Hello Karen and John. I am sorry to hear about that news but I hope I can help. I am from dungannon and just got my spouse visa last March 4, 2011. What I did was I booked an appointment online in UKBA. You need to download the most recent and updated spouse visa form which is FLR(M) from the website. It is true that last Nov. they added a new requirement for spouse visa (the English Language exam) I searched for an approved test provider in Belfast and took it few days before my appointment in the border agency. It's pretty simple anyway, I know you can pass it easily, you just have to take Speaking ang Listening in A1 level. Although it cost me £150 for the test and waited 3 days for the result. Btw, i suggest you do it straightforward just incase you wanted to re apply for the spouse visa. But instead of £500 (post), you have to pay them (£800). It's very expensive but what can we do? With regards to your refusal, I think you are indeed over qualified since you've been here for a long time. But you're right, you have an option. And they refused you so that they can get more money from you :( sadly but it's true
