Proving my fathers settled status

[riom]

Hi. My father emigrated from Italy to the UK in 1964. He was given the right to settle in the UK and received the following letter from the Home Office back then. He does not have a British passport and with brexit looming I was wondering how he would prove that he is settled in the UK should he have to.

[alterhase58]

That is an important document which should prove it - but there is no name on it and the HO will have disposed of documents from that era, but maybe the ref. number is sufficient. Does he still have the original passport or later passports with the endorsement(s)? He could possibly go straight for naturalisation after which he can apply for a British passport. Perhaps checking with your local NCS might provide the answer?

[riom]

Hi thanks for replying.

I believe he still may have the original passport but will have to check. Is there anything he can do to convert this letter into whatever is used in the modern day to show settled status?. (I'm not sure if it's an ID card or certificate that is used). In regards to the naturalisation route, would he still be required to take a Life in the UK test even though he has lived in the UK for more than 50 years and is a pensioner?

Thanks for the help

[alterhase58]

Hi thanks for replying.

I believe he still may have the original passport but will have to check. Is there anything he can do to convert this letter into whatever is used in the modern day to show settled status?. (I'm not sure if it's an ID card or certificate that is used). In regards to the naturalisation route, would he still be required to take a Life in the UK test even though he has lived in the UK for more than 50 years and is a pensioner?

Thanks for the help

This is actually the proof of settlement, i.e. Leave to Remain without any restrictions, so no need to apply for anything else under the PR rule. And if you have the original passport(s) that would be useful too. Keep them safe! I have a similar letter from 1985 plus stamped passport and residence card which I used for citizenship no issue at all.

For the life and English tests check the guidance, I think there is an exemption above a certain age (length of residency is not taken into account for this purpose).
Check out:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... en-form-an

[riom]

Many thanks for the information.

My mother has also been living in the UK from Italy since 1972 and married my father few years later. She entered the UK with a student visa back then and said that once she married my father the restriction was taken off. Unfortunately I don't think she has the same documentation as my father. Would she be covered by my fathers ILR documentation as proof of settlement? Would she also be eligible to go straight to naturalisation should she wished?

[alterhase58]

BC applications are individual, i.e. there is no couples or family application. Every applicant needs to comply with the requirements, including having settled status (PR for EU citizens).
I think your mother would have to apply for a document certifying PR which means that proof of exercising treaty rights is required (i.e. five years as a worker, self-employed, student, etc.).
Ideally if you can find official paperwork proving leave was given. I am not sure if there are any other options available. Clearly the insecurity caused by the UK government's proposals post-EU is very unsettling and leaves many questions open.