visa refused - pre 17th July english test centre not allowed

[o&s]

Hi there

My husband and I received the shocking news today that his visa has been refused on the grounds that he did not meet the english language requirement.

I am astonished at this decision for the following reasons:
1.My husband undertook his English language test at an approved centre listed by the UK Border Agency - Nov 2010 published list.
2.He achieved level A1 in speaking, listening, writing and reading. The minimum requirement at the time of his application, June 30th 2011, was an A1 pass in speaking and listening only.
3.On the day that my husband took his test we were made aware that the UK Border Agency had updated their approved list of test centres and that the test centre he had registered with was not on the new approved list. However, the UK Border Agency website made it very clear that test results from the previous list of test centres would be accepted up to July 17th 2011.
4.My husband submitted his visa application on line prior to this date and attended the visa centre in Cairo on June 30th 2011, to submit supporting documents and his biometrics. On this date his English language test certificate from English Language Solutions Ltd did meet the entry clearance requirements set down by the UK Border Agency.
5.My husband submitted the original English language test certificate with his supporting documentation on June 30th 2011.

My husband is going to send me the letter he received so as I can check that this is the only reason the visa was rejected - the letter is full of legal speak about immigration law.

Based on what I know so far I am desperate to get some advice on this.

[JulieM71]

Hi

That is really upsetting for you both and I'm sorry for you, it's such a difficult time to get through.

I'm not an expert re the English language test requirements, we applied in Cairo at the end of the June and we got our reply a couple of weeks ago so our application also covered the time of the changes made by UKBA re approved centres. But, my fiance used a centre to take the test in April that remained on their list so was not an issue but I know I read the same as you re the cut off date for the changeover because I did panic about this!

It is possible that the ECO has made a mistake and not followed their own guidelines but let us know what the refusal wording says when you have seen it.

I would update the title of your post to mention that your refusal is because of the changes to the English language test centres as this is not specific necessarily to Cairo (unless they have made the same mistake with others of course) and I think you may get more views and replies. Just a thought.

I wish you the best of luck and a quick and positive outcome to your appeal.

J

[o&s]

I have now see the letter it reads -

"I have considered your application carefully and am satisfied that you meet the rules regarding having met, intending to live together, having sufficient funds to do so and adequate accommodation.

With your application you have submitted an Elementary English test administered by Language Solutions International. I am not satisfied that this document demonstrates that you have met the requirements of paragraph 281 (i) (a) (ii) of HC395. The test provider is not listed on the Secretary of States' list of approved Englsh language test providers..."

I really need advice from someone here. The test and the test centre was listed on the list and the Border Agency website said visa applications had to be submitted before July 17th.

Can anyone please offer advise???????

[geriatrix]

This is the list of approved test providers issued in Nov. 2010, which lists Elementary English Test administered by Language Solutions (International) Ltd. as an approved test for applications submitted before 18-Jul-11.

Appeal the refusal.

[batleykhan]

This is the list of approved test providers issued in Nov. 2010, which lists Elementary English Test administered by Language Solutions (International) Ltd. as an approved test for applications submitted before 18-Jul-11.

Appeal the refusal.

Whilst the above organisation was an approved test provider pre July 2011,a quick look on their website shows that it does not have office in Cairo, where I assume OP took the test.

https://www.langsols.co.uk/book_eet/

The fact they didnt have an office in Eygpt could be the only reason why I believe teh ECO is suspicious about the certificate being provided by applicant and hence refused it knowing full well the company has no authorised agent in that country.

If it is a genuine certificate, then as Sushmeta suggeted that you appela the refusal straightaway

[o&s]

My husband took the test whilst he was here in England. He has has a multi-entry visita visa. Do you think I should try and get a statement from the test centre to support authenticity?

[batleykhan]

My husband took the test whilst he was here in England. He has has a multi-entry visita visa. Do you think I should try and get a statement from the test centre to support authenticity?

No it should be neccesary if that is the case. Appeal the decision immediately and hopefully it will be overturned

[o&s]

My husband took the test whilst he was here in England. He has has a multi-entry visita visa. Do you think I should try and get a statement from the test centre to support authenticity?

No it should be neccesary if that is the case. Appeal the decision immediately and hopefully it will be overturned

I did contact the test provider today and they have made contact with the UK Border Agency for us. Apparently we are not the only people to report this. Hopefully this contact will speed up the appeal process.

[o&s]

We are so pleased - my husband got a phone call today asking him to get his passport back to the embassy so as they can issue him with his visa

[Casa]

Brilliant news. Really pleased for you both. Well done!

[batleykhan]

Congratulation