Settlement Checking Service (SCS)
The settlement checking service (SCS) is for people who 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.
About the settlement service
The SCS is a partnership between the UK Border Agency and the London Borough of Hackney. The service provides you with the opportunity to have your documents and application form checked when applying for settlement in the UK. Our staff are trained and registered to check and forward your application to the UK Border Agency and are registered by the Office of the Immigration Service (OISC).
The SCS offered by Hackney Council's Registration Service will:
- check your application form is complete and accurate
- check, copy and certify all your documents so you can keep your original documents safe, such as your settled partner or spouces passport
- send you application and supporting documents to the Home Office by secure special delivery post
The SCS is not however, a fast track service or a premium service. The Registration Service in Hackney Council will not act as agents for the applicant and is unable to offer any advice on settlement matters.
Who can use the settlement checking service?
You can only use the SCS 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 SCS 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, or if you need further information you can contact EEA Residency Enquiries on 0845 010 5200.
When should I use the SCS?
You should contact the Hackney Registration Service in sufficient time to 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."
The SCS is an optional service and operates on an appointment-only basis. To make an appointment, you should contact the Hackney Registration Service on 020 8356 3355. The Hackney Registration Service will charge a non-refundable administrative fee to reflect the cost of providing the service. This is in addition to the SET (M) application fee charged by the UK Border Agency.
What documentation is required during my SCS appointment?
You and your partner or spouse should both attend the SCS appointment in person. Child dependants under 18 years of age are not required to attend the appointment.
You must bring the following original documents with you:
- A fully competed SET (M) application form.
- Your Knowledge of Life in the UK pass notification or English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) certificate and college letter.
- All original documentation to support the application as specified on the application form and Notes for Guidance.
- Your payment details for the SET (M) application fee (payable to the Home Office).
What happens during a SCS appointment?
During the appointment a trained Officer will:
- check a fully completed application form and all the required supporting documents provided by the applicant
- inform the applicant of any unacceptable documents or documents over and above the UK Border Agency requirements
- make certified copies of all supporting documents for enclosure with the application, returning originals to the partner or spouse
- check the correct fee has been paid
- submit the checked and complete application to the UK Border Agency via secure delivery.
If your existing leave to remain is shown on a Biometric Residence Permit then the original Biometric Residence Permit would also be submitted.
Where can I get advice about settlement?
The SCS will not be able to provide advice on settlement matters. If you require advice you can contact the Immigration Enquiry Bureau on 0870 606 7766. Settlement advice can also be found on the UK Border Agency website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
Feedback on this service
We always welcome feedback and suggestions to improve the quality of our service. Initially your feedback should be directed to the Head of Registration Services, Christie Junor-Sheppard, Hackney Service Centre, 1 Hillman Street, London, E8 IDY.
Alternatively, you may if you wish write directly to:
The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
Complaints Section
5th Floor, Counting House
53 Tooley Street
London SE1 2QN
The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner website is at www.oisc.gov.uk.
Page updated: 9 Mar 2012
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