New settlement checking service launches today

[joebloggs]

The UK Border Agency has expanded its partnership working with local government by launching a new checking service for settlement applications.

The settlement checking service pilot builds on the success of the existing nationality checking service. If a migrant is applying for settlement (also known as 'indefinite leave to remain') using application form SET(M), they can now have their application checked by a local authority officer before it is sent to us.

Form SET(M) is for migrants who are applying for settlement as the husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.

it will benefit applicants by checking and returning their valuable documents. It will also reassure them that their application is complete and valid when it is sent to us, avoiding any unnecessary delay.


good news for those who want to keep their passports !

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/si.../13-scs-launch

[somebody]

Blimey about time to. Hopefully they can be sensible and have a special service where key documents can be checked by an official in the UK for SPouse visas instead of orignals and copies flying around here and there.

[Rosie1958]

On checking the website I notice that Oxfordshire County Council are charging £80 for this service which is only available in the UK and the appointment/ interview must be attended in person by both partners ............

During the appointment, they will:

• check your application is complete and that it includes all the required supporting documents
• check that the correct fee has been paid
• inform the applicant of any unacceptable documents or documents over and above the UK Border Agency requirements
• make certified copies of the spouse’s and dependent(s) passports, travel documents and supporting documents for enclosure with the application - returning originals to the spouse and dependent(s)
• make certified copies of the applicant’s passport, travel documents and supporting documents for enclosure with the application along with the original documents (the stamp will be inserted into the passport of the main applicant to show the appropriate grant of leave)
• submit the checked and complete application to the UK Border Agency via secure mail

[joebloggs]

not much good if your going to a PEO (same day processing) and £80 is a lot, you might as well pay the extra and use a PEO than send it by post and pay £80 to use this service

[somebody]

They have a basic check of documents before you Pay at Croydon which was much like what the checking of the documents was like before sending off for the Nationalty application.

If you have doubts about your paperwork or sending stuff in the post etc I would opt for the one day. Was well worth the extra especially in the lack of waiting for days/weeks. Took very little time (we spent more time in the shopping centre across the road ) and of course meant you could take everything but the kitchen sink and explain paperwork etc with the person in front of you rather than write cover letters etc if there was some sort of issue..

Some people who took the bare minimum paperwork seemed to have more problems and took longer than us I do think they are swayed if they see that you have the normal household paperwork in bulk that everything is in order..