The Home Office has this week confirmed that ‘if an applicant is applying for settlement or nationality, they can submit an expired IELTS certificate’.
They have also stated that this will apply to all tests which have a limited validity on the English language list.
We act for individuals applying to settle or naturalise in the UK and this is important and welcome news from the Home Office. Thanks to the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association for circulating it to immigration practitioners who advise clients on these issues.
The full email from the Home Office reads:
From: Nationality Helpdesk Home Office Sent: 03 February 2014 13:55 Subject: RE: Naturalisation query
I can confirm that if an applicant is applying for settlement or nationality, they can submit an expired IELTS certificate. This applies to all tests which have a limited validity on the English language list.
Please note that as the onus is upon the individual to ensure that he/she satisfies the requirements set out in the guidance material that accompanies each and every application form, the Nationality Group is not able to give, indicate or advise upon the outcome of any such application prior to it being correctly submitted and being given full and careful consideration. Therefore, you are advised to read through the guide prior to submitting a future application.
Kind regards,
Miss Neelam Rafiq | Nationality Helpdesk
