Surinder Singh for Newbies - 2015 extended edition


Author : David B,

The extended 'Surinder Singh for newbies' is now available for 2015, and it looks great. David has excelled himself once again.

PDF format, on Scribd : 
http://www.scribd.com/doc/231192464/Surinder-Singh-for-Newbies

EPUB format (good for certain mobile browsers), on Scribd :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/238175630/Surinder-Singh-for-Newbies-Exte-David-B

Word format, on Scribd :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/238175692/Surinder-Singh-for-Newbies-Extended-Edition-IRELAND-2014

PDF format, on Hashdoc (for those in jurisdictions which block Scribd, or for people who just prefer not to use Scribd) *** NEW 28/Aug/2015!!!**** :
https://www.hashdoc.com/documents/77893/surinder-singh-for-newbies-pdf

Now including (2014) :

1.       New front cover graphic!
2.       Print out itineraries/hotel accommodation
3.       Visa is free
4.       Cover letter incorporating the old and the new one
5.       Relevant parts of the Directive
6.       If quizzed on entry what to say.
7.       Warning ‘Do not mention ‘Surinder Singh’ on entry
8.       Don’t be alarmed at number of days stamped in passport
9.       Factor in Prices, Health Care, and Transport
10.   New links to Self-Employment
11.   Non EU working without stamp 4
12.   New link for PPS numbers
13.   Opening Bank Accounts /Changes
14.   Submit EU1 earliest opportunity and include cover letter for missing docs.
15.   Centre of Life issues
16.   Family Permit Apps and inclusion of ‘Teleperformance’
17.   Map with locations and distances and times to travel to Dublin
18.   PRTB explained in Family Permit Docs section.
19.   Section 5 on EEA2 app relating to Singh and tick box if you have FP
20.   Warning about planning and lack of planning
21.   Additional useful sites

And for 2015  :

1.      Introduction ‘Who Is Surinder Singh’?
2.      Cain Ruling, with regards to unmarried durable relationships.
3.      Marriage information site regarding getting married in Ireland.
4.      Rewrite and change of fonts to make the guide easier to read.
5.      Info on 30 day limit to submit all documents for C visa.
6.      Travel any time within the validity period of C visa.
7.      Emphasis on irrelevance what is stamped in passports on entry (90 days)
8.      Stress importance of choosing location regarding homes and jobs.
9.      Hidden costs e.g. TV licence, dentistry etc. and how expensive.
10.  When choosing schools, make sure they are not oversubscribed, other costs include school uniforms & books etc.
11.  Extra house rental sites added.
12.  Article 23 from Directive confirming right to work for non EU.
13.  Warnings on costs of living.
14.  Overview of PPSN with added sites for tax & PPSN information.
15.  Sending in EU1 application before resuming work.
16.  Explanatory Leaflet EU1 link.
17.  Check Bank charges with link to comparison websites detailing charges.
18.  Explanation of PRTB.
19.  Suggestions for integration into your local community for COL.
20.  New EEA(FAM) RC application form + new fee and fee for biometrics.
21.  Emphasis on patience will be needed throughout your stay in your host country.
22.  To offset printing and photocopying costs suggest buying a cheap 3 in 1 printer.
23.  Change of disclaimer description to now include people need to consult a lawyer or immigration specialist if needing advice.
24.  New front page cover with new wording and description.
25.  New graphic and vector art to compliment the wording and new site inclusions.
26.  Explanation of abbreviations e.g. FP, COL, RC etc.

It's important to highlight that this is a guide, not a manual, as things change all the time and the nature of these things means that the sphere of knowledge is always growing.


This route is not easy - and preparation is key. But the rewards are great.


EEA visa - EU free movement - A great Facebook support group for people going through the route :
https://www.facebook.com/groups/650212281695959/

A video on one family's experience of the route :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1-v0cV2Y8
 

Country-specific guides by Sonel (Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, Netherlands, Poland) :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/surinder-singh-country-specific-guide.html
https://www.scribd.com/doc/239558037/Surinder-Singh-country-specific-guide


Surinder Singh stories (lots of links to various people's personal experiences at the bottom of the post) :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/another-experience-of-surinder-singh.html


Malta in a nutshell by David and Dee :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/malta-in-nutshell-author-david-and-dee.html


Surinder Singh in the Netherlands by Amanda :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/surinder-singh-in-netherlands-by-amanda.html

 

What is the Surinder Singh route and how does it work? Surinder Singh archive by Wayne :
http://surinder-singh-route.info/


More Surinder Singh links :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/surinder%20singh

Good luck.

 

http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/id-like-to-teach-world-to-singh.html

Surinder Singh country specific guide

with updates and brand new sections for Denmark and Netherlands available here.  A massive thank you to all the contributors for sharing your experience.  For those with anything to add, major or trivial, please contact us! If your contribution helps even one person it's gratefully received.

Surinder Singh - country specific guide

Author: Sonel  

Surinder Singh guide

Free movement rights afforded by European regulations are a saviour for British citizens with non-EEA family members who find Home Office’s interference grossly disruptive.  Surinder Singh is an extension of these rights whereby Brits move to another Member State with their non-EEA family, to then live together in the UK, under EEA regulations rather than UK immigration rules.  

If followed in accordance with regulations and Home Office interpretation of the regulations, the Surinder Singh route can be favourable, incurring negligible visa and legal fees, no language tests to pass, nil financial requirements, and no intrusive five year probationary period.  Non-EEA family members also have recourse to public funds. This is in stark contrast to those falling under UK immigration rules.

Despite the obvious advantages, exercise of free movement rights, even where the intention may be to return to the UK, is not a decision made lightly.  Relocating is expensive and inconvenient, especially when there are kids, elderly or disabled involved.  Where someone has a secure job in the UK, albeit one paying less than £18,600, the decision is even more difficult and uncertain for the family’s financial security, with added concern over obtaining work in another country, finding housing, managing school admissions and going through all that again on return to the UK.  Surinder Singh is also not an option for residents and refugees, nor does it help citizens unable to leave the UK because of financial or family obligations.   

So while it provides hope for some families, Surinder Singh is by no means a permanent solution for divisive domestic family immigration rules. 

BritCits will therefore continue to campaign for fair family immigration rules in the UK.  However, alongside the campaigning our aim is to help at least some families who whilst being unfortunate to be impacted by UK’s immigration rules, are lucky enough to be able to use Surinder Singh.  

Some who started the process with the intention to use Surinder Singh to return to the UK fell in love with their adopted home and now have no intention to return.  While most of you will be itching to start your life in the UK as a family, I urge you to treat living in another country as a fun adventure – make the most of the new culture, language, environment you find yourself in, even if it is just a means to an end.  Leave your adopted home with fond memories. 

I hope this guide providing practical tips and an overview of the process, makes exercising free movement rights smoother, by allowing readers to benefit from the experience of others who have already forged the path, and sharing things they wish they’d known when they embarked on the journey themselves.

Lucinda & Karim

“We will move to another country in Europe, aiding the net migration target – it’s the only route to being a family.”

Lucinda is a British citizen with a 2:1 from Cambridge University. She is currently living with her mum in Leeds because she has been forced into single parenthood only because her husband, Karim, is from Albania and with whom she has a son, a British son. The couple have known each other since Lucinda was 21. She is now 30.

She doesn’t remember the first time they met, though is told that he was there. She remembers the second time though – they were sharing a house in Thessaloniki, Greece, as part of a big group who lived together there for a couple of years. Lucinda was studying Greek and Karim was working as a builder’s labourer.

Lucinda recalls how she used to complain about him to a mutual friend ‘I’m so sick of him’, ‘Why does he do this?;, ‘Why is he always looking at me?’. “Can’t you see he is crazy about you?” her friend would say. There were some nice times as well. Karim would meet Lucinda after work and they’d go for long walks along the harbour, drinking cans of Amstel. Fond memories from a more carefree time.

Eventually the entire group went their separate ways. Lucinda went to Cambridge to study Greek language and literature and Karim moved to Athens. They stayed in touch online and a couple of years later, on her year abroad in Athens, the couple met and this time, sparks flew. Karim came to take Lucinda for coffee on a huge motorbike. He’d grown a beard, filled out a bit and looked very handsome. Now it was Lucinda’s turn to swoon!

They talked and laughed all afternoon - and spent every day together from then on. Karim financially supported Lucinda as the credit crunch was taking its toll and jobs were scarce. The couple talked about their future, planning on Lucinda finishing university and then applying for a visa for Karim to come to the UK. They wanted to be settled and have good jobs before getting married. Do things properly.

However, things didn’t go as planned when on 9th March 2012 Lucinda found out she was pregnant. She was thrilled and the couple brought forward their plans to marry. Lucinda left Athens to begin antenatal care at home and continue her studies. They spoke on Skype every day and she sent Karim regular pictures of the bump.

Throughout all this Lucinda was in the final year of her degree, working really hard, always focusing on the point in the future when this would pay off; where she’d be able to earn over £18,600 and also provide for her son. Karim was refused a visa to be there for their son’s birth, with Home Office declaring that he would likely overstay and become a burden on the taxpayer, an illegal immigrant. Of course he’d leave! The couple knew the repercussions for being in breach of visa regulations, why risk it? Lucinda was adamant that the government was blurring the lines so entirely that now even someone wishing to be with his wife for the birth of their son was being mistreated for trying to follow the rules.

Lucinda has postponed indefinitely her desire to obtain postgraduate qualifications as she can’t commit to anything until her family is together. She doesn’t know how to function without her son’s father. If Karim was here, Lucinda would have been able to study, or work full time. Instead she is stuck on benefits despite having graduated from Cambridge University.

She is on the homeless register and moved house four times between June and October 2013. She has used up her savings to travel to Greece, Italy and Albania this year alone, and is planning another journey– but these are not holidays. They’re to ensure that her son and husband have a fighting chance to get to know one another, to build a relationship, to spend time together. These early moments in a child’s life do not come around again and they are little for such a short time after all.

Her son has travelled at the age of 4, 8 and now again at 10 months– and there is no end in sight. He has never had a room of his own, never had his pictures on the wall or books on a shelf, everything has been in and out of suitcases.

The couple is now considering moving to a country where they can be together. Greece? Germany? Spain? Ireland? Malta? All have been discussed, all are possibilities.

But it won’t be easy. All of the baby’s stuff will have to be left behind – the cot that’s never been unpacked, the highchair that she really needs but will have to buy from wherever in the world they end up in. Her books and kitchen stuff she collected in dreams of creating a home with her husband and child. She doesn’t know what she will do about her son’s next set of immunisations.

Lucinda believes the government should make a public health announcement as a matter of urgency stating:

WARNING:
BRITISH CITIZENS PLANNING TO MEET, BEFRIEND OR HAVE A ROMANTIC
RELATIONSHIP WITH NON-EU CITIZENS ARE EXPOSING THEMSELVES AND ANY
CHILDREN TO SIGNIFICANT LONG-TERM DAMAGE WHICH CAN BE IN SOME
CASES, IRREVERSIBLE.
MARRIAGES TO NON-EU CITIZENS CAN RESULT IN SEVERE EMOTIONAL AND
PHYSICAL DISTRESS FOR ALL INVOLVED.
ANYONE KNOWINGLY TAKING PART IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH A NON-EU
CITIZEN DOES SO AT THEIR OWN RISK.

EEA2 sections to be completed by Surinder Singhers
http://www.scribd.com/doc/194244755/EEA2-Sections-to-Be-Completed-by-Surinder-Singhers

Useful for those considering European free movement.

Via EEA Visa...EU Free Movement on Facebook (an excellent support group) :
https://www.facebook.com/groups/650212281695959/

Section 1 - Non EU Spouse's Details
Section 2 - Only to be completed if more than 1 Non EU family member applying
Section 3 - British Citizen's Details
Section 4 - Leave Blank (not for Surinder Singers)
Section 5 - Definitely Complete
Section 6 - Complete if employed, leave blank if self-employed
Section 7 - Complete if self-employed, leave blank if-employed
Section 8 - Leave Blank (not for Surinder Singers)
Section 9 - Leave Blank (not for Surinder Singers)
Section 10 - Complete (They check)

Also useful...

More on Surinder Singh and European free movement :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/surinder%20singh

Evidential requirements for European citizens and their families under Surinder Singh :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/138959294/Eu-Evidence

'List of documents we had with us' - a list of documents used by one couple using the Surinder Singh route :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/154582430/List-of-Documents-We-Had-With-Us

Suggested Surinder Singh template letter :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/156029837/Surinder-Singh-Template-Letter

For Surinder Singh / EEA route people.
'I have added this PDF to help applicants choose the correct Visa selection when applying on-line for the Family permit. I hope it helps.' http://www.scribd.com/doc/179022132/visa4uk-pdf

More docs :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/p/library.html
-----

Ministers to block ‘right to marry’ in EU backlash :
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article3959734.ece

Non-subscription link :
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/10540175/Government-to-block-EU-attempts-to-impose-new-human-rights-laws-on-UK.html

Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution :
http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/humanrights/declaration/16.asp

The right to marry :
http://www.liberty-human-rights.org.uk/human-rights/human-rights/the-human-rights-act/what-the-rights-mean/article-12-right-to-marry.php

https://twitter.com/AdamWagner1 :
Unfortunately, the Times and the usually good @FrancisElliot seem to be moving into Telegraph style inaccurate scare stories about rights

Grayling will block 'right to marry' apparently, even though there already is one... See http://ukhumanrightsblog.com/incorporated-rights/articles-index/article-12/

More :
http://ukhumanrightsblog.com/2013/12/29/times-on-the-legal-naughty-step-for-bizarre-right-to-marry-headline-splash/
Isn’t there a human right to publish twaddle?
Yes, article 10. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_10_of_the_European_Convention_on_Human_Rights )
-----

Why is the European court of human rights hated by the UK right?

http://www.theguardian.com/law/2013/dec/22/britain-european-court-human-rights

'Court designed to protect the vulnerable is respected in Europe but despised by many Tories and UK newspapers.

'... "It isn't just about the human rights of individuals," says Paul Mahoney, the court's veteran British judge, "it's about the functioning of the rule of law – of democratic institutions – in countries not all of which have, like the UK, enjoyed 300-odd years of democracy and freedom.

'At the end of the day, it's possible for somebody from a tiny village to come here, take their government to court and get the law changed. That really is a small miracle."

'Deputy registrar Michael O'Boyle is equally forthright. "For six decades," he says, "this institution has radiated a highly impressive body of case law out to the legal systems of a large number of countries – 47 today. It's an advance in civilisation." '

Danish love refugees flee to Malmö.

http://www.thelocal.se/36128/20110914/

Every morning, Lise* leaves her husband and two small children, crossing the Øresund bridge from Malmö on her way to work. Every evening, she returns: from her home country to her adopted one, where she and her family are legally able to live together.

Due to Denmark’s immigration laws, which have tightened substantially in the past year, Lise was not able to bring her husband, who is from an African country, to Denmark. They chose not to apply for family reunification, she says, choosing instead to live in Sweden for the past three years.

“We could not meet the requirements of the Danish immigration authorities, she says. Because of her husband’s country of birth, “he could not even get a tourist visa to Denmark”.

In Sweden, Lise can live as an EU citizen and her husband was easily granted residency.

Europe's progressive stance on human rights and human values protects its citizens from the depedations of its governments. Danes go to Sweden to escape draconian rules; Germans go to Austria; French go to Belgium; and Brits go to Ireland.

Surinder Singh for newbies :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/surinder-singh-for-newbies-httpwww.html

Previously :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/the-danish-experience-and-swedish-model.html
---

Golden Dawn leader arrested, accused of forming a criminal organisation.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24314319

'Into the Fire' :
http://vimeo.com/64230453 & http://intothefire.org/about/
'In times of severe austerity things look bleak for Greek people, but they’re far worse for those who have recently arrived. Without housing, legal papers or support, migrants in Greece are faced with increasing and often violent racism at the hands of the growing Nazi party Golden Dawn and the police in Athens. Many are trapped by EU laws and legislation of other EU countries meaning they’d be returned to Greece if they managed to get to another member state, they are desperate to leave the country.
---

https://twitter.com/MigrantVoiceUK :
Debate on Oct 10: Let Them Come: we have nothing to fear from high levels of immigration :
http://www.intelligencesquared.com/events/we-have-nothing-to-fear-from-high-levels-of-immigration/
---

"The Daily Express is entitled to its own opinions but the Daily Express is not entitled to its own facts" - writeup on the Daily Express protest :
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/michael-allen/daily-express-hate_b_3991742.html

By https://twitter.com/Michael_K_Allen

More : http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/photos-protest-outside-offices-of.html , http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/stop-sponging-off-migrants-httpstwitter.html
---

Canadian woman's fight to stay in Britain after domestic abuse.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24303522

A Canadian woman who was attacked by her former partner is involved in an on-going legal battle to stay in Britain. Her case is said to be far from unique.

"Christine", 31, has been told she has to leave the country - where she has lived for almost six years - because rules allowing foreign domestic violence victims to stay in Britain do not apply to her.

This is because they were not married and her partner was not British...

Evenia must stay.

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/theresa-may-mp-evenia-must-stay

'Evenia Mawongera is 55 years old. She lives in Leicester and is from Zimbabwe.

'She has been living in Leicester with her daughters and grandchildren, all of whom are British citizens, for close to 10 years.

'The Home Office wants to remove her to Zimbabwe where she is at risk of arrest, persecution and extremely serious ill-treatment...

'... Evenia is a member of the Zimbabwe Association Choir and is one of the people who performed for Queen Elizabeth II when Her Majesty The Queen visited Leicester to mark the start of her Diamond Jubilee. In addition to that, Evenia is a member of the United Methodist Church where she plays an active role in her local parish. Evenia is also actively involved in the tailoring and crafts projects that are organised and run by Leicester City of Sanctuary.'

Detained Zimbabwean grandmother: If I’m deported I am going to die.
http://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/zimbabwean-grandmother-if-deported-i-am-going-to-die.htm

'Evenia, an outspoken critic of the Mugabe regime, has been living in Leicester with her children and grandchildren for the past 10 years and is a highly regarded member of the community. On 22 august, she received a special commendation in the Good Neighbour Awards in recognition of her contribution to the community.'
http://ncadc.org.uk/right-to-remain/2013/09/evenia-mawongera/

Evenia must stay! - on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/events/526214364098454/

https://twitter.com/CivicLeicester

City lucky to have people like Evenia :
http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/City-lucky-people-like-Evenia/story-19815150-detail/story.html
---

https://twitter.com/MRCF_london :
Please help us with a short survey about hate speech. Please forward to your contacts. Many thanks.
http://migrantforum.org.uk/put-the-light-on-racism/
---

https://twitter.com/ncadc :
Exciting event in 4 Oct in Hackney for @HackneyMigrants. The @EatHackney recipe book looks great!
http://eathackneycookbook-rss.eventbrite.co.uk/
---

Via https://www.facebook.com/IntoTheFireFilm :

'Into the Fire is going on tour! This October we will have screenings in Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria. We still have a few open slots to fill, so get in touch if you want to set up a screening. You can find the tour details here: http://intothefire.org/fire-tour-october/

http://intothefire.org/about/ :
'In times of severe austerity things look bleak for Greek people, but they’re far worse for those who have recently arrived. Without housing, legal papers or support, migrants in Greece are faced with increasing and often violent racism at the hands of the growing Nazi party Golden Dawn and the police in Athens. Many are trapped by EU laws and legislation of other EU countries meaning they’d be returned to Greece if they managed to get to another member state, they are desperate to leave the country.

'This film gives incredible insights to the reality faced by people who simply want to lead peaceful, normal lives.

(I've seen it. It's fantastic).

Into the Fire on Vimeo :
http://vimeo.com/64230453

Into the Fire on Twitter :
https://twitter.com/chickamora
---

Free - Words without Borders :
http://wordswithoutborders.org/article/free

By a non-EEA spouse.

Leanne

“My husband is my life and he's the best thing that's ever happen to me..it kills me every day I am forced to be without him”

Leanne is a British citizen. Her husband is Egyptian and therefore not allowed to live in the UK with
her.

Leanne met her husband in Greece, where he has lived and worked for over six years. They have been together for the last four, and got married in April 2013, in Greece. They know they will need to be apart for over six months – possibly twelve if not longer. Six months to show Leanne’s payslips and savings (she earns less than £18,600 but together they have £22,000 savings to supplement this for satisfying the financial requirement). Another six months or longer for processing of the application.

Although the financial considerations are in hand, Leanne is petrified her husband’s visa will be refused. Their view very much (not surprisingly!) is that UKBA seems to be finding reasons to refuse visas left, right and centre, often for spurious reasons.

At 31, Leanne already feels like she doesn’t have enough time. Her hospital has indicated she may be able to have IVF..another ray of hope for having dreams fulfilled; however they can’t take it further without her husband by her side. Leanne is scared..if her husband can’t join her any time soon, with that not only are her rights as a British citizen jeopardised, but so is her very natural human right to have a family

On 25th June 2013, Leanne cried tears of joy. This is the day she was returning from hospital after one of her regular checkups for cancer. She was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 20; after bouts of chemotherapy and surgery, she was told she would not be able to have her own biological kids, hence the IVF option so urgent and important.

However, the reason for the tears was the ray of hope for her being united with her husband. Leanne’s brother sent her a link to a BBC article, following which she watched a Newsnight programme telling her of EU providing justice where the British government snatched it away, via the Surinder Singh route.

The resulting questions though show more than anything that this route isn’t one taken lightly; nor are British citizens with non-EEA families expecting our streets to be paved with gold. They also show the shameful fear the government has successfully instilled in the very people it’s being paid to represent.

Does this mean I don’t have to be apart from my husband any longer?
Can the government close this route too?
How long do I have to be working there?
Can my husband work there as well?
Will my husband then be allowed to work in the UK, if we return here using Surinder Singh route?

At no point have there  been any questions on accessing benefits which under UK’s immigration rules non-EEA family members don’t qualify for any way. If anything people have been adamant that with their spouse here they would have less need to claim benefits because of the multiple incomes the family would be earning.

---

An important, and relevant, piece of research -

Revealed: The financial cost of Theresa May's immigration policy.

http://www.politics.co.uk/news/2013/07/09/revealed-the-financial-cost-of-theresa-may-s-immigrationl

The UK will lose £850 million over ten years as a result of new visa restrictions on foreign spouses of British citizens, new research suggests.

Analysis of the government's impact assessment from Middlesex University strongly suggests income requirements on foreign spouses could be putting an additional burden on the taxpayer.

"It appears the government got its sums wrong when designing this policy," said Dr Helena Wray, from the School of Law at Middlesex University, who co-authored the research.