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ILR Sequence please

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2025 9:03 am
by Lawgic
Hi all,

Can someone confirm whether I get the sequence right (with possible variations in days, obviously) how the ILR application proceeds, please.

Day 1
1) fill out an application on gov.uk website
2) pay the fee (£3029, right?). And NO MORE IHS (the medical surcharge, right?). If going for Priority + £500 and Super Priority + £1000
3) upload supporting documents
4) submit biometrics (again? Even though twice done during FLR?) via UKVCAS app or in person, right?
5) if not available via App, then go in person to provide fingerprints? so

Day 2-whenever
Biometrics appointment

And then wait? that's it? am I missing something?

Thank you and no rush with answering at all :) wife still needs to do the Life in the UK test before her application is due in December.

English Test requirement for ILR following Spouse Visa

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2025 10:20 am
by Lawgic
Is it still the case that even a 5-year old certificate is valid for ILR applications, since it was used to gain initial access to the country and extend stay via FLR applications? Thank you

Re: English Test requirement for ILR following Spouse Visa

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2025 11:12 am
by zimba
Please refrain from tagging your question on other posts :!:

The sequence you described is correct. It is a new application and all the steps including biometrics have to be done again. You do not need to pay the IHS. Note that some applicants only under very specific routes will be able to upload their documents via the UK Immigration ID Check app, instead of going for an appointment. This will be possible if UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is able to re-use your previously submitted Biometrics data.

See: Online applications, Biometric appointments and eVisa queries - Read before you post

The old English certificate can be used if certain conditions are met. The guide says:
The English language test must have been taken no more than 2 years before the
date of application. However, tests that have been taken more than 2 years ago and
have since expired can still be accepted where both of the following apply. The
qualification:

• is from one of the providers on the current SELT list
• has previously been accepted by us as part of another immigration application, such as for entry clearance

A qualification that is not from one of the providers on the current SELT list, is not
acceptable even if previously accepted by us as part of another application
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... +in+UK.pdf

Re: ILR Sequence please

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2025 7:32 pm
by Lawgic
Oh, I didn't know I tagged my post in another post. I wouldn't even know how to do it, to be honest. Thank you for the reply!

My wife's certificate dated October 2019 says IELTS on it and quotes her UKVI number as she was applying for a work visa at the time. The list of approved SELT, on the other hand, now says IELTS SELT CONSORTIUM/IELTS LIFE SKILLS or IELTS for UKVI.

She initially obtained a work visa based on this language test among others, and then transitioned to spouse visa after me'd met.

This certificate was used to both FLR applications previously (latest one end of 2022).

It would be a great set up if the Home Office somehow pick on this discrepancy because IELTS added some words to its test now. Any thoughts on that?

Re: ILR Sequence please

Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2025 11:38 am
by zimba
If the test centre is still listed, then it can be used

Re: ILR Sequence please

Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2025 3:11 pm
by Lawgic
Thanks Zimba

I think it may be a reason for some dispute because they removed the test centre (which is in Russia) from their list altogether. There now is an excel file with the list of approved test centres and Russia is missing https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your- ... -providers

Obviously, if the reason is to check English level then if the IELTS certificate was good enough for a work visa and two FLR(M) applications, person then worked for 5 years and also obtained a diploma (and an LLM on the way), then it should be good enough for ILR application as well.

There currently is no definite answer, I can expect anything from UKBA but we'll fight them on this one if they start making a scene. Surely, 3k+ fee requires some common sense to be used.