PR card not accepted as proof or residence

[Stoli]

Hi all

Decided to post here as possibly other people may in future, or have already, encounter such difficulties.

In my case (interesting as always! ) - Career and Professional Development loan. This is provided only by Co-Operative and Barclays, should the applicant meet certain criteria. I applied with Barclays and they rendered my application invalid on basis that I do not meet the eligibility criteria (the one about residence).

Quoting Barclays:

To be eligible for the Career Development Loan, you must:
Be aged 18 or over (YES)
Be ordinarily resident in the UK for at least 3 years (Duh.. I mean, YES)
Have unlimited right to remain in the UK (THIS IS THE SPOILER)
Intend to work in the European Union (EU), Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein once you've finished your course (YES)
Not have reasonable or adequate access to funds to pay for the course yourself (COooooULD ARGUE I guess, but that's not the point)
Be studying full or part-time in an approved vocational course (YES)

So in their understanding, and they way they have it in the "computer says no" script is that unlimited stay=ILR. And because PR is not ILR, they would not accept this, it seems.

I mean, I really do understand that each bank has its own set of criteria plus every application is individual etc etc
But - is PR really NOT the same as ILR?

If so.. really??

And if not - do you know any useful documents I could show Barclays to make my point? I have submitted a complaint out of interest, will let you know after they "investigate".. hopefully some time this year

Any feedback on this is generally welcome. Would be also interesting to hear if anyone has had any similar/other problems with PR (lie, for example, when applying for mortgage maybe?..)

[chaoclive]

Never heard about this before. I don't know anything about it but why not make a request to the Home Office on the differences between PR and ILR? Go here: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

Do you have a confirmation of your PR issued by the Home Office? If so then you have proof of your permanent residence. That is "unlimited right to remain in the UK".

You can point out that you can apply to naturalize one year after getting either ILR or PR.

Push back. Also get Solvit involved.

[vinny]

Refer them to 2(1).

[Stoli]

Thank you guys I promise to keep you posted, surely this should be helpful to others too

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

Be polite and persistant. For anyone who refuses, ask for them to have their manager also join the conversation.

[Stoli]

It was the bank manager who said: "well, normally an employee would refer such a case to the bank's manager, but I am the manager and have no idea what to do, so let's file a complaint - if you wish to do so - for them to investigate"
Where "them" is the processing team in Manchester. Who were supposed to be "specialist in dealing with immigration"

So..waiting

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

Also consider contact Solvit. They take 8 weeks or so to do their thing, so starting early is a good idea.

[Stoli]

One tiny update. I am not doing this for the loan anymore, just want justice

Solvit could only help if I were an EU citizen.

So I called the Home Office. Yes.
You know what, the guy was very helpful and friendly (Europen enquiries line) , spoke with a couple of his colleagues given that the nature of my request is not what one would call a day-to-day matter. They confirmed - obviously - that PR=ILR and that Barclays are dumb bastards. Offered to email Barclays directly to tell them of all this.
Next step is to find a suitable employee in Barclays email address. I think another trip to a branch is in order!

To Be Continued...

[chaoclive]

One tiny update. I am not doing this for the loan anymore, just want justice

Solvit could only help if I were an EU citizen.

So I called the Home Office. Yes.
You know what, the guy was very helpful and friendly (Europen enquiries line) , spoke with a couple of his colleagues given that the nature of my request is not what one would call a day-to-day matter. They confirmed - obviously - that PR=ILR and that Barclays are dumb bastards. Offered to email Barclays directly to tell them of all this.
Next step is to find a suitable employee in Barclays email address. I think another trip to a branch is in order!

To Be Continued...

Good luck! You're very good to push this; I'm sure it will help people in the future