I came to England in Nov 2007 and stayed for 6 months. I decided to live in england with my husband (who is a british citizen) so after the 6 month stay, I went back to America to apply for a Spousal Visa. I recieved it in a few weeks and then came back to England. Spouse visa was good until June 2010. Unfortunately, I knew that I needed to take the Life in the UK test before applying for ILR and failed it, so had no choice but to re-apply for my Spouse visa again for a 2nd time. My Spouse visa is good until June 2012... This last thursday, I went for my Life in the UK test again, and passed it! I was wondering if 1. Can I apply for ILR now, or do I have to wait until my visa is almost expired? 2. As I have passed my Life in the UK test if I do have to wait until 2012 to apply for ILR, will they still accept that paper saying I have passed? 3. I'm in a bit of a pickle as my husband and I are trying to get a mortgage for a house, but the advisers say I cant until I am a permanent resident...is there anyway of getting a mortgage with just being on a spouse visa if I do have to wait for getting a ILR? 4. I have heard the immigration rules are changing in July this year, can anyone tell me what they are?
Thanks very much
