Settlement Checking Service and Traveling

I’m now eligible to apply for ILR using SET (M)! Originally I had intended to use a priority service centre appointment, but I started to re-think this when I heard about the digital changes coming up. I also was unaware of the Settlement Checking Service, where it seems like (similar to what’s promised with the new digital system) I’d get my passport & BRP back afterwards. Here are some more details about my circumstances:
- My BRP expires 9th January 2019.
- I have travel plans over New Years’ and will return on the 8th of January.
- I’m due with our first child at the end of February, so the extra £610 sure would be useful!

Should I:
1) Still try to get a PSC appointment as originally planned?
2) Apply by post on the 8th when I get back (is it also ok if it’s postmarked on the 9th?)
3) Get a SCS appointment before leaving and pay the £95 (or whatever the particular centre fee is) instead of £610? My leave to remain will still be valid until 9 Jan; will traveling while my ILR is being processed invalidate the application? If so, can someone point me to the documentation stating or gov.uk page stating this? I did read the topic in the *Read First* page, but it’s still unclear to me if that applies since I wouldn’t contact them to have my passport returned and I’d also have my BRP to show at the border.

I was hoping for more information about the digital changes, but since we haven’t heard anything since May, I’m not holding out much hope.

Thanks for your thoughts!

I may have just answered my own question—well, one of them. The Leicestershire SCS webpage (https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/registrars/other-ceremonies-and-services/nationality-and-settlement-checking/settlement-checking-service) says:
“If your current leave is on a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), the local authority officer will keep this and return it to the Home Office, with your application.“

So I guess option 3 isn’t possible, since without my BRP traveling is out of the question. 

Given your travel plans and the fact that your visa expires the day after you arrive home, not to mention being due in February I'd say your best option would be to try to get an in-person appointment at a Premium Centre in the next few weeks, so that you have your ILR and new BRP before you travel.

Otherwise, to be honest, I think it's extremely risky to leave the country so close to your visa expiry, especially if you won't be returning until the day before expiry (you may even have difficulty getting back in again, due to only having about 24 hours left to apply... UK immigration may think you won't have time to get the application in)... and what happens if your package is not postmarked until the 10th? You will have become an illegal overstayer and your application will be out of time. I always recommend getting your application in the post AT LEAST 2 or 3 days before expiry.

Alternatively, what happens if you are delayed in your travel back to the UK and don't get here until after the 9th? Your visa will have expired and you won't be allowed into the UK and will have to return to your home country... but you won't be able to, because you will be heavily pregnant and unable to fly.

So, I'd say your next best option after applying in person would be to cancel your trip abroad and to apply by post sometime between now and the first couple of days of January.

Thanks so much for your reply, ksand24. I hadn't thought about the risks of being stuck in the US not being able to travel (or stuck somewhere in between) and the real risk of becoming an overstayer... I don't want to get near those possibilities!

I looked for PSC appointments last night at 00:00, 00:30, and a few times after that when I woke up, but to no avail (no availability at any centre). I'll keep checking, but I'm wondering if they've stopped opening up new appointments with the new system on its way. I really wish there would be more detailed information about what's coming.

I don't know how I missed the fact that traveling while ILR is being processed invalidates the application--I've spent SO much time searching and reading! If I'd known this, I would have booked the PSC appointment when I saw some available earlier. Sigh!

Here's to hoping I'll be able to get an appointment, and if that fails, that the new system will have an expedited option that works for me (and hopefully the system works, period!). If both of those don't pan out, then I guess I'll have to cancel that trip.

Completely agree with ksand.  I would renew NOW via an in person appointment.  Make that your job to find an appointment (they are having them through the end of November currently). 

Otherwise, I would seriously consider changing your travel dates to return home a few days earlier.  I think the current travel plans are WAY too risky.  Not to mention, how will you get all your documentation for the application together to be ready to send on the 8th and not a minute later?

Get the Premium Appointment! I I had a similar decision to make, and now I can't enter the U.K. after living there for five years. I regret not paying that extra £620 more than anything in the world. 

Get the Premium Appointment! I I had a similar decision to make, and now I can't enter the U.K. after living there for five years. I regret not paying that extra £620 more than anything in the world. 

Oh no!!! That's awful, cgarratt! Thanks for chiming in from your experience so I won't repeat it.

I haven't been successful in getting an appointment at a PSC (not for lack of trying!) so I'll likely be a guinea pig for the new system and pay for Super Priority service even though it doesn't sound like it's working quite as it should. I promise I won't leave the country without getting my ILR sorted!! Missing the trip would be a small price to pay in comparison to watching all our immigration agony and ££ go down the drain...and not being able to come back to the UK!