My wife can not pass A1 life skills test

[Daneil]

Hello,
I am seeking any idea/advise as my wife can not pass the A1 IELTS life skills test. We have been married in Sudan (Khartoum) for just over two years now. My wife has been studying English since December 2014; that's 6 months before our marriage in June 2015 that mean she has been studying English for over two and half years now and took the test 11 times, and still can not pass it. This test is becoming a nightmare in our relationship to the point that i am running out of ideas as to what i can do about it. Since December 2014 right about a week ago i have spent more that £3000 on test fees and courses, and still counts. My question here is what will happen if my wife can not pass this test for ever. Is that mean we don't have any right to family right to be together and have children, or is there any others possible ways that could help us that i have not known or came over. I don't have any income problems as my income is more than double than that £18,600 spouse thresh hold that required by home office to sponsor her. After two and half years of nightmare and 11 times fails my wife said there is no way she can pass this test.

So, what is the best advise what should i do. Is there any way she can able to get entry clearance visa without passing the test? Any advise is appreciated. Thanks

[SimonS]

The short answer is No.

Unless

E-ECP.4.2. The applicant is exempt from the English language requirement if at the date of application-

(a) the applicant is aged 65 or over;
(b) the applicant has a disability (physical or mental condition) which prevents the applicant from meeting the requirement; or
(c) there are exceptional circumstances which prevent the applicant from being able to meet the requirement prior to entry to the UK.

I do not know what reasons may fall under (c).

I don't wish to speak out of turn but since you have invested a lot of money, time and effort are you sure the test centre is administering the test correctly? Is it a corruption issue?

I work in Oil and Gas. We're not allowed to do business with Sudan/South Sudan because they are both in the top 6 of the most corrupt countries in the world and on the OFAC Sanction list. Just a thought.

[Obie]

WHat is your nationality?

There are some changes coming into place on the Immigration rules and best interest of children, i am not sure that will affect the english language test much, but if there are children, it may change the dynamics.

The second option will be to apply for your wife under EU law, and you settle in Ireland for example, as under those provision, English Language test may not be necessary. This is obviously subject to you being a British Citizen.