ajant wrote:Thanks . Any ideas from your experience how long approx it takes for the personal info to come back.
It takes about 40 days to come.
I got this info from some other forum which may be helpful to you.
{{QUOTE(Victoria @ Jul 2 2007, 05:35 PM) [snapback]95821[/snapback]
Several people have been asking me how to get their files from the Home Office, which is increaingly important for those applying for ILR under the 10 year rule.
The website for this is here
http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/naviga ... /foi_guide This has the address to write to, but does not have a format of words or the amount to pay and who to make the cheque payable to, so if anyone can add thses details I'd be grateful.
The mods may also want to sticky this....
Victoria
this info might be helpful
From 1 January 2005, the Freedom of Information Act set up a legal right of access to information held by public authorities such as the Immigration and Nationality Department (IND), which is part of the Home Office.
What does it mean for you?
It means that if you are subject to 'Immigration Controls' you can write to IND and ask for copies of all recorded information. Your request would be handled under the subject access provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA). There is a charge of £10 for obtaining the data.
If you require copies of information held on you by IND please write to:
Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND)
Subject Access Bureau (SAB)
10th Floor
Sunley House
Bedford Park
Croydon
CR0 2AP
Include your full name as on your IND documents
Port Reference and/or Home Office Reference numbers and address where you are living or detained.
Entitle the letter "Data Protection Act 1998 - Subject Access Request"
Then write
"I would be grateful if you could disclose the entire contents of my file. I enclose a cheque for £10".
Sign the letter and send the original but keep a copy, and send by recorded post.
Enclose a cheque for £10 made payable to 'Home Office Accounting Officer'.
How long will it take to get a reply?
You should receive a response to your enquiry within 20 working days. If it is to take longer than that the authority holding the information will write to you and tell you why.
Will IND always tell you everything you ask?
No. While the Act is designed to enable individuals to access a wide range of information, it also has a number of provisions that permit public authorities to limit the disclosure of information. These are referred to as "exemptions" and there are 23 exemptions from the rights of access under the Act. Examples of when information may not be disclosed by IND in direct response to a request would include information already publicly available via another source, personal information relating to a third party not the requester and information that may prejudice the operation of immigration controls. If information is being withheld you will normally be told the reasons why.}}
Regards
B2