Hi All,
I really appreciate this opportunity on this forum, it is such a useful place as there is not really much explanation or help available unless one is prepared to pay for immigration advice. I am now preparing my ILR application pack and have a few questions for the starting point of my journey.
My immigration case: British citizen spouse visa dependant (switched from Tier4 student visa) – 5 year route (after 9 July 2012), first leave to remain granted 22 March 2013; extension granted 22 April 2015, expiring 22 April 2018.
1. Correct form to use? SET (O) or SET (M).
I got really confused. After filling out all of the questions (1. What is your situation – partner of a BC; 2. Did they settle before they become a BC – yes; 3.How did they settle – some other way; 4. Relationship – partner; 5. What is your situation – still with the partner)The official website
https://www.gov.uk/settle-in-the-uk/y/y ... ur-partner recommends ‘Download and complete application form SET(M) if you’re eligible to apply on the 2-year route.’ It then further states however ‘If you’re a partner on the 5- or 10-year route, the earliest date you’ll become eligible to apply for settlement is June 2017. Check if you can extend your permission instead.’
Does this mean they just haven’t updated these pages yet?
I just wanted to ensure the correct from SET (M) or SET (O)? Here for a similar case CR001 recommends SET (0)
indefinite-leave-to-remain/apply-ilr-fa ... 47700.html
2. Appointment booking: There seems to be a real issue with appointment booking for the premium service across all of the centres, with a few people struggling: e.g. this one
indefinite-leave-to-remain/premium-appo ... 47441.html and thisone
indefinite-leave-to-remain/booking-peo- ... 47233.html I need an appointment for 26th March, when would you recommend to start booking? Or just keep an eye on them? It seems to have been an issue for many people
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/ ... ening_time
So based on that would it be worthwhile paying for an immigration advisor to handle my application? They seem to control a lot of the available appointments.
Also is it ok to go on a short business trip right before the leave expiry? It is about a month before the expiry date, I am a bit anxious, but that should be fine, shouldn't it?
3. Absences from the UK. I know I have asked that before, but I want to make sure I get this right, as I know have provided my immigration background / history.
a. Do I need to fill this out?
b. Period of absences to account for?
c. If travel was on business, should I provide a letter from the employer?
d. Should I specify which trips were together with my other half?
e. There is not a lot of space on the form, shall I just photocopy it and proceed on a separate sheet and attach it?
4. Proof of employment. We both work and my other half’s salary is enough to meet the requirements. Shall I still get all paperwork (payslips, HR letter) from my employer? They are still asking whether I am working, but I was wondering whether I need the documents from work if we are relying on my other half to meet the financial requirements.
5. Cohabitation. As you can see from my history my first leave out of the 5 year residential qualifying period was only granted for 2 years (Home Office have possibly made a mistake?) and then we extended in March 2015 for another 3 years. Based on that shall we show cohabitation for the last 3 years? Or just 2 years? I am really confused here.
Thank you all for your help, this forum is fantastic, not only for help and guidance; but also to know that you are not your own.
I am sure I will have more follow up questions as we go along with the application, so I appreciate your support.
Thanks.
P.S. I need to change the title of this thread it seems incorrect
