Licence conversion issues in the UK
 

My last flight was in March 2020 (due to the pandemic I was let go by my employer) and as a result my Vietnamese CPL expired. (I have almost 2000 A320 hours.)

Now back in the UK, I have completed the 14 ATPL exams.

The CAA UK is not letting me do any SIM sessions to convert my licence because my Vietnamese licence has expired.

The CAA Vietnam is not letting me renew my licence because I no longer work for a Vietnamese carrier. (A training orgnisation in Vietnam suggested I redo my entire type rating ££££!)

The UK CAA has asked me to present my case to them to make an appeal as a special case.

I am in a bit of a catch 22 situation, thoughts?

Go do an FAA A320 SIC ATP check ride, may cost you 5000 dollars for the ATP sim course needed but gives you an active license, then do the UK CAA LPC.

Plus good chance of getting visa for the US as you are over 1500 hours.

Do this. Show them the communication from Vietnam stating that you cannot renew your licence. Maybe even book a SIM and a CAA examiner and take an LST. After all, if you can pass the CAAs own test what more proof do you need that you're current?

Thanks mate! This is definitely worth looking in to, I did my initial training in the US.
I’ll write to a couple of training centers and try my luck!

I’ve already submitted my case.
fingers crossed they’ll give me a solution, or some sort of concession at the least.