UKVI follow up requesting Aquals - can we offer a Selts B1 test instead?

[Soliferrum]

Hello dear experts and other good folk of the forum.

In July we lodged an ILR SET(M) application for my wife and this morning received a personal email from an agent at a SETMValidation email group address, saying that the language evidence provided with our application was incorrect and insufficient, and could we provide AQUALS within 14 days (or if 14 days is insufficient, they are prepared to extend more time upon request). No further directions were given.

Now our question is of two parts:

1. Is the correct way to reply directly to their email? We did so (will discuss what we said below, in 2), and have received no automated acknowledgement of receipt, or otherwise any contrary message to the effect of this being a one-way email address. Is replying to email from UKVI generally how it's done now? So we can assume they have received our reply?

2. Somehow we did mess up the evidence of language provided to them in the application (never mind, the how is not important now), and it is great that they offered us the opportunity to provide better evidence. However, the agent's email only mentioned the AQUALS and/or foreign degree translation requirements, and strangely did not mention the TRINITY SELTS B1 test, that my spouse could go and take tomorrow. The general language requirements for SET(M) seem to say they can be met by either the B1 (or other proficiency tests) or the AQUALS/degree translations.

Now as it happens, my spouse has graduate degrees from a US university instructed in English, but we will need to order transcripts, have them posted internationally and so on, so much prefer the test option (as cheaper, faster, less hassle).

In our reply email we thanked the agent and pointed out our preference for the language test over the Aquals. Now we just have to see what they reply. However, if anybody knows in advance what the case might be, it could help us immensely to get started going in one direction (test registration), or the other (requesting transcripts). And as mentioned before, just generally confirming that replying to the email is the correct course of action, in the absence of other instructions from the agent. We have scant days to deal with the matter, so while not in crisis (yet, and hopefully ever) we are under time pressure.

Kindly thank you all in advance, for any thoughts on this.

[AmazonianX]

Hello dear experts and other good folk of the forum.

In July we lodged an ILR SET(M) application for my wife and this morning received a personal email from an agent at a SETMValidation email group address, saying that the language evidence provided with our application was incorrect and insufficient, and could we provide AQUALS within 14 days (or if 14 days is insufficient, they are prepared to extend more time upon request). No further directions were given.

Now our question is of two parts:

1. Is the correct way to reply directly to their email? We did so (will discuss what we said below, in 2), and have received no automated acknowledgement of receipt, or otherwise any contrary message to the effect of this being a one-way email address. Is replying to email from UKVI generally how it's done now? So we can assume they have received our reply?

2. Somehow we did mess up the evidence of language provided to them in the application (never mind, the how is not important now), and it is great that they offered us the opportunity to provide better evidence. However, the agent's email only mentioned the AQUALS and/or foreign degree translation requirements, and strangely did not mention the TRINITY SELTS B1 test, that my spouse could go and take tomorrow. The general language requirements for SET(M) seem to say they can be met by either the B1 (or other proficiency tests) or the AQUALS/degree translations.

Now as it happens, my spouse has graduate degrees from a US university instructed in English, but we will need to order transcripts, have them posted internationally and so on, so much prefer the test option (as cheaper, faster, less hassle).

In our reply email we thanked the agent and pointed out our preference for the language test over the Aquals. Now we just have to see what they reply. However, if anybody knows in advance what the case might be, it could help us immensely to get started going in one direction (test registration), or the other (requesting transcripts). And as mentioned before, just generally confirming that replying to the email is the correct course of action, in the absence of other instructions from the agent. We have scant days to deal with the matter, so while not in crisis (yet, and hopefully ever) we are under time pressure.

Kindly thank you all in advance, for any thoughts on this.

Proceeding on getting a B1 test (hoping appointment is immediately available) may be the straight forward quick route to resolving this.
You may want to search for the Trinity College London B1 GESE test.
Emails of this kindly will usually state to what address you should direct your response.

[Soliferrum]

Hi AmazonianX, many thanks for your reply. Yes, exactly, the test is what we would prefer, except the agent specifically mentioned the Aquals route, but not the testing route. If UKVI's goal is to confirm language proficiency (rather than litigate the quality and language of my wife's degree program) then surely it shouldn't matter, which we choose? And yes, luckily plenty of Trinity B1 test slots are currently available.

Strangely, there were no additional instructions in the email, about how to reply to their request, hence our question here, about what is typically the case with UKVI's contacting applicants for further information.

[AmazonianX]

Hi AmazonianX, many thanks for your reply. Yes, exactly, the test is what we would prefer, except the agent specifically mentioned the Aquals route, but not the testing route. If UKVI's goal is to confirm language proficiency (rather than litigate the quality and language of my wife's degree program) then surely it shouldn't matter, which we choose? Yes, the premise of my previous response is what you wrote up there, luckily plenty of Trinity B1 test slots are currently available.

Strangely, there were no additional instructions in the email, about how to reply to their request, hence our question here, about what is typically the case with UKVI's contacting applicants for further information. Reply to the address that contacted you, others on this forum can also provide you alternative address to channel reply to.

My action will be: Noting the time frame of 14 days given (does me no good to use the extended days they can avail if requested) so instead of back and forth with UKVI, I will go for the English test and send it to them in a reply email when I get the certificate.

[Soliferrum]

Thanks, going for the test and just proactively sending it seems like the way forward. If they then come back requiring the AQUALS - well, then we will need an extension anyway, so are essentially no worse off (other than the cost of the test).

Yes, hoping someone can provide some alternative contact channels, just to make sure.

[Soliferrum]

UPDATE for posterity:
1. Received a reply from the same address
2. Confirming the test is also a valid option

[AmazonianX]

Thanks, going for the test and just proactively sending it seems like the way forward. If they then come back requiring the AQUALS - well I doubt them coming back to insist on your providing AQUALS, then we will need an extension anyway, so are essentially no worse off (other than the cost of the test).

Yes, hoping someone can provide some alternative contact channels, just to make sure.

[AmazonianX]

UPDATE for posterity:
1. Received a reply from the same address so no need for alternative contact, use same as you are receiving from
2. Confirming the test is also a valid option There you go, wish you the best.