New SET-M forms 27th November (and maybe others)

Thanks PtC, I was watching UKBA like a hawk...  GRRRRRR...  I want to find out if there is any new hoops I have to go through.  I don't have much time.  My visa expires on the 6th and I have my in person appointment on the 4th.

I hope you'll have a favourable outcome, Kitson.  And keep notes.

Kitson's app should be fine..better be, anyway.

Btw, in all previous in-country form changes, the HO have allowed an overlap of 4 weeks where the old forms will still be accepted.  I'd expect thgem todo the same this time.

Vicky

I was specifically told by the IEB that they would only accept the new forms post the 27th...  Whether that is true or not I don't know.

We are told that every year, and every year practice is different!


Vicky

OK, UKBA seems to be really challenged when it comes to knowing when November 15th is.  Maybe Friday is the new Monday?  They seem to have had time to roll out a new front page to their website, but can seem to get a simple form there! 

I noticed that last night, too, and quickly gave up looking for any forms, new or old - it was late, I was tired, my eyes were nearly as crossed as yours!   

It's up!

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/settlement/formsetmnew

No change on the fees (phew!).

ETA: it says this on the front page: 'In accordance with paragraph 34 of the Immigration Rules, this form is a specified form for the purpose of the Immigration Rules as of 27 November 2008 and must be used for all applications made on or after that date for the purposes stated on this page and listed in section 4.'

And the old form is still linked to for apps up through 26 November.  My guess is that there will be no (official) overlap period.

They have not properly updated the guidance notes.   I wonder if they will notice and fix it.  The main change pertains to how they want the photos attached.  Also it appears they may be much more strict about the photo.  I am worried now because I have kept my glasses on in all previous photos for the fiance and FLR visas and had new ones done earlier this week with them on.  I also have them on in my USA passport and drivers license photos.

My appointment is in Croydon on the 29th.  They added some Saturday appointments.  At least I didn't have to wait until the 27th to fill out the new form.

I also have glasses on in my US passport photo and I'm using identical photographs for this application, so it will be interesting to see if the HO is stricter than the US passport agency....

As I'm applying in person, I will take some non-glasses-wearing passport photo booth pictures with me, as a backup set.

ETA: Oh, they're doofuses.  They changed 'Two recent passport-size photographs of yourself' to 'Two recent identical passport-size photographs of yourself'...then added 'identical' in the line about the partner photograph, even though that doesn't have to be identical because there's only one photograph....  *weeps*

If you look at the guidance, you can wear glasses as long as they don't reflect and obscure the photo or the frames don't cover your eyes--as well as obvious things like not wearing sunglasses or tinted lenses.  The guidance just says it may be easier to take them off.

Since I just sent my form in a few weeks ago, I was curious about the changes to the application.  It looks mostly the same outside of the photo changes. 

I did notice though that there is stuff in there now about requiring the identity cards for non-EU nationals.  That was interesting.  At least the form acknowledged that most people would not have those initially.

New forms have been published today! :-

FLR(M)

SET(M)

Quite possibly other new forms published today, The easy way to check that out is to use the Advanced Search facility, and feed in the name of the form you are interested in.

New forms have been published today! :-

We know!

It's up!

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/settlement/formsetmnew

Vicky

Well, to be fair, I only checked for SET(M) - and given that the HO hasn't even updated the guidance notes for that one, I wouldn't like to assume that they are on the ball with any other form on their website.... 

New forms have been published today! :-

FLR(M)

SET(M)

Is FLR(M) a extention once you are in the UK? or Is it the form everyone needs if they want to settle after married applying either in US or UK?

Yes, there are guidance notes.  I found them hours ago at the same link as I used to get my notes from before.  They are on the right hand side of the page.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ukresidency/settlement/applicationtypes/applicationformset(m)/