ILR based on UK Ancestry

[SAffa_Sean]

Hello,

I am a South African citizen and am in the UK on an UK Ancestry visa, which is valid until 30 September 2016. As my Ancestry visa is expiring I am applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.

I have the following queries after reading the SET(O) application form and guidance:

1. I am planning on applying in person at one of the premium service centres. Am I correct in my understanding that I will pay the full fee when making the appointment? If so do I need to complete the payment details section at the start of the form?

2. Section 12Q sets out the documents that I need to submit and includes my full birth certificate and evidence showing one of my grandparents is born in the UK. For my grandmother I have the "Certified Copy of an Entry of Birth" obtained from the General Register Office. For me and my parents I have unabridged marriage and birth certificates obtained from the department of home affairs in South Africa. Are these sufficient? They are the originals obtained from the authorities and I used them to apply for my UK Ancestry Visa so I hope they are sufficient?

3. Section 4.3 includes the English language requirement. My degree was taught in English but I studied in South Africa which is not on the list of majority English speaking countries, and the original degree is still in South Africa. Is the only way I can prove this requirement to obtain one of the approved English level B1 qualifications? It seems like it but I just want to make sure as both cost £150 and it seems a waste given that English has always been my first language.

4. Can I confirm that for any periods outside the UK I don't need to obtain confirmation from my current and previous employers? As I'm applying based on UK Ancestry do I understand correctly that I only need to set out any periods outside the UK?

5. Section 12Q also includes the requirement for a document showing that I am able to work and intend to take employment in the UK. Will an original letter from my current employer satisfy this requirement? Do I need to include any payslips? Do I need to include confirmations from my previous employers? Is the requirement that I must have been working for the full period of 5 years? I spent 2-3 months between work while changing jobs. Will this matter in my application?

6. Lastly I want to clarify when I need to make the appointment to visit the premium service centre. My visa expires on 30 September 2016 and I will complete my qualifying period on 2 October 2016 (having entered the UK on 2 October 2011). I understand that the application must be made within 28 days of completing the qualifying period and that I can make the appointment online 42 days in advance so if I want to have the appointment in the beginning of September I can make book at the end of July, is that correct?

I really appreciate any assistance you can provide.

Many thanks.

[CR001]

1. Yes, you pay when you book the appointment. Leave payment page blank.

2. Documents are sufficient.

3. You either need the NARIC English Language Assessment on your degree and you original degree or you need to do the English Test at one of the approved test providers. The English test will probably be quicker. Doesn't matter that English is your first language, it is our stupid government that declared 11 Official Languages for SA that created the problem.

4. A self declaration letter should suffice. All periods outside the UK must be declared. Ignore day of departure and day of arriving back and count only whole days out.

5. Yes, plus payslips and bank statements for 3-6 months. Current employer only is fine. Take P60's with you. No issue on the gap between jobs.

6. You can apply no sooner than WITHIN 28 days of reaching 5 years residence, likely 4th September onwards. Appointments are currently only available to book 20-28 days in advance.

Have a read through this members thread and success for Ancestry route ILR. It is a long thread but with lots of questions and answers ending with successful ILR.

http://www.immigrationboards.com/indefi ... stry%20ilr

[SAffa_Sean]

Hi,

Thank you for all your help and for the link to the previous discussion, it was very helpful.

My appointment is on the 17th of September. I am finalising my application and have a couple of final queries.

1. In Section 12 of the Set (O) form the first paragraph says "You should also provide passport/s along with photocopies of any pages that contain personal details, visas or immigration stamps (foreign or UK)."

Does the last part mean that I need to provide a photocopy of each page that has an immigration stamp from passport control when travelling in and out of the country? It seems like a lot. That would be one and a half passports worth of stamps...

2. Do I need to provide any details of previous employment? I have a letter from my current employer stating my position and start date and payslips for the last 3 months. Do I need to provide any evidence of employment I held before my current job?

3. Do I need to provide any details of tax returns? I've read about some applicants having trouble with P60s and tax returns. Would that be applicable for the ILR application based on UK Ancestry?

Thank you!

[CR001]

1. Yes take photocopies.

2. No

3. The tax problems seem to be Tier 1 General specific. You can take all your P60s just in case you are asked for them. If you have had any self employment in the UK, you will need SA302 etc.