As Part of the Immigration Rules for partner/spouse visa extension applications and Indefinite Leave to Remain (‘ILR’) applications in the United Kingdom (‘UK’), applicants are required to provide a relevant English Language certificate or a Life in the UK Test certificate to meet the rules. Failure in providing the required test certificate/s will result in an application being refused.

However, difficulties have arisen for applicants due to all test centres being temporary closed due to the current Coronavirus (‘COVID-19’) situation.

Unfortunately, UK Visas and Immigration (‘UKVI’) have not published any guidance for applicants who are unable to provide an English Language certificate or a Life in the UK test certificate as part of their visa extensions or settlement applications.

Our advice is to ensure that visa extension applications and ILR applications are submitted online prior to the visa expiry date to prevent you from being an overstayer in the UK and to prevent visa implications in the future.

It is very unlikely that UKVI will refuse an application if the required test certificate was not available at the date of submission of the application due to the temporary closures of test centres.

If you instruct Muldoon Britton to submit an application on your behalf, as part of our detailed representations, we will explain the reasons why you were unable to provide the relevant test certificate/s at the time of submitting your online application (if applicable).

Furthermore, we will also request for a decision not to be made until you are able to provide the required test certificate within a reasonable time period.

If you have any further questions regarding your immigration status during the COVID-19 pandemic, please feel free to contact our Immigration Team on 0161 826 6922.