eastsussex.gov.uk How To Apply to Settle in the UK : East Sussex County Council

Name of the Organization : East Sussex County Council
Type of Facility : How To Apply to Settle in the UK
Country : United Kingdom

Website : https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/

How to apply to settle in the UK :

Settlement Checking Service :
** If you are planning to settle in the UK as the husband, wife or partner of a British citizen or someone who is already settled here, we can check that your application form and documents are correct.

Related : East Sussex County Council Applying for British Citizenship UK : www.statusin.org/25051.html

** Our SCS service avoids unnecessary delays and helps you to get your application right first time.
** Our staff are trained and registered to check and forward your application to UK Visas & Immigration by special delivery post.
** Important documents, such as your spouse or partner’s passports, marriage and birth certificates, will remain in your possession.
** This service is available to everyone wherever you live, not just East Sussex residents.
** You cannot use the settlement checking service or apply using a SET(M) form if you are a European Economic Area (EEA) National.
** You can find further advice about how to apply for residence on UK Visa & Immigration website.

Booking an Appointment :
** You need to book an appointment with the East Sussex Registration Service in time to submit your application within 28 days before your existing leave expires.
** Please note that you will not be able to attend an appointment more than 28 days before the end of your ‘two year probationary period’.
** We currently offer this service in Eastbourne and Hastings only so please contact the most convenient office on Eastbourne 01323 464780 or Hastings 01424 726530.

Two year probationary period :
** If you have an entry clearance visa (issued abroad) the two year probationary period starts from the date your visa was stamped by the Immigration Officer, when you entered the UK.

** If you have a residence permit or a biometric residence permit the two year probationary period starts from when you were granted two years leave as a spouse or partner (even if you previously had leave in another category, for example as a student).

What checks are carried out?
During the appointment, we 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 Visas & Immigration requirements
** certify copies of all supporting documents (allowing original documents to be retained by you)
** submit the checked and completed application to the UK Visas & Immigration via secure mail.

What should I bring to my appointment?
** When you telephone to book an appointment, our advisors will tell you what you must bring with you.
** Information on the documentation required to support a SET(M) application can also be found in the form and guidance notes available on the UK Visas & Immigration website.

In summary :
** You and your settled spouse or partner should attend the SCS appointment together.
** If you have children under 18 years old, they do not have to be present.

You must bring the following documents with you :
** Completed SET (M) application form.
** Life in the UK Test AND Evidence of second language qualification (KOLL).
** All the necessary documents as explained in the application form and guidance notes.
** Your credit or debit card details on the form

Fee :
** Our fee for the settlement checking service is £100 for adults. Minors are included as dependents on the adult application.
** This fee is non-refundable.
** The fee is charged in addition to the SET (M) application fee charged by UK Visas & Immigration.
** On booking an appointment the full fee is required. This fee is non-refundable if you do not attend your appointment.

Can SCS be used before attending a Public Enquiry Office (PEO) in person?
** Yes. We will carry out the usual checks and sort through your documentary evidence.
** We will advise you whether or not your application is complete and valid.
** You will then be able to take your application along with the supporting documents to your PEO appointment.
** The purpose of the pre-PEO appointment is to assure you that you havwe completed the application form correctly and have the correct supporting documents and fee.

Advice about settlement :
** We cannot provide advice on settlement matters.
** You should visit the gov.uk website for any advice you may need.

Will my application be dealt with more quickly?
** No. Nor does it mean it will be successful. We cannot be responsible for unsuccessful applications, nor can we refund fees.
** However, a fully completed and checked application is more likely to be processed quickly.
** Once we have sent your application any future enquiries you may have should be made directly to UK Visas & Immigration