Thread: Life in the U.K test

There is a good book which contains everything one would need. Its called pass the British citizenship test written by Bernice Walmsley . It is by "Teach Yourself" . Try Amazon or Ebay.

Originally Posted by bankao dreamer

Have just found something called entry clearance for spouse.
The language part won't be a problem the wife speaks and writes fluently. But the criteria is for people married abroad for more than 4 years. We where married in the UK Feb 2009 and moved here 2 years ago.
More reading is called for.

How is that different from a settlement visa?

It's the same thing. Entry clearance = visa.

^
I'm still trying to understand it.
The difference is a settlement visa is applied for by husband in the UK for his wife to join him in the UK. Entry clearance is if you both live abroad and if granted the spouse is given indefinite leave to remain on arrival.

Originally Posted by bankao dreamer

The difference is a settlement visa is applied for by husband in the UK for his wife to join him in the UK.

No, sorry. A British citizen does not need a visa or need to apply for one. The foreign spouse has to apply for it, but obviously the British person has to help provide some documents for the foreign spouse.

Originally Posted by bankao dreamer

Entry clearance is if you both live abroad and if granted the spouse is given indefinite leave to remain on arrival.

I doubt it but I am always willing to learn. Where did you read that? Can you provide a link or other source, please?

(And as I said before, entry clearance = visa. It's just another way of saying the same thing.)

I wonder how many Brits would fail this test?

Originally Posted by stroller

I wonder how many Brits would fail this test?

I bought the on-line tester for 30 days to help the missus pass the test.

She was on line practising 3/4 hours a night over the 30 day period before she sat the test and passed with a score of 21/24.

I took the test several times at home messing about and failed nearly every time.

Have a free trial here

http://www.thelifeinuktest.co.uk/free-test.php

I'd fail for sure. I am not even a Brit.

But with the available study material - fair enough, I suppose, though I do wonder why immigrants should know stuff most Brits don't.

It's an education in a way and is supposed to help them integrate more.

Wow! All those questions and nary one asking how to find a local dentist,

Originally Posted by bankao dreamer

If however, the couple have been married or have been in a civil partnership for at least four years and have been living together outside of the UK during that time, an application for ILR can be made immediately.

Sorry Nervana can't post links but found the above snippet on Visa2UK.com. Its on there spouse visa for UK page. Not sure yet if that is still valid I will call them tomorrow when they open.

The Gov website mentions this. I typed in entry clearance on the search, but I think now it's no longer applicable.

Still confused with it all.

Thanks, bankao dreamer. It seems you mean indefinite leave to enter (ILE). Good luck. Let us know how you get on and what's required to get it.

Well having spent hours reading different criteria it seems going back together is very difficult. I need to show that for 6 months I have been earning over £22000 per annum here in order to meet the financial criteria for the wife and stepdaughter. Then have a guaranteed job back in the UK for the same salary. Or I go alone and get a job with that salary for six months then apply for my family to join me.
Reading a lot of articles concerning this it seems there are thousands of expats who are now financial exiles, who are unable to meet the criteria or who are unwilling to be parted from there families.
One example is of a UK citizen who has lived in Australia for years is married to an Australian they have 2 kids.They decided to move to the UK but when he applied for what he thought would be routine visas he was met by the financial criteria. He explains he will have no problem getting a job with the necessary income, but was unwilling to be parted from his family for what could 9 months.

There is nothing to prevent the Brit's family from applying for a visa for up to 6 months as visitors in order to join him/ her whilst he qualifies for sponsorship through the employment route. Then can then return to their own country and apply for settlement.

Originally Posted by bankao dreamer

If however, the couple have been married or have been in a civil partnership for at least four years and have been living together outside of the UK during that time, an application for ILR can be made immediately.

Sorry Nervana can't post links but found the above snippet on Visa2UK.com. Its on there spouse visa for UK page. Not sure yet if that is still valid I will call them tomorrow when they open.

The Gov website mentions this. I typed in entry clearance on the search, but I think now it's no longer applicable.

Still confused with it all.

Nope, the four year marriage qualification for the ILE settlement visa ceased as a route on 9 July 2012. Thereafter, indefinite leave to remain depends upon five years residence.

Originally Posted by bankao dreamer

^
I'm still trying to understand it.
The difference is a settlement visa is applied for by husband in the UK for his wife to join him in the UK. Entry clearance is if you both live abroad and if granted the spouse is given indefinite leave to remain on arrival.

No, total nonsense.

An entry clearance is simply a visa issued for a purpose under the Immigration Rules.

As I have said above, married or otherwise, a settlement visa ( or entry clearance ) leading to indefinite leave to remain requires,five years residence in the UK.

I think you should instruct a lawyer or OISC registered immigration advisor, preferably at level two.

I obtained permanent resident status in the UK in '87 (and left since), they had a point system with time already resident, property owned, employment status etc., no silly test asking the name of some obscure fort in the middle of nowhere built in the 13th century.

Originally Posted by stroller

I obtained permanent resident status in the UK in '87 (and left since), they had a point system with time already resident, property owned, employment status etc., no silly test asking the name of some obscure fort in the middle of nowhere built in the 13th century.

If you're an EU National or an EEA Family Permit holder you can claim Permanent Residence after 5 years living in the UK. There's no points system in place for that and no Life in the UK Test to pass.

Originally Posted by The Ghost Of The Moog

There should be a similar test for foreigners wishing to reside in Thailand.

There is it's called going to immigraation