We are Indian nationals living in the UK.
My wife entered UK in June 2006 with me and our daughter as dependants, with a work permit validity till June 2011.
I took IELTS test in Dec 2007 and obtained 8.5 out of 9.0
I applied for Tier 1 approval in Jan 2008 and got the letter in March (when it was a two stage process), and then I went to India in Sep 2008 and got my Tier 1 highly skilled visa for 3 years, and therefore ceased to be a dependant of my wife.
My wife (and daughter) will apply for residency in May 2011, a month before completion of 5 years.
Just a few questions so that I can start preparing for it:
- 1. Can I apply on the same application as my wife as her dependant, although I am not on her dependant visa? The guideline on http://www.ukba.home...tionformset(o)/ says: "You can use one form for a joint application by you, your partner and any children aged under 18, if they are applying as your dependants.". It doesn't sound like that I have to return to India, change my visa status to a "dependent visa" and then come back and apply with her.
- 2. Will my IELTS score be still valid, even though it will be more than 3 years old? I know I have to take the life in the UK test in any case.
- 3. Can my wife take an IELTS test like me (she did not have to take one in 2006) and then pass the life in the UK test? Or does she have to 'study' for an ESOL qualification as per this UK BA note: http://www.ukba.home...kol-settlement1. I am a bit confused about this factor!
Thanks in advance!
Regards,
Dhruva