Immigration and Nationality – Getting Help
Settlement Checking Service
UK Visas and Immigration
This is a service provided by some local authorities. They can check and send your SET (M) application to the Home Office.
They will make sure that your application is correctly completed and will copy and return your original documents on the same day.
Get all the information you need from immigration advice services in the UK.
Make an appointment
You make the appointment through the local authority. Details of how to make the appointment can be found of the Local Authorities website. Not all local authorities offer this service but you do not have to be resident in a local authorities area to use this service.
Fees
The local authority checking service fee is on top of the Home Office fee.
Documents you need to take to your appointment
At your appointment you will need to take:
- original passport
- original documents
- a printed copy of your application form
- Additional information in support
Benefit of the service
Your application is checked to make sure it is fully completed. Your documents can be copied and certified and sent to the Home Office enabling you to retain your original documents.
Using this service does not guarantee the success of your application.
Nationality Checking Service
This works in the same way as the settlement checking service but in relation to the nationality applications.
Joint nationality and passport checking Service
Some local authorities offer a joint nationality and passport application service. This involves the Home Office dealing the naturalisation part of your application and informing the Home Office of the issue of the Certification of Naturalisation so the Passport Agency can issue a passport, usually with 21 days of the issue of the Certification of Naturalisation.
Home Office Premium Service
The Home Office says the following about the Premium Service
“Go to a premium service centre to have someone look at your application on the same day if you’re applying to:
- extend your visa
- settle in the UK
You must be applying from within the UK to use this service.
Most applications are processed on the same day if you bring all the information needed to your appointment.
It might take longer to get a decision if extra checks are needed.
Fees
It costs £610 for each person to apply at a premium service centre. You also have to pay the standard application fee and the immigration health surcharge (if you need to pay it).
You do not have to pay the premium service fee if you’re applying for an European Economic Area (EEA) registration certificate or to work in the UK as a Croatian national.”
Solicitors
Immigration is a specialised area of law. You are advised to find a firm that has specialism in this work. The Law Society’s find a solicitor service is good starting point. Contacting your local law centre or citizen’s advice bureau for a list of local solicitors is another option. Searching the web will produce details of firms that may fit your requirements.
There is a separate post on this blog on instructing a solicitor.
You can find a solicitor via the Solicitors Regulation Authority website.
https://www.sra.org.uk/home/home.page
Office Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Advisers
The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) regulates immigration advisers . Someone who is not a regulated immigration adviser or solicitor cannot give immigration advice. Please see the OISC website.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-of-the-immigration-services-commissioner
Advice Agencies
There are various specialist and generalist advice agencies who can assist. If you feel able to deal with application yourself and have some queries or need some pointers an advice agency could be a possible option.
Blogs
There are plenty of blogs and forums. Most are free. There is the odd one that is a paid for service.
By Amarit Ahluwalia
