PSNI - must have document for NCS

[destiniation_london]

I just booked an appointment with Hounslow NCS and I can confirm they said PSNI is a must-have document for NI applicants. She also said Home Office has send them directives (although unpublished) to ask for PSNI upfront.

I told her that I've already asked for PSNI clearance and am hoping it will come through before appointment. She said if I don't have PSNI then they would not be able to send the application to HO and she'd be holding it off till I post them with PSNI.

[rod_p]

I just booked an appointment with Hounslow NCS and I can confirm they said PSNI is a must-have document for NI applicants. She also said Home Office has send them directives (although unpublished) to ask for PSNI upfront.

I told her that I've already asked for PSNI clearance and am hoping it will come through before appointment. She said if I don't have PSNI then they would not be able to send the application to HO and she'd be holding it off till I post them with PSNI.

That's a good move as the system they had before only caused delay and additional stress for the applicant ( probably why some caseworkers ignored the requirement which I'm sure only would have been caught later ). It was not the applicant's fault that UKBA could not access PSNI's system nor the fact they are apparently detached from the PNC.

[destiniation_london]

Yeah I second your thoughts rod_p.

As it's mandatory it should hopefully be quicker to process with them thinking that PSNI covers for all CRB checks thus reducing their checks .. lets see.

I have booked appointment for 2nd March as I already had air tickets booked just hoping PSNI clerance comes before that. In case i dont' get it the lady over the phone told that they will hold off the application with them till I send them PSNI. but hoping I get it before that .. let see

[rod_p]

Again, this is a big advance.

Here's a good one:

When I went to my local NCS, I mentioned to the girl I had my PSNI report. Of course, she had no idea what I meant. I mentioned to her applicants may need to follow a ridiculous to get a police report AFTER applying and just before final approval by UKBA in cases where the applicant had lived in Northern Ireland for some part of the qualifying period. I told her I lived there for a year.

"Really, you lived in Northern Ireland for a year?" she asked. "Did you mention that in your absences?" - in a panic, she quickly turned the pages looking for my absence list.

I Asked her "Why? Northern Ireland is part of the UK".

She looked at me with confusion and said nothing.

She didn't have a clue!

Then she called up her help line and they told her it was okay to include the PSNI report in my application.