HO put me on 10 years route because of English Requirement missing!

[iAbdu]

Hello everyone,

I just received the decision letter on my FLR(M) extension visa for 30 months (Granted). However, the put me on 10 years route instead of continuing the 5 years route which I got on my first visa 3 years ago .

I assume the reason is that I didn't provide an English test!, and I didn't because centres was closed due to Covid19 back in July & June 2020 (in Scotland). The HO Covid19 Contact Centre advised me to submit without the language in a written email and I sent all my papers after submission including my passport.

In Sep/Oct when English centres reopened I wasn't able to take the English test because my Passport was sent to Home Office. And it was required to take the test!

Now, I have no idea what to do to get me back on 5 years route. Already sent an email to admin.review.enquiries@homeoffice.com today and waiting their feedback.

My questions :
1- Anyone faced the same issue?
2- Can I get the English test after the decision made and get me back on 5 years route?
3- What is the best advice you can give to get me back on 5 years route?

Thanks

[CULLINAN]

Why was your passport sent to HO? No originals are sent. All documents are scanned and uploaded.

You should have written a cover letter and requested more time to submit the mandatory test.

It is always heartbreaking when I see applicants messing their applications due to an English Test.

Unfortunately, it is too late now, request and explain the situation as you are at HO’s mercy now.

[iAbdu]

Why was your passport sent to HO? No originals are sent. All documents are scanned and uploaded.

You should have written a cover letter and requested more time to submit the mandatory test.

It is always heartbreaking when I see applicants messing their applications due to an English Test.

Unfortunately, it is too late now, request and explain the situation as you are at HO’s mercy now.

Thank you CULLINAN, I sent the original passport because they clearly stated on the application and a following email that they need the IDs (including passport) in its original form.

Also, I have a written email from the The Coronavirus Immigration Helpline <CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk> saying :
"You can submit your immigration application without a Secure English Language Testing (SELT)
result whilst testing services in the UK are disrupted. To do so you should select ‘No’ to the
question ‘Have you passed an approved English language test?’. This will allow you to proceed
with and submit your application. However, if this result is needed to meet the requirements of your
application route, you will need to have successfully passed the test before we are able to grant
the application."

And no one actually requested the test from HO and I wasn't able to take it because I don't have the IDs!

[CULLINAN]

Where did you send your original passport? Did you not attend an appointment at UKVCAS to submit your biometrics and documents?

[iAbdu]

Where did you send your original passport? Did you not attend an appointment at UKVCAS to submit your biometrics and documents?

No, I haven't used any apps or attend any appointments, I think they treated my case a little bit differently, maybe during the Covid lock down I was in Scotland with different rules!. I sent my supporting docs to ssc-fhru@homeoffice.gov.uk and they provided me an address to send my passport. Also latter they asked for a slefy picture same way. Biometrics reused.

[iAbdu]

Anyone has an advice on this? thanks

[ALKB]

However, if this result is needed to meet the requirements of your
application route, you will need to have successfully passed the test before we are able to grant
the application."

And no one actually requested the test from HO and I wasn't able to take it because I don't have the IDs!

They didn't say that results will be requested.

They said, if required for the route, they can't grant the application.

For the 5 year route, the test results are required, so HO could not grant it, instead, they granted the 10 year route for which the results are not a requirement.

[CULLINAN]

Maybe argue on evidential flexibility?

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