Using an older IELTS certificate without a SELT unique electronic reference number for ILR

[brucey101]

Please can I ask if it’s still possible to use an older IELTS certificate without a SELT unique electronic reference number for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

These are the details:

- Centre number: PHOO1 (Philippines)
- DATE: 05/04/2014
- Provider: British Council / Cambridge English Language Assessment
- IELTS ACADEMIC
- Test results: Listening 7.5, reading 6.5, writing, 7.0, speaking 7.0, overall band score 7.0
- Note on certificate: It is recommended that the candidate’s language ability as indicated in this Test Report Form be re-assessed after two years from the date of the test.

• This test is on the current approved Secure English Language Tests and Test Centre List, dated 13 November 2017.
• This certificate was used for 2 previous Limited to Remain Applications, which were approved on 05 March 2013 and 23 September 2015.


https://www.gov.uk/english-language/app ... ifications states:

You can prove your knowledge of English by having a recognised English test qualification from an approved test centre.

You need to have a certificate to prove you have the qualification, or be able to view your results online.

Applying to settle in the UK

You can use a B1 level qualification that’s run out if both of the following are true:
• it’s on the current list of recognised tests
• it was accepted for another UK immigration application, eg when you got permission to enter


Appendix FM section 1.21, April 2017 states:

Under transitional arrangements, applicants who took an approved test before 6 April 2015 may continue to rely on that test (if it was in Appendix O on 5 April 2015) to meet the English language requirement in a partner or parent application as long as they submitted their application before 6 November 2015 and regardless of whether the test was taken at a test centre approved by the Secretary of State as a secure English language test centre. The list of approved providers and tests at 5 April 2015 is available on gov.uk at: Approved SELT tests transitional list.


A2 English language requirement for the family route, November 2016 states:

44. Where an applicant for further leave to remain as a partner or parent evidenced that they met the A1 English language requirement for leave to enter or remain by taking an approved test at level A2 or above, they will not be required to take a further English language test before applying for further leave to remain, provided the test they took was accepted as part of their previous partner or parent application and there are no concerns about how the test result was obtained. This position reflects the current approach as set out in paragraphs 32B, 32C and 32D of Appendix FM-SE to the Immigration Rules.

I have phoned the UK Visa and Immigration helpline many times, but get a completely different answer each time.

Please could I ask the following 3 questions:

1. Is this IELTS certificate still valid for ILR?
2. If you are not sure, what is the best way to find out? (paid or unpaid)
3. If the certificate is invalid would the ILR application be refused or would a change to get a new English language test be given?

Many thanks for your help.

Bruce