EU Settlement Scheme applications - Monzo Bank Statements not accepted as they cannot be verified

Summary

In this video, UK immigration lawyer Sachin Savant addresses a concern regarding the use of Monzo bank statements as evidence in EU settlement scheme applications. He explains that while bank statements from other institutions are accepted as proof of residence, a recent refusal letter questioned the verifiability of Monzo statements. Despite Monzo having a banking license, the caseworker deemed the evidence insufficient. Savant advises applicants to provide alternative evidence or be prepared to challenge such decisions, highlighting the importance of thorough documentation in immigration applications.

Takeaways

• 📜 Sachin Savant, a UK immigration lawyer, discusses a specific issue related to the EU Settlement Scheme application.
• 🏦 The individual in the case provided Monzo bank statements as evidence of their residence in the UK, covering three years.
• 🔍 Bank statements from Monzo, showing UK transactions, have been accepted as proof of physical presence in the UK in previous cases.
• 🚫 A recent refusal letter for an application cited that Monzo bank statements cannot be verified, thus deemed insufficient evidence by the caseworker.
• 🏛️ Sachin verified Monzo's banking license status through the Bank of England, confirming they have been licensed since 2017.
• ❓ There is a question raised about whether the refusal to accept Monzo bank statements is a widespread issue or specific to the caseworker involved.
• ⚠️ A warning is issued to those filing EU Settlement Status applications to consider providing alternate evidence alongside Monzo bank statements.
• 🤔 The video suggests that using Monzo bank statements alone might not be advisable and that additional evidence should be provided.
• 🔄 The client in the case is considering an administrative review rather than an immediate appeal, indicating a potential challenge to the decision.
• 👉 Sachin encourages viewers to subscribe to his channel for more informative videos on immigration law and status applications.
• 📚 The video is particularly relevant for young people and students who may rely on bank statements as a primary form of evidence for their physical presence in the UK.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the video?

The speaker is Sachin Savant, a UK immigration lawyer.

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The main topic discussed is the use of Monzo bank statements as evidence for the EU Settlement Scheme application and the issues encountered with their verification.

What specific issue did a client face with their EU Settlement Scheme application?

The client's application was not refused but instead of receiving settled status, they were given pre-settled status. The caseworker stated that the Monzo bank statements provided could not be verified.

Why did the caseworker claim the Monzo bank statements were insufficient?

The caseworker claimed the Monzo bank statements were insufficient because they could not be verified.

What evidence did the client provide to support their EU Settlement Scheme application?

The client provided Monzo bank statements covering three years of residence in the UK, showing transactions at UK retailers such as Costa Coffee and TK Maxx.

What did Sachin Savant find out about Monzo's banking status?

Sachin Savant found out that Monzo has had a full banking license since 2017.

What advice does Sachin Savant give to those filing EU Settlement Scheme applications?

Sachin Savant advises to avoid using Monzo bank statements alone or to provide additional evidence to support their application, as Monzo statements may not be accepted by all caseworkers.

What options are available to challenge the decision of pre-settled status instead of settled status?

Options to challenge the decision include an administrative review or an appeal.

What demographic does Sachin Savant particularly caution about the use of Monzo bank statements?

Sachin Savant particularly cautions students and young individuals who may have limited evidence to prove their residence in the UK.

What is the purpose of subscribing to Sachin Savant's channel according to the video?

Subscribing to the channel helps others who might be filing for settled status applications to get helpful information and avoid potential issues like those discussed in the video.