IELTS - Which Test?

[strontiumdog74]

Which test does my non EU partner need to take for her VISA application for spouse VISA of UK Citizen?

I know for initial application she needs to achieve A1 and for subsequent application A2... if she achieves A2 in her first test can this also be used for her Further Leave to Remain?

We aren't planning on making the application for Spouse VISA until April 2017, is it ok to take the test in the next few months and use it next year assuming she is successful?

[Casa]

Current list of approved tests/test centres. Yes, A2 under present rules can be used for FLR(M).
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... entres.pdf

[strontiumdog74]

CASA,

Thanks for quick reply. I have seen the list of approved test centres and I contacted the one in Abu Dhabi where we live. They told me to contact the British Council as they are the ones who organise the test. On their website it says that she needs to do the Life Skills test to A1 for initial application. When I try to see what test dates and fees are they only list Academic or General Tests not Life Skills. Hence my confusion?

[strontiumdog74]

Anyone?

[SAMISPOUSAL]

academic is to apply for student visa etc
General is for spouse visa but it unnecessarily includes writing and reading as well which you do not need

Life skills will do for spouse visa
see here

http://indonesia.ielts.britishcouncil.o ... Servlet.do

Please beware immigration is a monster that changes all the time. Be careful about making plans too early. Rules change all the time.
G L

[Beenu28]

Hi there I would like to ask I submitted my degree and uk narik document to satisfy English language requirement when I applied for spouse visa 2.5 years ago and now for extension of stay as spouse do I need anything more as on guidance notes it says you need to provide degree, U.K. Narik and letter from your institution to show that you were taught in English please help very confused.

[strontiumdog74]

Ok I have managed to find the correct Life Skills test with the British Council here in Abu Dhabi.

If I am correct my partner needs to pass at A1 for initial application and B1 for her FLR 30 months after entry to UK.

My understanding is that, counter intuitively, a test at B1 level is higher than a test at A1?

Would it be better for her to sit the test at B1 now and then be able to use that test certificate as proof of B1 when she comes to apply for FLR at the next stage? This is obviously assuming that the rules do not change in the meantime? The tests are the same price here so from that point of view if she did the B1 and something changed in the interim period we wouldn't have lost anything.

[Casa]

It would certainly make sense for your wife to sit the B1 level test even though she only will need A1 level English initially. A2 level is now required for the second FLR(M) extension, B1 English & Life in the UK for ILR.

Hope this helps.