Advise on Set(m). Please help. Thank You

[Shahnaz79]

Hi All,


I am a new memeber on this forum and I really need someone who can advise me on my settlement (m) visa.

I enter UK on a spouse visa in December 2010 (married to British born citizen). My spouse visa was granted from November 2010 till Feb 2013. After my spouse visa expired in Feb 2013, I extended the visa for another 2 years which was granted from March 2013 til March 2015 (which will expire this month). My question is - can i apply for 2 year route Settlement (M) now since i have the permission to enter UK before July 2012 or I have to follow 5 year route for settlement(M) because extended my visa (didnt apply settlement (m) after my 2 yr probabtion expire)?

I am sorry if this question sound a bit daft but I am really confuis. Please help.


Thank You in advance.

[CR001]

apply for 2 year route Settlement (M) now

[Shahnaz79]

Thank you CR001.

Does it mean i dont have to wait within 28 days before my visa ecpire on 29th March 2015?

[CR001]

No, you can apply now. Have you passed Life in the UK and done the English Level B1 test?

[Shahnaz79]

CR001,

Yes, I passed my Life in the Uk test yesterday and i dont need english test as i had my degree from UK University. I have booked PEO Croydon appointment on 6th march 2015( because i thought i need to apply within 28 days before current visa expire) and going to book the visa checking service for next saturday 28th Feb.

Do i need to worry that i didnt apply for settlement visa right after my 2 year probation ends and went and get visa extension instead? To be honest i dont know why i extended my visa instead of settlement visa 2 years ago- plain stupidity?

[CR001]

Do i need to worry that i didnt apply for settlement visa right after my 2 year probation ends and went and get visa extension instead?

No you don't need to worry. Many people extended their spouse visas because they struggle to pass LIUK or English etc. They key thing for you is that your original visa was issued before 9th July 2012 so you definitely qualify under the old rules.

You could have applied before now though and did not need to wait till end of your extension visa to apply.

[Shahnaz79]

Thank You so so much CR001. Really appreciate your advise.

You really made my day

[CR001]

You're welcome and keep us updated of your application.

You do realise that as soon as you are granted ILR, you can apply immediately for British Citizenship if you wish to.

[Shahnaz79]

Oh I didnt know that. Wow!I definitely have to look into that.

I will post an update how i get on with my application in person in PEO Croydon.


Thank You so much again for your advise.

[CR001]

and going to book the visa checking service for next saturday 28th Feb.

Why are you doing this and applying in person at Croydon? Settlement checking service is if you don't want to apply in person and they check your docs, photocopy and send your application for you.

A trained local authority officer will:

check you have completed your SET(M) form correctly
check you have paid the correct application fee
copy and return your valuable documents
ensure your application is valid and post it to UK Visas and Immigration

[Shahnaz79]

CR001,

This is what i found on checking service website:

"Applying in person at the Public Enquiry Office

An applicant may decide to apply in person at a UK Visas and Immigration Public Enquiry Office (PEO) and would pay for a premium service. The settlement checking service is available as part of the premium application route. Local authorities will check the application form is complete, and check correct supporting documents have been provided."


Do you think i should skip the checking service?

Oh 1 more thing- do my husband have to attend the PEO appointment with me?

[CR001]

The choice is yours if you want to use the service and pay the fee. Help is free on the forum too for example if you list everything etc.

Yes, your husband will need to attend with you and if he is unable to, he will need to write a letter explaining why and that he supports your application etc.

[Shahnaz79]

Oh Thank You!

I will look at all the documentation we have tonight and list it all here for feedback whether it is sufficient enough evidence etc.

To be honest if the checking service is not necessary, i would rather skip it as me and my husband have to take a day off for the checking service (plus extra £100 for the fee) and another day off for the Visa appointment in Croydon. Its hard to get a day off as it.

Thank You again (can't thank u enough!)

[CR001]

Happy to help. Let me/us know if you need more info regarding citizenship as well.

Char

[Shahnaz79]

Oh just remember another question!


In the Sett(M) form:

"Note 8 We need 6 letters or other documents addressed to you jointly or in both your names. If you do not have enough items in your joint names, you may also provide items addressed to each of you individually if they show the same address for both of you.
For example – 4 items of correspondence in joint names to the same address and 2 items addressed to each partner at the address. In total 8 items will need to be submitted.
If you and your partner have no bills or correspondence in joint names you will need to submit 12 items (6 each) of correspondence, evidencing that you reside together at the same address.
Examples of acceptable letters and documents are listed below. They must be originals.
The dates of the letters or documents should spread over the whole 2 years. They should be from at least 3 different"

Is this going to be 2 years from the date of my extended visa (29/03/2015) or should i submit evidence from since granted the spouse visa entry (Dec 2010)?

Thank You

[CR001]

It is usually the 2 years preceding the date of Set(M) ILR application. You can of course take more with you to cover all or part of the initial visa period in case they ask for more documents.

[Shahnaz79]

Excellent Thank you

[Shahnaz79]

Hi,

I am going to PEO Croydon Monday and hoping anyone comment if i have enough evidence and documentations for ILR.

I have the following:

Passports (current and Previous ones)
Husband's passport
Passport photo x 2 (mine and husband)
Marriage certificate
LITUK pass letter
Bsc and Masters degree UK university certificate

Financial:
6 Months salary slips (Mine and Husband)
Letter from employer confirming employment (mine and Husband)
6 Months Bank statement (mine and husband)

Cohabitation evidence (all spread over the last 2 years- since last FLRM:

With both of our name:
1. Council tax bill x 2 (2013 and 2014)
2. Recent water bills (jan 2015)
3. Letter from Natwest regarding our joint account update (April 2014)
4. Tenancy agreement (Jan 2013)
5. Joint account statement (Feb 2014)
With my name:
1. Letter from UKBA for last FLRM
2. P60 x 2 (2013 and 2014)

With his name:
1. Credit card statement x 1 (Oct 2013)
2. Electricity bills (June 2014)



Do you think this is enough or i need more documents and evidence?



Thank You in advanced for any comments. Much appreciate it.