Hi everyone. I am living in Saudi with my lovely Philippina wife and we think to move back to the UK one day. Been trying unsuccessfully to understand the visa rules and regulations. It seems like you have to prove sufficient funds or employment to guarantee you won't need any benefits for a period of two years. So how much money is that? Any ideas? It seems like you need a resident sponsor but I am not sure. And it seems like she must pass an english language requirement test which no one here in Saudi seems to know anything about how you get one. Her Englsih is fine but getting the test is tricky the British council know nothing about it. I am not sure what kind of visa we should apply for exactly. Do I need a lawyer? Is there anyone out there with any answers?
I cant advise on the direct UK route but if you are intending to quit Saudi (are you working?) you might consider the euro route if your seeking employment or can support yourself for a bit you misus has a right to a five year residency as yor wife (of a european citizen) and then can accompany you to the UK without any means testing or language test requirements and its relitively free see my post in Howerds thread on "New work"
Hi there, welcome to the forum. Yes I can easily understand why you find it difficult to understand the immigration and visa rules. As a very first step take a look around the UK Border Agency in Saudi Arabia webpage here For some detailed information on the specific requirements for the application of a UK spouse visa take a look at this forum guide here Keith has also raised a very useful immigration route for you, depending on your own circumstances. That is the EEA Family Permit route. It may not suit everyone, but it's very well worth reviewing. Not least because in principle it's free, and with the additional benefit of being almost a 'right'. It's worth a review of the UKBA webpage for EEA family permits just to gain some idea of what's involved and if the route is suitable for you. Remember, you need to view the information from the position of going to the EU country of your choice and not from the UK entry perspective. Here is the DIRECTIVE 2004/38/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL just in case you have enough spare time. Actually you only need to review the first few pages. Happy reading
Sorry, forgot to include info about the English Language tests. I'm surprised that the British Council were so unhelpful, especially as they are approved English Language testing centres in both Jeddah and Dammam. Anyway, the answer is that any direct UK route to a settlement visa will require your wife to pass such a test. The UKBA site states that, "In the test, you will need to demonstrate a basic command of English (speaking and listening) at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference Someone assessed at level A1 can understand and use simple, everyday expressions and very basic phrases. You will not need to demonstrate your reading and writing skills. The minimum standard that you must meet is in speaking and listening at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. " Whatever any of us feel about this crazy procedure, the fact remains that she cannot secure UK settlement without a pass certificate for this English Test Do remember that UKBA currently only requires a very basic level (A1) for Speaking and Listening. There is no reading or writing or grammar testing at all. Your best bet is to review the UKBA approved list and find a test centre that offers an appropriate test at reasonable cost, close to where you live. Many of these test centres also arrange review classes for those whose self-confidence needs a boost. UKBA requires applicants to pass ANY English Language test that meets or exceeds the A1 level of the European Common framework. Please look here for the new approved listing from UKBA for providers of English language courses and tests:- Just follow the links under the providers details in the column on the far right of the listing. If you have questions just fire away. By the way, there is no requirement for this test if you follow the EEA route.
