The settlement checking service allows you to submit your SET (M) application for permission to settle permanently in the UK as a spouse or partner of a British citizen or settled person at a local authority register office.

The service will:

• check that your application is complete and you have paid the correct fee
• allow you to keep your valuable documents as well as enabling your spouse or partner to keep their passport or travel documents
• prevent delays because of an incomplete application or missing documents
• send documents to the UK Border Agency by secure mail.

The service is a partnership between the UK Border Agency and Oxfordshire Registration Service.

Who can use the service

Migrants applying for permission to settle permanently - also known as indefinite leave to remain - in the UK using form SET (M) can use the service.

SET (M) applicants must already have been given permission to enter or remain in the UK as a spouse or partner of a British citizen or person settled in the UK and have completed or be within 28 days of completing two years in that category. 

The settlement checking service is not available to nationals of countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. 

You can find further advice about how to apply for residence on the UK Border Agency website. If you need further information, contact EEA Residency Enquiries on 0845 010 5200.

Booking an appointment

To use the settlement checking service you must book an appointment by telephoning the Oxfordshire Registration Service at 0845 129 5900.

On booking an appointment the full fee is required.  Should you need to cancel or amend your appointment for any reason, please give at least two working days' notice otherwise we will be unable to refund your checking service fee.

You must book an appointment before your current 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’.

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 you should bring to your appointment

When you telephone to book an appointment, we will tell you what to bring with you. Instructions explaining which documents are needed are in the SET (M) application form and guidance notes. These are available on the UK Border Agency website.

You and your settled spouse or partner should attend the settlement checking service 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.

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

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.

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 must bring:

• A completed latest version of the SET (M) application form (either the form you have completed on line and printed or the form you have printed first and then completed by hand).
• Your knowledge of life - pass notification or English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) certificate and college letter.
• The supporting documents requested in the SET (M) application form and guidance notes.
• If you completed the SET (M) application form online, 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)
• The settlement checking service fee must be paid to the local authority separately from the application fee.

What checks are carried out

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 missing, unacceptable or unecessary documents
• check, make certified copies and return your documents and your spouse or partner's passport or travel documents.
• check and retain your passport or travel documents. If there are dependants included in your application their passports or travel documents will also be retained. This is so that the UK Border Agency can insert a permit, to certify any leave that is granted.

Fee

Latest fee information.

• Minors are included as dependants 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.

If you need to cancel or amend your appointment for any reason, please give at least two working days notice otherwise we will be unable to refund your checking service fee.

Applying in person at the 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 the application form is complete, correct supporting documents have been provided and can copy supporting documents for taking to the Public Enquiry Office.

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). Settlement advice can also be found on the UK Border Agency website.

How the checking service speeds up applications

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. See the UK Border Agency service's standards for waiting times for more information on how long your application will take to process.

The settlement checking service is not a premium service.

Feedback

If you wish to comment or complain about this new service, you can use the county council complaints procedure or write to the offices below.

Superintendent Registrar Alicja Gilroy
The Register Offfice
1 Tidmarsh Lane
Oxford
OX1 1NS

Email: alicja.gilroy@oxfordshire.gov.uk

The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
Complaints Section
Fifth Floor
Counting House
53 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2QN

Website: www.oisc.gov.uk/