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HELP EEA1 application: self-employment documents

Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2012 8:52 pm
by a.s.b.o
Hello

someone also reported unreasonable request for documentation in support of the EEA1 based on self-employment. In essence, one needs to provide evidence of self-employment, like tax returns, NIC papers, payslips, invoices/receipts, premise leases and ye, the going bitch of the UKBA staff- accountant letter.

It is not a secret of the linear approach taken by the UKBA employees. However, even in cases of a complication far from Fermat theorem complexity, a binary approach rambles and the use of an escape button of documents return is triggered.

In my case I argued that section 6 of the form, as well as backing guidelines are rather simple to be grasped by O-level successful's.

point 6-4 requires at least on of the three documents - invoices/receipts, accountant letter or business bank statement. The first of the three (in multiple copies, several receipts and invoices and payment slips were provided).

furthermore

point 6.5 - additionally, a lease on business premises, IR self-assessment form or evidence of NINO contributions are to be submitted. I have provided the second and the last.

The copy and paste exercise in a refusal letter (they are careful to word this to make it appear as this is not a refusal letter), an non-signing UKBA associate requests evidence of ALL of the aforementioned documents. I then argue that this is not required and secondly, not all self-employed applicants can provide ALL of the aforementioned (what if I provide services - there are no business premises; what if I do my own accounts, etc).

I raised a complaint with North-West customer care service. This has been pending for 3 weeks out of "a response to be issued within 20 working days" and I am frustrated.

I know there is a tool to claim financial damages for the provision of poor customer service by the UKBA. Can you please advise? Equally, what are the other complaint routes? Thank you

Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2012 9:26 pm
by Jambo
I can't comment on the evidence required for self employed as I'm not too familiar with that but you might get a quicker handling of your case by reapplying with a strong cover letter. EEA1 applications are dealt relatively quick. Probably quicker than a complaint.

How quick did you get the "this is not a refusal" letter? The HO processing of the applications consists of an initial screening when the application is received (this is just an administrative checklist check) and later a check by a caseworker. The first check is done by less senior people so they sometime make mistake if your application is not a typical one. By attaching a strong cover letter, you might get through them to a caseworker.

By the way - what compensation you are thinking of asking for? Not having the residence certificate should not affect you in any way.

Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2012 9:38 pm
by a.s.b.o
Jambo wrote:I can't comment on the evidence required for self employed as I'm not too familiar with that but you might get a quicker handling of your case by reapplying with a strong cover letter. EEA1 applications are dealt relatively quick. Probably quicker than a complaint.

How quick did you get the "this is not a refusal" letter? The HO processing of the applications consists of an initial screening when the application is received (this is just an administrative checklist check) and later a check by a caseworker. The first check is done by less senior people so they sometime make mistake if your application is not a typical one. By attaching a strong cover letter, you might get through them to a caseworker.

By the way - what compensation you are thinking of asking for? Not having the residence certificate should not affect you in any way.
Thank you Jambo

I will re-apply. I might inferent that a sledge-hammer is a great tool to get through the less-senior staff; in essence, it does not diminish the fact that a simple and straight application should be referred for a complaint due to to their silly chicken-up. I will be claiming the special delivery costs of unreasonable second application; i see that even a small whip of smth under 20 quid should make them be a bit more attentive next time.