my understanding, such things as whether the marriage is genuine (and not a way of slipping into the country - showing you're doing fine in your own country and could quite happily have stayed there is helpful), whether you'll be a financial burden or an asset to the UK, whether you'll have somewhere decent to stay, whether you'll respect and value the country or be a cause of its difficulty, etc.

d

"Western" society is trying to dictate what people within one faith are supposed to act, what they should wear. telling Muslims to go back east is stupid tell all christians to back 2 Jerusalam then exactly no point everyone has the right to live in whatever country they choose. There are catholic schools which require a certain type of conduct even if the person is not catholic at that school. You have sikh,hindu and islamic schools and they all instill good values in children in their own way and if someone has certain dietary needs then the school will adjust to that. i don't understand why everyone has to critisize eveything that is going on within the religious circles right now.

Lets think of all those bad things we are proposing:

- to make children multi-lingual.
- understand and accept the sanctity of marriage.
- encouragement to take not even but one drop of alcohol and non-prescribed drugs.
- encouragement not to judge or be judged on grounds of race and colour.
- self discipline in sleeping, hygiene and diet patterns.
- liberation of individuals from materialism and desires to live according to base instincts.
- a detailed understanding of the other two monotheistic religions.

Sorry to break it to you, but Islam is a religion for all colours races and nationalities. You asking a Muslim to "go to east" is like asking a Christian to go back to Palestine!

If Christians followed the teachings of Christ, they would be called Muslims! Take a look in your history books and identify the history of Muslims in this country? Oh well you cant do that becasue the British education system only skims over such issues..... or decides not even to teach them.

So what if Muslims want halal food in schools, is it affecting you, so what if Muslims pray is it affecting you? no!!! Muslims are not Asians, Muslims are the people of ALLAH! there is a difference that you should note. In a Catholic school you learn to read religious things in the church, but why cant we also have a Muslim school, not for Asians, but for Muslims to learn if they wish.

Islam is not taking over, it does not want to take over, but it DOES want to give everyone the chance to learn and understand it. Islam can be great for everyone, but not everyone will accept it, and that is fine, EVERYONE IS THEIR OWN PERSON AND EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN CHOICES TO MAKE!!! It is time the racists of this country wake up and realise with a bit of co-operation and understanding EVERYONE can be happy and everyone can get along! there is no need for excluding anyone and everyone can get along, there is no need to disagree with something if you havent even given it a chance, SURELY EVERYONE / EVERYTHING DESERVES A CHANCE TO PROVE THEMSELVES / ITSELF.
IA

Iftikhar, to get a visa, you need to take note of what's been said about the method of marriage.
firstly, i think there's a difference between an arranged marriage where the parents offer a coupling and the couple are allowed to say no to that choice, and one where it is all under compulsion. Of course, even under compulsion, many may well turn out to be successful marriages - certainly more successful than western ones made entirely by the couple.
there may also be a distinction between how much relationship has been had after marriage.
if you wished to clarify these, perhaps someone would be able to comment on your odds of getting a visa.

all the best,

d

Iftikhar Ahmad says:

August 8, 2011

Very simple my friend.
if you are not prepared to acept our society then don't bother comming to the UK.
it's those who come to the UK via arranged and sometimes sham marriages that have helped to creat this situation we now have.
I am British and at the moment living in China with my spouse, all because the powers that be in my own country say that my wife must pass an English test before she can join me there.
yet there are thousands upon thousands from within Europe who can quite freely enter the UK.regardless if they speak English or not.
they have more rights than I and many other Brits.
the coalition government can get away with discrimination.whats next I wonder.

Whats more Iftikhar, if I or some other Brit were to behave like you in your country then I wonder how your government would treat us. you have your laws and we have ours.
I like many others are not happy with the present situation regarding this new law that makes it very difficult for my wife and I to live together in the UK, that is why I am here in China, so we can try and enjoy some sort of normal married life together.no doubt I will have to return to Britain in the not distant future, not knowing when my wife and I will ever see each other again. and this is my second time here.
I am fortunate that my wife has done a great deal for me and I have been treated well by people from many different levels in China.
if you must complain then please aim your complaints at the government who have made this new law, not the people who live here, regardless how they may choose to live even though not everyone would agree with this.
legal Immigrants who have come to the UK over the years for genuine reasons have helped to put a lot into the UK and are not a burden on the British Tax payer. many are hard working and pay their own way. the burden is very often our own people who have abused the system for many years and been happy to live on state hand outs and all the other benefits. I have lost count of the number of times that I have seen someone who has never or hardly worked in their life,get moremore than many hard working people.
There are far more important issues that need dealing with other than keeping genuine happy families separated by this new unfair law. and it is this very same law that is also discriminating those of us who so happened to fall in love with someone who did not reside within some part of Europe or Britain. integration my hat, it's more like separation and persecution of British spouses and quite probably a means to win more votes. perhaps we should have another Berlin wall. or a great wall, then maybe we can become a totally isolated little Island.
it's very sad when a British person is penalised for marrying a none European.
as they say, one law for them and another for us. simply discrimination.

Hi jj,

Please do not be fooled into thinking that documents alone will grant you a Visa. You must meet the acceptable conditions for 'entry to the UK'. The documents only serve as proof you and your spouse meet the criteria.
You will be entitled to free Medical care by our NHS system, but you will not be entitled to claim any public funds, which means your spouse must be in a position to support you financially and to provide adequate accomodation.

The vast majority of the documents must come from the person already settled in the UK. In your case, your spouse. The UKBA require you have a 'sponsor' which would normally be your wife, but it could be another family member or a combination of family members.
A 'sponsor' is someone who will support you financially when you arrive in the UK.

Apart from the documents you already have, you will need the following:

1. A copy of your sponsors passport including pages with UK Immigration status and previous travel stamps.
2. Evidence of relationship. (Birth certificates / Marriage certificate).
3. Evidence of sponsors employment in the UK. (Letter from her employer).
4. Sponsors pay slips. (Last 6 months).
5. Sponsors P60. (Proof of being registered and paying taxes to Inland Revenue).
6. Sponsors bank statements (Last 6 months, itemised).
7. Sponsors savings. (Proof of savings or investments).
8. Sponsor Property Inspection Report. (Proof the accomodation is suitable).
9. Sponsor Utiliy Bills. (Council Tax, Gas, Electric, Telephone).

The above documents are to prove your sponsor is in full time employment and has the funds to support you, pays taxes to the Government, has suitable accomodation for you to live, and is up to date with household bills.

At 17 years of age I doubt whether your wife can supply this documentation. If she lives with her parents then they should sponsor you and they should supply the above documentation.

yayy! settlement visa complete without a hitch, in 27 working days!
so keep your chins up, it's easy to focus on the difficulties, but remember the gates are open, just provide the documents that resolve any questions or concerns they may have before they even contemplate them.

d

D,

Congratulations.

Providing you follow the rules and meet the requirements all things are possible.

I had a friend who applied in Beijing 3 years ago. She applied on a Monday and 4 days later on Friday, they issued her Visa. That's the fastest on record to date that I am aware of.

@GRUMPY.......yh actually it was our choice but by arrange i meant like with mutual understanding of her parents and my parents........
so all i need from my side is

birth certificate
marriage certificate
pictures
english test
my telephone bills

IF ANY MORE THEN plz TELL ME ........thanks for informing me about this all and also sorry for disturbing u:(

jj,

Here is a complete list of documents you should consider supplying.

Yourself:
1. Completed and signed VAF4A Form.
2. Correct Visa fee. (Cash)
3. Appropriate Visa photo's. (3.5 x 4.5cms).
4. Your passport.
5. Your birth certificate.
6. Your marriage certificate.
7. English language test certificate.

Your Spouse and/or Sponsor:
1. Copy of spouse/sponsor’s passport pages with UK immigration status and all pages with travel stamps and previous visas.
2. Spouse birth certificate.
3. Evidence of sponsor's employment in UK. (Letter from Employer).
4. Sponsor's pay slips. (6 months).
5. Sponsor's bank statements (6 months, itemised).
6. Sponsor's P60 or P45. (Proof of tax payments to Inland Revenue).
7. Evidence of sponsor's savings. (Savings or Investments).
8. Evidence of sponsor's mortgage/ownership or rental payments/lease.
9. Property inspection report.
10. Utility bills. (Gas, Electric, Council Tax).

Joint:
15. Evidence of contact between applicant and sponsor (e.g. letters with postmarked envelopes, telephone bills, log records from internet calls such as Skype etc, photographs, money transfers, e-mails).

A checklist for submission:
1. Check if you have a photocopy of passport data page and signature page.
2. Check if you are carrying originals of all required documents along with a photocopy.
3. Check if you are carrying English translation of all original Pakistan documents.
4. Check if the passport is signed behind by the applicant.
5. Check if the visa application form is signed by the applicant.
6. Check if you are carrying the visa fee (cash only ).
7. Check if the visa application form is filled correctly.
8. Ensure that the date on the visa application form is the same as date of submission.
9.. The British Embassy / Consulates require that there has to be at least one blank page on the passport, which must be back to back, clear on both sides of the page.

Good luck jj.

THank u very much Grumpy.........

Hi Ravi,

Either an ESOL or IELTS test certificate are valid, provided the test is taken at one of the UKBA approved test centres.

A certificate from any other source will not be accepted.

ESOL is the easier test in my opinion.

Hello Lia,

I am pleased to inform you that Aberdeen College is on the UKBA list of approved test providers and the SQA is a fully recognised authority.

I am puzzled which type of Visa you are applying for, as you are already in the UK ?
If you are in the UK as a spouse or fiancee then the A1 will only allow you to apply for FLR (Further Leave to Remain) which is a two year extension. For ILR (Indefinate Leave to Remain) you must take the ESOL entry 1 or above and show you have progressed at least one level above the level at which you were assessed.

If you are applying for a 'settlement' (spouse) Visa you must apply from your own country, not the UK.

I'd be grateful to know your circumstances and offer any advice.
Take care.
Good luck.

Hi Grumpy,
Thank you for your reply.
I've had 5 yrs visitor's visa, as my husband (he is a British citizen) and I have been working in my coutry and visiting the UK during the off time from work, and year ago we have decided to move to UK permanently and I have had a family visitor's visa since then. I am applying for a 2 yrs visa outside of the UK.

Lia, don't worry.

D,
The SQA aren't on the list of approved test providers because they are the awarding body in Scotland.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is a non-departmental public body responsible for accreditation and awarding.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Qualifications_Authority

Aberdeen College is on the list of test providers and is an accredited College, that's all that matters Lia. They wouldn't be on the list if they weren't vetted by the UKBA and their awarding body (SQA) weren't approved.

Lia, check the lists of documents I previously posted.

You will be applying for a 'settlement' visa then. Form VAF4A.

The Visa is a 27 month Visa initially. It is a multi entry visa but you must reside in the UK for 24 of the 27 months to qualify for ILR. To get ILR at the end of that Visa you must take an ESOL course at an approved College unless your English is already at ESOL entry 3 level, in which case you must take the Life in the UK test.

After 3 years in the UK provided you have ILR you can apply for British citizenship if you so wish.

Lia ? Italian origin, but you can't be Italian. Sorry to be so inquisative.

Yes, as I said in an earlier post. one law for Europeans and another for none Europeans.
Tony Blair was recently on Chinese TV, he made a point of saying how everyone should get along in this world.
it's so pathetic when we the British are one of the first countries to rant on about human rights,discrimination and rasist.
yet our own so called Government imposses this barbaric new ruling on it's own people who happen to fall in love with someone from ourside the EU.
qutie understanable that there are thoese who have abused the immigration system. but tar everyone with the same brush.
and as I said before, Immigration is not a burden on the tax payer. we have lots of other issues in the UK that are much more pressing to be addressed.
like those who have for years abused the benefits system to start with. so for havens sake, it's about time the government grew up and stopped penalising the wrong ones. also they should give true facts and figures, or go back to school and get a proper education on how to run the country.

can i extent my visa on the bases of descritionary leave to remain?my husband is a british

thankx for letting mr know .but isn't it anyother way to make them pass my test?

My wife has not paid the fee yet,that is what the consolate want in Shanghai.,it is far to dear,I am going to take this up with the home office,this is robbery,and they know it,it cannot be justified.

u actually meanx they need u to pay them xtra to make u pass the test ,life in the UK test cost 50 pound ... they r asking 150 pounds? bribers?? is it ?mean pay more and just PASS? i live in hounslows huston

i am on SPOUSE VISA my 2 years are about to end on jan 2012 ..befor that i have to pass this life in the UK test OR ELSE I WILL BE THROWN OUT ..:(

thank you so much ..i will be glad if u keep posting update!

Hi Keshu,

To remain in the UK you must pass one of the following tests.

1. An accredited ESOL course from an approved college. You must pass one level above the level you were assessed. e.g. If you are assessed at Pre entry level then you must pass that level and entry 1 level. You should have enrolled in college as soon as you entered the UK.
It is to late to take this course now.

2. The Life in the UK Test.

Passing either of these tests will allow you to apply for ILR (Indefinate Leave to Remain).

(Passing the Life in the UK Test will also allow you to apply for British citizenship after 3 years in the UK, if you want UK citizenship).

3. The A1 English test can be taken at any of the open centres available throughout the UK. This is a very basic test and test examples are available from these centres if you ask.

This would seem your easiest and best option. Costs vary from £100 - £150.
The A1 test certificate will not allow you to apply for ILR but it will allow you to apply for FLR (Further Leave to Remain). It extends your current 'settlement' visa for 2 years allowing you more time to take the ESOL courses, or take the Life in the UK test.

Unless you can prove you have a learning disability which prevents you from learning English there are no excuses or waivers. You would have to return to your own Country, take an English test to A! level and re-apply for settlement.

If your husband is English he should have known about the changes to Immigration last July, 2010. Ignorance of the rules is not a viable excuse.

Please repost if I can be of any assistance. The regulations can be confusing.

Hi Grumpy,
Many thanks for the info:The wife and myself will need all bits of info,especialy as we do not have a house in the UK at the moment,(suitable accommodation etc)2 bedroom,but the chances of me becoming a father again,at 73,plus I have had the snip years ago,would be nothing short of a miracle.