Assignments to UK

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We have just been posted to the UK from Cyprus – what visa do I need?

If you don’t have a current visa or are only in possession of a visit visa, you need to make an application for settlement through the British High Commission (BHC) in Nicosia. The unit will refund the cost of the visa for each family member.

How do I apply?
Click here for all information on how to apply for a visa in Cyprus. Each individual travelling will be required to make an online application (including children) and will also need to attend the BHC for an appointment to present the application form, supporting documents and to have biometric details taken. Children under five do not need to have biometrics taken.

Journey costs, to and from the BHC in Nicosia which are incurred as a direct result of a Unit move or an individual assignment can be met by the public purse. However, individuals are to be advised that they should request white fleet transport or use the pre-arranged Unit transport in the first instance. Only with the prior authority of the Unit Admin Officer and on the production of a non-availability certificate can an individual be authorised to claim Motor Mileage Allowance via JPA when they have used their own vehicle to travel to and from the BHC to process passport and/or visa applications.

What visa will I apply for?

Soldier is NOT a British Citizen

You need to select the ‘settlement’ option from ‘purpose of application’ drop-down menu on the online form. Each application will cost £810. If your soldier spouse has served for five years and you have been married for two years then you should be issued with Indefinite Leave to Enter. If your soldier spouse has not served for five years or you have not been married for two years then you should be issued with a visa for four years.

These visas will be refunded by your unit once you have a receipt, you are also able to get an advance of pay in order to pay the cost initially. You should speak to your RAO or UWO about this.

Soldier now a British Citizen*

If you have lived in Cyprus for four years, have been married for four years AND you have taken the Life in UK test, you can apply for settlement (choose the ‘settlement’ option from the ‘purpose of application’ drop down menu on the online form). and you will be granted ILE. The unit will refund this visa.

Please note: we are waiting for clarification on this rule. It is currently unclear whether you need to have lived outside the UK for four years or have been married for four years in order to qualify for ILE on entry to UK. If you fit both of these criteria then you can apply, if not then it may be best not to try this route until we receive clarification.

If you have not lived in Cyprus for four years or you have not taken the Life in UK test, you will have to apply for settlement (choose the ‘settlement’ option from the ‘purpose of application’ drop down menu on the online form). but will only be issued Leave to Enter (LTE) for two years. 28 days before the end of the two year period you will be able to apply for ILR using form SET(M) - see the 'ILR and Visa extensions in UK' page. IMPORTANT - you may also have to take an English Language test to be able to apply for this visa, see the section below for full details.

Supporting documents. There is a list of suggested supporting documents for those applying for settlement click here. You will also need a letter from the Unit confirming the soldiers assignment and that Service Families Accommodation is available/has been applied for. Click here for a template Unit letter. We have been informed that it is not possible to apply for a visa unless you have an address in the UK and an assignment order. You should speak to your UWO about this especially if you have been given a short-notice posting.

How long will it take? Settlement applications can be processed within 4-6 weeks but may take up to 12 weeks so it is important that an application is made as soon as possible.

*If you have been married for three years and are NOT the spouse of a Gurkha who has transferred to the wider Army then you should consider applying for Citizenship prior to leaving Cyprus, if you have time.

Compulsory English Language test* for spouses of British Citizens

From 29 November 2010, anybody who is entering the UK as the spouse of a British citizen needs to show that they can speak and understand basic English at A1 level. You will be required to take this test if:

you are currently in Cyprus on a posting and have been assigned back to the UK AND
your serving soldier is a British Citizen
you do not already meet the requirement

How do I find out if I need to take the test?
All information on the test and who needs to take it can be found by clicking here. Some majority English speaking countries are exempt from taking the test, as are those who can already show that they have taken an approved test and those who have a recognised degree level qualification taught in English.

*An applicant is deemed to meet the language requirement if they are a national of one of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; the Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Canada; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; New Zealand; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago; United States of America.

Do I have to take a course?
This will depend on your current level of English, to meet the requirements you only need to pass the test at basic/entry level. ESOL courses can be taken at the Army Education Centres in Cyprus so if you need to improve your level of English you can do one of these courses and then take the test.

Where can I take the test?

Only tests on the following list can be used to demonstrate your English language ability. Click here to view the list.

The main providers and tests in Cyprus are:

Cambridge ESOL (cambridgeesol-centres.org
KET (A2) and PET (B1) approx 2 hrs €100
ILETS (B1-C2) approx 2.5 hrs €180
City and Guilds International ESOL Diploma (A1-C2) approx 3hrs

You can take any of the above qualifications through the British Council in Nicosia, all information on the website below:
www.britishcouncil.org/cyprus-exams-english-exams

The other option is TOEFL but this is a higher level exam, click on the link below for more information and links to test centres in Cyprus:

ETS (Educational Testing Services) offer TOEFL (including IBT online test) www.ets.org
TOEFL: university level (B1-C1) 4hr test €150-€225

*This is not the same as the Life in the UK test.