Proof of partner's immigration status FLR(M)

[mrdash]

Hi all,

I have a strange situation here. I have submitted the online application for extending spouse visa. When I filled the online form, the English language section clearly asked only the following:

Have you passed an approved English language test? - Yes
Did the test assess your speaking and listening skills at a level equivalent to CEFR A1 or higher? - Yes
How did you get your result - Certificate

Now, I filled the above answers strictly based on the fact that it says if the test is "A1 or higher", which I had passed the A1 test previously when I first applied for spouse visa in 2015. I then proceeded to submit the online application, only to found out afterwards that theres a new rule for English requirement for spouse "extension", requiring at least level A2 !

Now, I still have 15 working days to submit my documents. If I take the exam tomorrow, and receive the certificate within the time limit, will the certificate be acceptable despite having a date that is after the the online application submission date???

Contemplating whether I have to cancel the application and start a new application, but then I will have to pay full fee again for the new application, which is costly. Anyone have any experience on this?

[CR001]

Not a 'new' rule, announced in 2016 and came into effect in May 2017. The FLR(M) guidance notes state it clearly.

immigration-for-family-members/importan ... 19289.html

[seagul]

In guideline theory only the documents until date of application matters but a generous caseworker in good mood might overlook it. Better to do B1 instead A2 (if you can) so that after 2.5 years you won't need to do B1 (if rules not change).

[ariamus]

In guideline theory only the documents until date of application matters but a generous caseworker in good mood might overlook it. Better to do B1 instead A2 (if you can) so that after 2.5 years you won't need to do B1 (if rules not change).

Tests are valid for 2 years so wouldn’t the applicant need to take the B1 again if they apply in 2.5 years?

[taffet87]

You can use the same test certificate again in 2.5 years as the one used in the initial application, even if it’s after the 2 year validity.

[CR001]

You can use the same test certificate again in 2.5 years as the one used in the initial application, even if it’s after the 2 year validity.

Not if the first test used us A1, as the OP in this topic has stated. For a spouse visa extension it must be at least A2.

[ariamus]

You can use the same test certificate again in 2.5 years as the one used in the initial application, even if it’s after the 2 year validity.

Where can I find the rules which state B1 is still valid after 2 years?

[CR001]

You can use the same test certificate again in 2.5 years as the one used in the initial application, even if it’s after the 2 year validity.

Where can I find the rules which state B1 is still valid after 2 years?

It would only be valid to use if it is an HO approved test AND the test provider is still on the HO approved list.

[taffet87]

Of course.

So do it from a recognised body like IELTS rather than random colleges so that there is a near certain likelihood it will Meet the criteria then

[seagul]

HO seems like at least generous in ignoring the 2 years expiry date of test as long as the ielts test level and type matches their list e.g B1 covers both A1 & A2.

[mrdash]

Not a 'new' rule, announced in 2016 and came into effect in May 2017. The FLR(M) guidance notes state it clearly.

immigration-for-family-members/importan ... 19289.html

The online application certainly did not get updated to reflect the change in May 2017, as it only asked whether the English test we passed was at least CEFR A1, a bit misleading? As it is for an extension application, it shouldve stated "at least CEFR A2".

Having said that, my main worry here is whether it is acceptable to send an English test certificate that has a pass date *after* the online application was submitted? As I'm going to sit for the A2 exam soon and expecting to receive the cert within a couple of days later, well within the 15 working days time limit given to submit supporting documents after the online application was sent.

I dont know if they really need the English test to be passed *before* the application is submitted, or is this not important as long as the certificate is valid at the time that the caseworker is reviewing it (which I hope is the case!)

[CR001]

Not a 'new' rule, announced in 2016 and came into effect in May 2017. The FLR(M) guidance notes state it clearly.

immigration-for-family-members/importan ... 19289.html

The online application certainly did not get updated to reflect the change in May 2017, as it only asked whether the English test we passed was at least CEFR A1, a bit misleading? As it is for an extension application, it shouldve stated "at least CEFR A2".

Having said that, my main worry here is whether it is acceptable to send an English test certificate that has a pass date *after* the online application was submitted? As I'm going to sit for the A2 exam soon and expecting to receive the cert within a couple of days later, well within the 15 working days time limit given to submit supporting documents after the online application was sent.

There are certain instances where A1 is required, i.e. if switching from a PBS dependent or PBS route to FLR(M). A2 is ONLY required for a spouse already on a spouse settlement visa and extending on FLR(M).

The online forms are new and were NOT in place in May 2017.

However,the HO website and FLR(M) paper form WERE updated.

https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/knowledge-of-english

It should be ok to submit the A2 cert.

[mrdash]

My partner has called UKVI Contact Centre and the staff on the other line of the phone has confirmed that it is fine to submit the CEFR A2 certificate taken after the online application has been submitted, as long as it can all be done within the 15 working days time limit to submit the supporting application. The date on the certificate being after the application date does not mater in this case.

Thanks everyone for the replies in this thread, which are in line with the above confirmation.

[mrdash]

I have read in other threads that people get their application rejected because they submitted the latest payslip which shows a date later than date of the application submitted online, so it was not considered. Another thread says their application rejected because they have not put in the UKVI electronic number on the application, despite sending their certificcate.

Now I'm really confused if the above cases will apply, despite the call with the UKVI call centre. I think we're about to decide to just resubmit a fresh new application, as we dont think its worth the risk even if its gonna cost us another £1033

[mrdash]

Hi all, I have submitted the online application for extending spouse visa FLR(M), but have not yet provided the biometrics or sent the supporting documents. I have paid both the appolication fee and IHS reference during the online application. I realised that there were several errors with the online application, which can no longer be changed after it is submitted.

My question is, if I don't provide the biometrics or send the supporting documents, but start a new online application, will I get refunded for the initial application because it will be considered as invalid? I read on the paper FLR(M) form that if the application is rejected as 'invalid' due to lack of documentation, the full fee will be refunded minus £25 administration fee. Is this true?

This is different than "cancelling" the application, or where the application has been "refused", which I read that the fee will not be refunded.

Can anyone confirm please?

[CR001]

I realised that there were several errors with the online application, which can no longer be changed after it is submitted.

What errors exactly??

[mrdash]

I realised that there were several errors with the online application, which can no longer be changed after it is submitted.

What errors exactly??

As per the above thread, the English test is taken *after* the online application was submitted. So on the application form I answered Yes to passing English test, but have not put in the SELT electronic pass reference number. If I supplied the certificate, it will show as the pass date being after the online application date, which they might consider as invalid.

The other mistakes I realised was:
- I have provided a wrong IHS reference number
- Some smaller details like the length of time I spent at a previous address was not accurate (I mentioned "a year" when it was more accurately "9 months")

Because of the above errors, I dont want to risk using a cover letter to make up for it as I've seen other people's application getting refused previously due to errors like that. And as my current visa will definitely expire while the application is being considered, if I get refused I will then automatically be an overstayer, so rather than risking it we have decided to submit a fresh application where:

- The English test certificate will be dated before the online application is submitted, and which its electronic SELT test ref number will be on the application as well
- The correct IHS reference number stated
- More accurate information with regards to length of stay in the previous address

I do wonder that since the original application will not even be reviewed, that it will be considered as "invalid" with the fee refunded (minus £25 fee). When filling up the new online application, the form asks whether I have a current application with the HO, that I can put the reference number in so that it won't be considered.

[mrdash]

Hi all,

My partner and I have very long names. Due to this, our names are often modified (abbreviated or shortened) on the letters that we are supplying as part of the evidence of 2 years cohabitation.

Assume the following examples (not our real names):

My name: Wyihto Kinto Han Barasmi Havo
My spouse name: Marbaga Duio Ami Supraya Mana

On letters, we have multiple variances such as:

- Abbreviated of full name, eg: W K H Barasmi Havo / M D A Supraya Mana
- Only last word of our last names, eg: Mr Mana & Ms Havo
- Only our first names, eg: Ms Wyihto Kinto / Mr Marbaga Duio
- Abbreviated + last of our last name, eg: W Havo / M Mana
- Dashes on our names, eg: WKH Barasmi-Havo / MDA Supraya-Mana
- Or a typo of the name, eg: WKH Barasmi Hava / MDA Supraya Mano

How do we know if all of these variances will be acceptable to the caseworker?? And yes we do have a case of a typo on the name on some of our bills, albeit only on one alphabet!

[CR001]

Hi all,

My partner and I have very long names. Due to this, our names are often modified (abbreviated or shortened) on the letters that we are supplying as part of the evidence of 2 years cohabitation.

Assume the following examples (not our real names):

My name: Wyihto Kinto Han Barasmi Havo
My spouse name: Marbaga Duio Ami Supraya Mana

On letters, we have multiple variances such as:

- Abbreviated of full name, eg: W K H Barasmi Havo / M D A Supraya Mana
- Only last word of our last names, eg: Mr Mana & Ms Havo
- Only our first names, eg: Ms Wyihto Kinto / Mr Marbaga Duio
- Abbreviated + last of our last name, eg: W Havo / M Mana
- Dashes on our names, eg: WKH Barasmi-Havo / MDA Supraya-Mana
- Or a typo of the name, eg: WKH Barasmi Hava / MDA Supraya Mano

How do we know if all of these variances will be acceptable to the caseworker?? And yes we do have a case of a typo on the name on some of our bills, albeit only on one alphabet!

You are overthinking!! It is fine.

[mrdash]

Hi all,

My partner and I have very long names. Due to this, our names are often modified (abbreviated or shortened) on the letters that we are supplying as part of the evidence of 2 years cohabitation.

Assume the following examples (not our real names):

My name: Wyihto Kinto Han Barasmi Havo
My spouse name: Marbaga Duio Ami Supraya Mana

On letters, we have multiple variances such as:

- Abbreviated of full name, eg: W K H Barasmi Havo / M D A Supraya Mana
- Only last word of our last names, eg: Mr Mana & Ms Havo
- Only our first names, eg: Ms Wyihto Kinto / Mr Marbaga Duio
- Abbreviated + last of our last name, eg: W Havo / M Mana
- Dashes on our names, eg: WKH Barasmi-Havo / MDA Supraya-Mana
- Or a typo of the name, eg: WKH Barasmi Hava / MDA Supraya Mano

How do we know if all of these variances will be acceptable to the caseworker?? And yes we do have a case of a typo on the name on some of our bills, albeit only on one alphabet!

You are overthinking!! It is fine.

Thank you. I must admit I am a bit paranoid and trying to get things right as much as possible. Especially with the bill that has a typo on my last name. I wonder if I should prepare a cover letter to confirm that they are indeed addressed to me :p

[CR001]

You are overthinking!! It is fine.

[mrdash]

You are overthinking!! It is fine.

Is there a 28 days rule for the items of correspondence also? That is the latest letter must not be dated more than 28 days from the date of application?

[mrdash]

Currently I have the following documents prepared:

Item 1: Election Postal Vote from local council - Two letters addressed individually dated 25th May 2016
Item 2: Council tax - Both names on one tax bill dated 11th Oct 2016
Item 3: Council tax - Both names on one tax bill dated 10th Mar 2017
Item 4: Water bill - Both names on one bill dated 11th Aug 2017
Item 5: Water bill - Both names on one bill dated 26th Feb 2018
Item 6: Credit card application letter (wife) & Life insurance application letter dated 27th July 2018 & 8th Aug 2018 respectively

Now this spans more than 2 years, where Item 1 is outside of the 2 years. The reason we do it this way is because item 1 has a different address than the rest of the items, as we moved to the current address on Sept 2016, which currently falls under the 2-year period, but we dont have any letters addressed to us for Aug/Sept 2016 on the old address to make as a starting item for the correspondence.

On the form they asked if we have lived in a different address for the past 2 years, and we had to put yes to this so I would think they need to see at least a letter from the previous address?

Is it okay to spread the items of correspondence over the 2 year period like this? Will Item 1 be considered or rejected as invalid, making it less than 6 correspondence provided?

Hope Im not overthinking again.

[mrdash]

Hi all,

I've now prepared (hopefully) all the required supporting documents, after submitting the online application form on the weekend.

The document checklist provided says that "all supporting documents must be originals". However, it never said anything about providing copies of all the original documents. I've read in a number of other threads that people supply this for their postal / premium appointments.

Do we need to photocopy all the supporting documents to submit together with the original documents, when applying online?

Thanks

[CR001]

Copies are required for same day in person applications and not for postal applications as they scan all your documentation.