• Quick facts about the test
• ‘Knowledge of language and life’ requirement for skilled workers
• Who needs to take the test - Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• Who needs to take the test - Citizenship
• Spouses and partners
• Are there new books for 2012?
• What to study for the test
• I’ve passed my test. What are the next steps?
• Citizenship applications summary

 

 

• Your choices for studying for the Life in the UK test
• 7 top tips from people who have passed the Life in the UK test
• Study Techniques and Tips
• Difficult Chapters
• Life in the UK Study Checklist

 

 

• Book Your Test

 

 

• Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• Absences during your qualifying residence period for ILR
• Fees for settlement (ILR) applications
• Using the Settlement Checking Service (SCS)
• Applying for citizenship
• Absences during your qualifying residence period for citizenship
• Fees for citizenship applications
• Using the Nationality Checking Service (NCS)
• About your Citizenship ceremony
• Applying for your passport

Using the Settlement Checking Service (SCS)

Building on the success of the Nationality Checking Service, the UK Border Agency launched a new Settlement Checking Service (SCS) pilot at the start of October.

For migrants applying for settlement (otherwise known as Indefinite Leave to Remain under the current system) using form SET(M), it is now possible to have your application checked by a local authority officer before it is sent.

This applies to anyone who is applying for settlement as the husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.

The service works in a similar way to the Nationality Checking Service in that it will not offer any immigration advice, but instead will check, approve and return the required documentation before the application is sent. This removes the need to send valuable documents away and also provides assurance that the application is complete and correct, thereby avoiding any unnecessary delay.

The scheme was launched in Brent and Barnet, and is now also on offer in various locations across the country. The UKBA provides contact details for the checking centres on the Settlement Checking Service page of their website.

From March-April 2011 the following authorities will offer the service:

• Bath Council
• Bracknell Forest District Council
• Cambridgeshire County Council
• Cardiff City Council
• Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
• Hertfordshire County Council
• Kent County Council
• Leicestershire County Council
• Lancashire County Council
• Leeds City Council
• Liverpool City Council
• London Borough of Brent
• London Borough of Barnet
• London Borough of Camden
• London Borough of Enfield
• London Borough of Hackney
• London Borough of Islington
• London Borough of Southwark
• Manchester City Council
• Newcastle City Council
• Nottingham City Council
• Oldham Borough Council
• Oxfordshire County Council
• South Lanarkshire County Council
• Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
• Worcestershire County Council

You should make sure that you meet all of the requirements for any application using form SET(M) before you contact the Settlement Checking Service. In particular:

• You must be able to demonstrate good knowledge of life and language in the UK if you are aged between 18 and 64..
• You must be able to demonstrate knowledge of the English language. It is important to take note of the ESOL requirements.
• Your appointment must not be more than 28 days before the end of the 2 year-qualifying period spent as a partner.

An up-to-date list of the councils offering the Settlement Checking Service, along with contact details can be found on the Settlement Checking Service page of the UK Border Agency website.