Settlement checking service

The settlement checking service is a partnership between the UK Border Agency and London Borough of Southwark.

If you are applying for settlement in the UK on form SET (M) the service will give you assurance that your application is complete and you have paid the correct fee.The service will allow you to keep your valuable documents. Your spouse or partner will be able to keep their passport or travel documents.

The settlement checking service will help you get your application correct first time and avoid unnecessary delays.

The UK Border Agency has found that the settlement checking service is generally faster than the normal postal application process. This is due to fewer applications being rejected due to incompleteness or missing documents.

Who can use the settlement checking 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 or if you need further information contact EEA Residency Enquiries on 0845 010 5200.

How do I use the settlement checking service?

To use the settlement checking service you must book an appointment.

The settlement checking service operates on an appointment only basis. Please call 020 7525 7270 to book an appointment. 

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 do I need to bring to my 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 at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

Your spouse/partner should attend your appointment with you. If they are unable to attend with you they must provide a letter supporting your application. If you have dependant children (under 18) they do not have attend.

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.

You must bring:

• A completed 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 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
• The settlement checking service fee must be paid separately from the application fee

What service our officers provide?

We will:

• Check the application form is complete and all the necessary supporting documents have been included
• Check you have paid the correct application fee
• Tell you if any of the documents are missing, not acceptable or if you have provided documents that are not required by the UK Border Agency
• 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
• Give you confirmation that your application is completed correctly and that you have provided the correct supporting documents
• Dispatch your documents to the UK Border Agency via secure mail
• Ensure your application will arrive at the UK Border Agency complete, avoiding any unnecessary delays

Can migrants 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. We will check the application form is complete, correct supporting documents have been provided and can copy supporting documents for taking to the PEO.

Do I have to pay for the checking service?

Yes. The settlement checking service fee is charged in addition to the SET (M) application fee charged by the UK Border Agency and reflect the cost of providing the service.

Our fees

• £91 per individual application  
• £135 for an individual with one or two minors
• £41 for any additional minors

All fees include VAT.

Settlement checking service fees may be paid by postal order or cheque, made out to the London Borough of Southwark, or by credit/debit card or cash. 

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. View the UK Border Agency service standards.

The settlement checking service is not a premium service.

Will the local authority give me advice about settlement?

We will not be able to provide advice on settlement matters under this service. If you require advice you can contact the Immigration Enquiry Bureau on 0870 606 7766. Lines are open from 9am until 4.45pm Monday to Thursday and 9am until 4.30pm Friday (excluding public holidays). Settlement advice can also be found on the UK Border Agency website .

How do I know that the local authority is competent to offer the checking service?

Our officers are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), a UK Government body, which regulates organisations offering services of this kind. In providing the settlement checking service, local authority officers have been fully trained by UK Border Agency.

If you would like immigration advice from Southwark Council please visit our immigration advice page.

What happens next?

If we find that you are not eligible to apply under the settlement checking service, we can still help you with our immigration service. 

If you want to compliment us or make a comment, tell a member of staff or the service manager. Alternatively, please fill in the compliment, complaint and comment form.

If for any reason we are unable to resolve the problem between us, or you do not wish to make your complaint through Southwark Council you may make a complaint, at any time, to the Commissioner directly. The complaint should be sent to the Office of the Immigration  Services Commissioner (OISC).