A question about Set(M) form & Biometric Residency Permi

[Mell]

I am the American-born spouse of a UK citizen, have been living in the UK two years (on the temporary spouse visa), and I am about to apply for ILR with the Set(M) form, via the Public Inquiry Office in Cardiff.

I'm a bit confused about the Biometric Residency Permit. I don't have one. Do I need to get one as part of the Set(M) process? On one page on the Border Agency site it seemed to suggest I don't need one, and another page seemed to suggest I do.

Can anyone here advise?

And is there any other general advice about the Set(M) process that would be helpful to know as I begin the process?

Thanks so much!

[Greenie]

I am the American-born spouse of a UK citizen, have been living in the UK two years (on the temporary spouse visa), and I am about to apply for ILR with the Set(M) form, via the Public Inquiry Office in Cardiff.

I'm a bit confused about the Biometric Residency Permit. I don't have one. Do I need to get one as part of the Set(M) process? On one page on the Border Agency site it seemed to suggest I don't need one, and another page seemed to suggest I do.

Can anyone here advise?

And is there any other general advice about the Set(M) process that would be helpful to know as I begin the process?

Thanks so much!

no where on the form or the UKBA does it say that you need to have a biometric residence permit to apply for SET(M). BRPs (previously ICFNs) are only issued for applications for further leave made from inside the UK. If you applied for your spouse visa from outside the UK you won't have a BRP and do not need one to apply for settlement.

there are plenty of posts here about SET(M) applications - have a look through the forum and come back if you have specific questions.