31/08/2026
"I’ve been living in England for 5 years now, even though I originally only planned to stay temporarily. Every 2.5 years, I have to extend my visa, which costs around £4,000. I was initially on the 10-year route, but last year I applied to switch to the 5-year route so I wouldn't have to keep going through this expensive process and could have more freedom to travel.
Unfortunately, my application for the 5-year route failed because I used an old B1 English language certificate. The B1 test is very basic—just simple conversational English like saying hello, introducing yourself, and answering basic questions. I didn't realize it had an expiration date and needed to be renewed. The last time I took it, I had to spend a whole day traveling into central London just to speak basic English.
When I got the refusal, I felt it was so unfair that I couldn't switch to the 5-year route just because of an outdated certificate. I emailed UK Immigration to ask if they could reconsider while I took a new test, especially since this decision completely affects my life. However, they told me I would have to reapply and pay another £4,000—right after I had just paid it!
It feels very unfair, and living here isn't easy. But I know I am here for my family, so I have no choice but to keep working hard. I can't travel anywhere freely right now; I can only go back home to Thailand." My life in England 🏴
