Questions on accomodation for ILR (Form: SET (M))

[MichaelB]

I am a British citizen residing in the UK and my wife will soon need to apply for ILR. I have some queries regarding my and my wife’s accommodation circumstances over the qualifying period and which application method to use.

When granted her spouse visa, my wife lived separately from me for a period of 4-5 months, although she visited me virtually every week - she lived rent free with my Mother at her residence. This was due to my studying for a qualification away from home, where I lived under a joint tenancy with two other students. After this, we lived together for about 1 year 3 months. Very recently, my wife obtained work in London, forcing her to stay (rent free) with a friend, rather than commute from city to city every day. Unfortunately, due to uncertainty over the duration of her employment, we were unable to secure ourselves rented accommodation in London but we still visit each other every week, either by me travelling to her or her travelling to me at weekends (I am staying rent free at my Mother’s residence). We have documented proof of residence for the entire 2-year period, which includes letters from my former flat mates, stating my wife regularly visited me during my studies, and from her friend, stating that I regularly visit her in London.

1) Will these circumstances affect my wife’s application?

2) The guidance notes for form SET (M) state that the premium service is only suitable for straightforward applications. Considering the above, do you think my application is still within the ‘straight forward’ remit? We really want to use this service because a decision by post can take months?

3) The form states it needs “6 letters and/or other docs addressed to you and your partner at the same addressâ€

[Casa]

Don't even think of applying in person. The checking officers at the PEO's don't have the authority to make a decision for an application like this.