Taking Life in UK Test the same day my Visa Expires!

I am in the process of getting documents together to apply for my SET(M) visa (or ILR).

Due to various circumstances I am taking my Life in the UK Test the same day that my visa expires. Furthermore, I need my passport/visa as identification to take the test (their requirements are fairly specific and I have no other valid ID).

So, should I mail in my application before then, with notarized copies (if I can manage it) of my passport/visa, which I would then mail the day of my test, along with my pass letter? The documents would arrive the day after my visa expired.

I have already checked the websites and contacted the relevant query office via email (I tried phoning but could not get through). I should hear back but I'm not sure when so I thought I would see if anyone here had experience with such a problem.

I know that if the Life in UK Test results (or ESOL results) are not provided then the application becomes one for extension of leave to remain (though presumably they keep the full 750). This does not work for my family as the cost is enormous and we don't want to have to pay the 750 again in two years.

My inclination is to mail in the application a few days before the date of my test along with a letter stating the problem, giving the date and time of my scheduled test. All other parts of my application are in order.

I will continue to try to call the IEB with this query but any thoughts to help me stop stressing would be great!

ccmoira wrote:I am in the process of getting documents together to apply for my SET(M) visa (or ILR).

Due to various circumstances I am taking my Life in the UK Test the same day that my visa expires. Furthermore, I need my passport/visa as identification to take the test (their requirements are fairly specific and I have no other valid ID).

So, should I mail in my application before then, with notarized copies (if I can manage it) of my passport/visa, which I would then mail the day of my test, along with my pass letter? The documents would arrive the day after my visa expired.

I have already checked the websites and contacted the relevant query office via email (I tried phoning but could not get through). I should hear back but I'm not sure when so I thought I would see if anyone here had experience with such a problem.

I know that if the Life in UK Test results (or ESOL results) are not provided then the application becomes one for extension of leave to remain (though presumably they keep the full 750). This does not work for my family as the cost is enormous and we don't want to have to pay the 750 again in two years.

My inclination is to mail in the application a few days before the date of my test along with a letter stating the problem, giving the date and time of my scheduled test. All other parts of my application are in order.

I will continue to try to call the IEB with this query but any thoughts to help me stop stressing would be great!

And what happens if you dont pass the test?
why did you leave it to the last second.
You do get the results the same day
The strategy is to mail the application the day of the test.
I would prepare the ILR application and the spouse extension and if you pass, submit the ILR and if you fail submit the spouse visa application.

I know, I know...
Thanks for your advice.

I'm not too worried about passing the Life in the UK Test. I've been studying as I thought I was taking it this week, but I missed some key information on the website and now won't be taking it until later this month. English is my first language and I've been living her for over four years (I originally came to study, then married a Scotsman

My concern is that if I wait to mail my application altogether then I will be jeopardizing the validity of my application. I found an Immigration rule that stated the claim is made on the day of posting, but I've heard other stories in terms of the date stated on letters people have received back. It is also not clear to me whether my visa is still valid thru the expiration date (on typing that I realize it probably isn't).

On the flip side, if, for some reason, they don't accept my letter of explanation and allow me to send them the other information separately - even if they accept my passport copies - they will automatically turn my application into one of extension of leave to remain, keeping the 200+ extra pounds I paid for it to be a ILR form.

I guess I will just have to keep trying to contact the IEB to get official information.

My impression is that, if they accept my application at all with the given documents, they will take into account my letter and will accept additional documents provided later.

Of course you are right and I would have to pass the test the first time or it would take too long to get another appointment and try again.

Also, according the rules the FLR form requires me to have submitted it no less than four weeks before the end of my authorized stay.

For SET(M) it says I cannot apply more than 28 days before my visa expires.

Yet on some of these discussion boards people seem to think they are interchangeable?

ccmoira wrote:Also, according the rules the FLR form requires me to have submitted it no less than four weeks before the end of my authorized stay.

For SET(M) it says I cannot apply more than 28 days before my visa expires.

Yet on some of these discussion boards people seem to think they are interchangeable?

I don't know where you are searching but as I already advised
You can post it the day it expires and you will be covered.
Just send it recorded delivery.