Took English test for UKVI using resident permit instead of passport

Hi everyone,
Will be greatfull for an advice.

In 4 weeks time I will be applying for ILR as a spouse of British citizen.

Last Saturday I took IELTS academic for UKVI (I know that Trinity college life skills would have been sufficient but am hoping that it will come useful for me to work or study).

And only today I've read on gov.uk in the section about approved English language centres the document called "identification requirements for candidates" . It states acceptable document for identification is passport. Residence permit is mentioned as well. With a note: "Biometric Residence Permits should only be accepted for tests taken in the UK by candidates who do not have a valid passport."
I registered and took exam with my biometric residence permit.
I can't explain how come I haven't noticed this requirement before registering for exam.

The question is - will it be accepted for ILR?

I probably have time to book trinity college Life skills ( it is possible to book it a few days before an exam day) and get their certificate in 7 days after taking exam. It's daunting though to spend money and a day again for this if it is not needed.

Thank you very much in advance.

I’m in the same boat. Though I’m hopeful this is not going to be a problem. It would be ludicrous if they refuse to accept an ID document that they themselves issued.

Echoes wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 27, 2018 8:00 am

I’m in the same boat. Though I’m hopeful this is not going to be a problem. It would be ludicrous if they refuse to accept an ID document that they themselves issued.

Thank you Echoes, for your reply.
I am still in doubts.
The document that I mentioned above looks like a guidance for approved test providers, when they are checking documents prior tests. That is one of my reasons why it should be ok to go with my results.
The second reason- I took LIUK test using residence permit. And it was a good enough ID.

What I am worried about is that they can refuse on the basis that they cannot verify my identity as it wasn't acceptable document from the list.

When are you going to apply and how- by post or in person?

Interestingly, you are required to use BRP as ID if you have one for LIUK. As it seems, consistency is not something HO is concerned about.

I’m applying on the 29th for ILR, in person.

I did the same when i booked my wifes test. Im a bit worried now.

Can you send the link to where you saw this on thier website please

I looked at this document
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... s_v1.1.pdf

In this section:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... uage-tests

I think BRP should be fine BUT to be on the safe side, i will get my wife to do the test again and apply with her passport. I can't risk it.

Thats £150 down the drain then

Asked online an immigration lawyer for an opinion ( for a free opinion ))). He hasn't had a case with BRP instead of a passport for a test. He said it should be fine but ...
I am much more positive now. But because I still have time to take another test I am in doubts whether I should.
Echoes, if you apply on 29th this month, I wish you best of luck.
Please, can you post here how did it go.

Sure, I'll report here when I have a decision.

Any chance Vinny or zimba could share their views on this please?

Echoes I hope moderators will reply.

Or maybe someone can share light on the process of results verification.

What do UKVI actually see online with our unique number? Maybe there is no ID document mentioned at all?

Is it mentioned on the certificate issued ( I haven't got my certificate yet)?

Yes the certificate does show ID details. I’m sure UKVI have access to more data than what’s included on the certificate. I had my SAR done a couple of months ago, it did contain ID details as well my test score which is not provided to the candidates.

Trinity college said it shouldnt be a problem but at the end of the day HO make the final decision.

It does state ID and number on the certificate.

Update from me as promised.

My ILR has been approved today so it definitely isn’t a problem. Save your £150, better spend that money on Champaign once you get approved.

Echoes, congratulations, I am really happy for you!
And thank you for your reply. Now you can relax and celebrate).
Where did you apply ? I am going to Solihull in just over three weeks.

I am not sure I want to contact and ask IELTS( British council ) what their opinion is before I get my results. On the other hand can't wait 10 days.

Thank you.

I went to Solihull for 11:00 appointment. Got the decision around 13:45.

I don’t think you need to worry at all. I was exactly in the same situation as I used my BRP for B1 exam and they asked me no questions.

Thank you so much for your answers, Echoes!

I shall update this tread on 21st of April.

Update.
I have received my ILR!

I have also found a few more people who did take english test for UKVI using BRP and received their visas. They didn't even realise that until I asked. And I didn't find ( online ) anyone who was refused on this basis.
Therefore I believe it is a requirement for English test providers rather than test takers.

very shocked! I have passed my LIUK test in March, and I have been very happy about this. I didn't even know anything about the BRP can not be used as the identification for the test!

From my experiences in the test, I remember that I gave both of my passport and BRP to the staff who was collecting my identification documents, and she only took my BRP and gave my passport back. Also I have asked her again - what about my passport? She said - It's fine, I have your BRP now.

So, it shouldn't be a problem for ILR application! Because the staff in the test said BRP is fine and gave my passport back.

To shinhwa:
I wrote about English language test , not life in the UK test.
That's why I used BRP in the first place:as it was acceptable for LIUK test.

I gave the links on gov.uk information below.
However, as I explained , I have positive decision and believe it is not a problem.