This is getting a little bit off-topic from the OPs original questions, but since their chosen Subject line is very relevant at a general level, I think it adds some value to contribute to your latest comments, trying to not open a pandora's box too much:
Romy88 wrote: ↑Sat Apr 06, 2019 11:36 am
But I would encourage people to apply online and it doens't matter if they have got RC or not.
The ideal position would be to state the pros and cons of both options and let people decide. Personal circumstances vary and what is convenient for some people isn't that accommodating to others.
Especially these cards will not be valid after 2020
That still gives them a good year and a half with a perfectly valid document. Not neglectable as an option.
and anyway people would have to apply for settled/ presettled status.
Yes, but once you have an RC, applying for the Settlement Scheme will be extremely fast and straightforward to do. No further biometrics needed.
In my opinion it is just waisting of time.
Until the Scheme has been open for a few months, and there is reliable and consistent data on turnaround times, there is still value on relying on the good old and tested RC if you need the certainty of a document. Since the RCs are and will still be valid for a while, it's not unuseful to have one.
Also, there is still some uncertainty regarding Brexit, and what will happen to the Settlement Scheme if at all it doesn't happen or if a substantial longer extension is needed (would people need to apply to RCs after all?). And, a little additional perk, since RCs follow a very standard European format, they are very easily accepted in Europe as proof of identity, as they look exactly like European documents.
So far you are the only person who has experienced delay after applying online.
This is incorrect. There are quite a few of us in the same situation, who have the very specific profile of non-EU family members of EU nationals, who have been in the UK for more than 5 years but have completed less than 5 years on an RC or FP. Seems like there is no clear policy on what of Settled or Presettled status to grant to us, hence the delay. Some people have had a decision made, after escalating their case, but the fact remains that we all had delays, so your statement is incorrect in saying I'm the only one.
These cases are quite specific and at no point influence my answers when it comes to advising newly arrived non-EU nationals, if that's what you are suggesting, as it simply does not apply to them. (Having said that, if anyone is reading this and has the unlucky profiles described in the paragraph above, it is useful for them to know that they won't get a decision any time soon via the Settlement Scheme, not without complaining and escalating their case!).
Bottom line is: I have no issues until December 2020 because... I have a RC!!!
There is another one with ROR but he already got his status after waiting one month and asking help from local MP. Am I right?
Again, this is irrelevant, as not applicable to the newly arrived non-EU nationals.
My posts express what I believe are the facts, based on the best of my knowledge, about the topics discussed in this forum. They do not constitute immigration advice.
