Settlement Checking Service

What is the Settlement Checking Service?

If you are planning to settle in the UK as the husband, wife or partner of a British citizen, we can check that your application form and documents are correct. Our new service avoids unnecessary delays and helps you to get your application right first time. 

Our staff are trained and registered to check and forward your application to the UK Border Agency by special delivery post. Important documents, such as your spouse or partner’s passports, marriage and birth certificates, will remain in your possession.

Who can use the service?

You can only use the settlement checking service if you are applying on form SET(M) for settlement in the UK as the husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried/same-sex partner of a British citizen or someone who is settled here.

You cannot use the settlement checking service or apply using a SET(M) form if you are a European Economic Area (EEA) National. You can find further advice about how to apply for residence on the UK Border Agency website. The service is not restricted to Kent residents.

Booking an appointment

You need to book an appointment with the Kent Registration Service in time to submit your application within 28 days before your existing leave expires. Please note that you will not be able to attend an appointment more than 28 days before the end of your ‘two year probationary period’.

Contact the Kent Registration Service on 0300 333 5430 or use the contact details on the left.

Two year probationary period

• If you have an entry clearance visa (issued abroad) the two year probationary period starts from the date your visa was stamped, by the Immigration Officer, when you entered the UK.
• If you have a residence permit or a biometric residence permit the two year probationary period starts from when you were granted two years leave as a spouse or partner (even if you previously had leave in another category, for example as a student).
  

What checks are carried out?

During the appointment, we will:

• check your application is complete and that it includes all the required supporting documents
• check that the correct fee has been paid
• inform the applicant of any unacceptable documents or documents over and above the UK Border Agency requirements
• make certified copies of the partner or spouse’s passports, travel documents and supporting documents for enclosure with the application (returning originals to the partner or spouse).
• make certified copies of the applicant and dependant(s) passport, travel documents and supporting documents for enclosure with the application.
• submit the checked and complete application to the UK Border Agency via secure mail.
  

What should I bring to my appointment?

When you telephone to book an appointment, our advisors will tell you what you must bring with you. Information on the documentation required to support a SET(M) application can also be found in the form and guidance notes available on the UK Border Agency website.

There are two types of SET (M) application forms on the UK Border Agency Website.

1. The online SET (M) form – This version of the SET (M) form must be completed online. You have to complete the form and pay for the application on line you must then print a copy. The copy of the form must then be taken with you to your appointment.
2. The printable SET (M) form – This version of the SET (M) form allows you to print a copy of the form and complete it by hand. With this version you must supply your payment details so that the payment can be processed when the form is received by the UK Border Agency

In summary:

• You and your settled spouse or partner should attend the SCS appointment. If your partner cannot attend, they must provide a letter stating that they support the application. The letter must be signed and dated, with a daytime phone number where they can be contacted if necessary. Failure of your spouse or partner to provide evidence to support the application, if unable to attend, may result in the application being cancelled and the fee will be lost. If you have children under 18 years old, they do not have to be present.
• You must bring the following documents with you:
  - Completed SET (M) application form.
  - Life in the UK Test pass notification or ESOL certificate and college letter.
• All the necessary documents as explained in the application form and guidance notes.
• If you completed the SET (M) application form on line, you must bring the confirmation that you have paid the UK Border Agency.
• If you completed the SET (M) application form by hand you must complete your credit or debit card details on the form, or bring a cheque or postal order.(payable to the Home Office, Leave To Remain).
  

Where can my appointment take place?

You can book an appointment at any of the locations below:

• Maidstone
• Gravesend
• Tunbridge Wells
• Canterbury
• Ramsgate

Fee

The settlement checking service fee is £80 (inclusive of VAT) for adults. Minors are included as dependents on the adult application. The fee is non-refundable.

The fee is charged in addition to the SET (M) application fee charged by the UK Border Agency.

On booking an appointment the full fee is required. This fee is non-refundable if you do not attend your appointment, cancel it within 24 hours or if your applications do not meet the requirements for them to be forwarded to the Home Office. If you cancel your appointment and give us more than 24 hours notice we will refund the fee less a cancellation charge of £30 for each person.

Can applicants use the settlement checking service before attending a Public Enquiry Office?

An applicant may decide to apply in person at a UK Border Agency Public Enquiry Office (PEO) and would pay for a premium service. The settlement checking service is available as part of the premium application route. Local authorities will check that the application form is complete, that correct supporting documents have been provided.

Advice about settlement

We cannot provide advice on settlement matters. You should contact the Immigration Enquiry Bureau on 0870 606 7766. Lines are open from 9am to 4.45pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4.30pm Friday (excluding Public holidays).

See advice given on the UK Border Agency website.

Will my application be dealt with more quickly?

The settlement checking service will allow you to get a decision more quickly. This is due to fewer applications being rejected or delayed due to incompleteness or missing documents.

The UK Border Agency service standards are published on the UK Border Agency website.