Clarification needed on few questions

[ThePolishGal]

'Additional info at the end of the form' - do you mean this section?
"Immigration details
Do you have any other details that you would like to be considered regarding this applicant and their application to be registered as a British Citizen?"

[CULLINAN]

'Additional info at the end of the form' - do you mean this section?
"Immigration details
Do you have any other details that you would like to be considered regarding this applicant and their application to be registered as a British Citizen?"

Yes. But you can also mention in the cover letter.

[ThePolishGal]

How do cover letters work? Just another document, dates and signed by me, confirming what I said in the application is true? Is it mandatory? What do applicants typically include in them?

[CULLINAN]

How do cover letters work? Just another document, dates and signed by me, confirming what I said in the application is true? Is it mandatory? What do applicants typically include in them?

Cover letter is not mandatory. You do NOT need one but you can simply use one if needed to clarify anything. Its not a declaration. The declaration for truth is at the end of the online form. You do not sign it physically though. You just accept and proceed.

[ThePolishGal]

Hello, hope everyone is doing well

I'm waiting for my uni degree certificate and document from UK Visas & Immigration re information they hold about me leaving/entering the country. Latter to ensure I've got the dates exactly right...

I think I correctly put down all the dates, but in case of 3 trips I might be off by one or two days on the return. How important is it to be exact, would that deny my application altogether?

Cheers,

[CULLINAN]

Hello, hope everyone is doing well

I'm waiting for my uni degree certificate and document from UK Visas & Immigration re information they hold about me leaving/entering the country. Latter to ensure I've got the dates exactly right...

I think I correctly put down all the dates, but in case of 3 trips I might be off by one or two days on the return. How important is it to be exact, would that deny my application altogether?

Cheers,

Just mention that those three dates are estimates to the best of your knowledge. HO will make their own checks. You will be okay.

[ThePolishGal]

@Cullinan, thank you for all the answers so far, much obliged, thank you

I'm considering moving out of my place and renting elsewhere. Is it possible/will it delay the process much, if I submit the application now, move address, somehow update that in my application/online? Before/after biometrics appointment, would that matter too?

Cheers

[CULLINAN]

@Cullinan, thank you for all the answers so far, much obliged, thank you

I'm considering moving out of my place and renting elsewhere. Is it possible/will it delay the process much, if I submit the application now, move address, somehow update that in my application/online? Before/after biometrics appointment, would that matter too?

Cheers

You can use the following to update address:

https://visa-address-update.service.gov.uk/

Note, you chose a council (where you will attend your ceremony) when you filled your online application. If you know where you are going, best to choose that council as changing the council can be a nightmare later on (if you have not yet submitted your application).

These days, approval letter is sent via email. However, ceremony invitation is sent via post which can take 12-14 weeks after approval. Best to keep a contact at your old address (just to be on the safe side) if possible.

[ThePolishGal]

Thank you @Cullinan.

I'm having trouble with my degree certificate. I can't find the original, so I paid to have it re-printed and sent to me from uni beginning of this month, with priority. But because of everything going on at unis, it's massively delayed.

On https://www.gov.uk/english-language/degrees-in-english it says that "If you’ve lost your certificate or you’re waiting for graduation
You must have proof that you’ve passed your degree. This can be either:

(1)an official transcript with your name, the name of the institution, your degree and confirmation of the award
(2) an official letter from your university confirming it cannot reissue your certificate or when it will be issued"

What I do have is "Higher Education Achievement Report" which is several pages long, has all the info in there (my name, date of birth, that degree was in English, breakdown of all my modules grades, rules around obtaining the degree etc). When I google 'transcript from my uni' it looks slightly different (just the grades breakdown pretty much). So I'm not sure if they're the same thing or if the HEAR document would be accepted (since it isn't officially a transcript, but probably something tad different?).

If that doc isn't fully ok, then I just have to be patient and hope to get the official degree certificate asap.

[CULLINAN]

You need degree certificate. Do you have a UK degree? Dont you have a scanned copy of your degree? If not a UK degree, you would need a NARIC also.

Best to consider is going for B1 SELT and provide with your documents before biometrics.
Attach a cover letter and mention your provided B1 SELT instead.
£150 - 10 minutes, but saves you lots of hassle.


https://www.trinitycollege.com/qualific ... SE-grade-5

[ThePolishGal]

Yes, I have a UK degree, from British University. I can't believe I lost it somewhere, I moved several times since graduation and never thought I'd lose it. It's not in my documentation box, unlike all the other important docs I have there. I do have the HEAR document, though, just unsure if this is the equivalent of a transcript.

[CULLINAN]

Yes, I have a UK degree, from British University. I can't believe I lost it somewhere, I moved several times since graduation and never thought I'd lose it. It's not in my documentation box, unlike all the other important docs I have there. I do have the HEAR document, though, just unsure if this is the equivalent of a transcript.

If I was you, I would not risk it. Either send a degree certificate OR take B1 SELT instead.

Its always good practice to keep soft copies of important documents. All you need was a soft copy.

[ThePolishGal]

Hello! Great news, I FOUND THE DEGREE CERTIFICATE! It was at my parents' place. Which means, I can now finally apply I went through the application and I think I have final two questions...

1. In 2013 or 2014 (trying to trace it back somehow), I was caught accidentally speeding in Poland. Had to pay 100 PLN and lost 2 points temporarily on my driving license (I wasn't arrested, the license wasn't taken away, just had to pay the fine and had 2 points on my account). In the section "At any time have you ever had any of the following, in the UK or in another country?" do I then tick (A) A penalty for a driving offence, for example disqualification for speeding or no motor insurance or (B) A caution, warning, reprimand or other penalty ? And how do I title is (as upon choosing option (A), the options are: "Disqualification for speeding", "No insurance" or "Other (type in)"?

2. One of my referees is currently in the process of buying a house and is likely to move during my application process. Does it affect my application? Should I use a different referee then or have to update their home address once their move (if my application isn't complete by then)? They are not changing other contact details, like e-mail or phone number.

Cheers.

[CULLINAN]

1) Not sure how the Polish system works. If I was you, I would not even bother to declare it since its from 2013. However, if you wish to declare, just say Speeding Notice in “other” penalties. It is called a “Fixed Penalty Notice” in UK, not sure what is it called in Poland.

2) No issues. No need to update address.

[ThePolishGal]

@Cullinan thank you for all your help during this process, really appreciate your patience and answering all my questions.

I have now submitted my application, getting biometrics done at the end of the month. Thank you!

[CULLINAN]

@Cullinan thank you for all your help during this process, really appreciate your patience and answering all my questions.

I have now submitted my application, getting biometrics done at the end of the month. Thank you!

Welcome. Good luck.

PS: There is a new feature where you can submit your documents to UKVI via UKVCAS even before biometrics. You may want to benefit from this feature. It will be at the “document upload page.”

[ThePolishGal]

Yes, I am going to. I also went with enhanced appointment, to double-check my docs during the appointment to really make sure everythingis in order

[CULLINAN]

Yes, I am going to. I also went with enhanced appointment, to double-check my docs during the appointment to really make sure everythingis in order

Then you will not be able to benefit from self submission. Your documents will not be passed onto UKVI until your appointment now. Thats fine. Good luck.

[ThePolishGal]

Ah I see. Does it mean I should not upload *any* of the documents online prior to the biometrics appointment, including even the passport?

On the UKVCAS it also states:
"EU Settlement Scheme applications
If you are applying through the EU Settlement Scheme you will need to scan and upload all of your supporting documents when making your application with UKVI. Please do not upload additional documents with your application when using the UKVCAS service.

You must bring your passport/travel document to your appointment, your Biometric Residence Permit is the only acceptable alternative if you do not have your passport/ travel document. Do not upload these documents to the UKVCAS website as we are required to scan your identity document during your appointment."

(1) So it sounds that, also because I picked Enhanced biometrics, I should just collect those docs and bring them on the day, and not upload any beforehand, is that correct?

(2) If I upload them online beforehand, and they find something is wrong during the appointment, do they have the power to remove/reupload the scanned doc?

[CULLINAN]

Do not confuse “upload” with “self-submission.” You should upload ALL. You may self-submit also but since you bought the “documents checking service”, UKVCAS will physically check the documents up to 48 hours before your appointment and submit once you attend the appointment. Any more documents can be uploaded and submitted up-to/or when you attend the appointment. I would say upload all your docs. The staff scans passport anyways for identity checks for all.

[CULLINAN]

Enhanced appointment means that the scanning service will be included in the price. So if you wish, you may ask them to scan and upload for you. But I would recommend you upload yourself.

Document checking service means that your documents will be checked physically by the staff before your appointment if you upload them at least 48 hours before your appointment. They will just make sure your documents are complete as per the checklist. If you bought this service(?), the self submission will not work i.e. your documents will not be sent to UKVI before your biometrics.

You can upload/add/remove documents at the appointment.

The UKVCAS staff has no knowledge about immigration matters. Its your responsibility to make sure all your documents are uploaded correctly. Tbh the scanning service or documents checking service is just a waste in my opinion.

[ThePolishGal]

Hello,
Right, I see. Thank you. There was barely any difference in costs between core and enhanced so figured I might as well go with the later where I live.
I’m going to upload the documents then, as you say. My checklist is:

- The passport issued by Poland for XX
- Proof of living in the UK for XX for 5 years if applying in your own right or 3 years if applying as the spouse of a British Citizen
- The degree certificate for XX to prove the level of English language required
- XX's proof of freedom from immigration time restrictions
- Two referee declarations for XX

As for the categories I’ll be uploading:
Proof of Application: my current passport
Residence in the UK: HMRC letter covering last 5 years; letter from the employer; P60s of last 5 years
Finances: nothing (should I put annual bank statements?)
Proof of business: nothing
Life Events: nothing (should I put my mortgage confirmation?)
Medical Information: nothing
Sponsors / Employment: do I repeat myself here and same 3 documents as in the residence section?
Proof of identity / travel history: my old passport, my current national ID card, my old national ID card
Educational: life in the UK test certificate; degree certificate; higher education achievement award; letter from uni
Other: 2 referee declarations, cover letter

On the UKVCAS website it states "Scan in Greyscale or Black and white: To help contain the files size to 6MB please scan in ‘Greyscale’ or ‘Black and white’ and not in ‘Colour’. It is also helpful to keep the resolution between 150 dpi (dots per inch) to 300 dpi. This can be achieved by configuring your device by the available ‘Settings’ option, that allows you to choose the file format, colour and the dpi resolution. With this approach, you will be able to scan up to 50 pages per document within the allowed 6 MB limit.”

Some of my documents are scanned in colour - passport, employment letter, P60s. Do I need to change them to greyscale or is it ok they’re in colour (none of them are bigger than 6MB)?

Cheers.

[CULLINAN]

Colour is fine. The grey scale is only an advisory if one can not contain the file size below 6MB. Colour is better.

No extra documents needed. Stick with the checklist only.

Suggestion:

Proof of Application: my current passport, cover letter
Residence in the UK: HMRC letter covering last 5 years; letter from the employer; P60s of last 5 years
Educational: life in the UK test certificate; degree certificate only.
Other: 2 referee declarations
Proof of identity: proof of settled status.

Nothing else needed.

I am assuming you have NOT purchased the documents checking service separately. You just booked an enhanced appointment(scanning included). You can submit your documents to UKVI via UKVCAS even before biometrics in this case.

[ThePolishGal]

Right, thank you. I paid for enhanced, as it was barely any difference in price to the core.

As for the proof of settled status, I of course added the reference number and granted date to my application. As for the physical proof, I've got the notification letter saying I was granted settled status. It states however "You will be able to use the online service to show your settled status in the UK. This letter is not proof of your status.". Does it mean I should send something else or will this letter be good enough?

Is there also any required format for the cover letter or is that not important?

[CULLINAN]

I've got the notification letter saying I was granted settled status.

Reference number is enough. The above should be good too. However, someone from the EEA route can advise better.

Cover letter is not needed if you do not have to clarify any unusual thing.