How can I prove I've resided in Britain for the past three years and thus qualify as a home student?

Question

I have a British passport, am 18 and will be until late November. I need to show proof of residency to qualify as a home student for my studies. I'm not sure how to prove this as I've been living with my cousins the past three years and thus do not have any bills under my name to meet the requirement. I also do not have a bank account or driver's license. Would a letter from my cousins and a copy of THEIR utility bills suffice? Or perhaps a letter from the NHS stating when I registered myself with them? I tried asking my doctor to write a letter for me, but she refused to as I haven't visited her for a couple of months now and thus has no way of proving I lived here during that time period. I've also registered myself with a new GP now as I've moved away from the old clinic, and this GP also refuses to write me a letter as he hasn't known me for three years...

Help would be greatly appreciated - I am worrying my brains off over this!

Answer 1

as long as you havent left the country for long periods of time your passport should be enough as it is scanned evry time you l;eave and come back.

Answer 2

Nasty problem. Not an expert on UK law but I suggest you gather everything you can. even your old doctor can still write a letter saying that she (you) visited her for the period that you did, even if the last few months is not included it's still something.

Your cousins could also write letters saying that you were living with them but the bills were under their name. They can also say that eventhough the bills were under their name you paid them a fixed amount or a portion of each bill. For example: you live with 2 of your cousins. if the phone bill came to 90 pounds, you paid 30 to them. you can work out the details.

Get a letter from NHS stating when you registered with them and such and any other detail they can provide that might help.

I don't know how long you've had your passport, but if you've had it for more than 3 years you can just show that you haven't been out of the country or you came to UK more than 3 years ago and you haven't left since then (i'm sure short trips are ok, can just say i went on a vacation or something)

could also try asking them and maybe explain to them your situation. maybe they can help you by saying what sort of stuff they accept or stuff you can bring to prove it.

hope this helps. I'll ask a friend of mine who used to be a lawyer there and see if can help.

Answer 3

What have you been doing for the past 3 years?

Have you been working? In which case a letter from your employer would help. If you have been paying Tax/NI then the tax office will have a record of this or you may have P60/P45 forms from employment.

If you have been at school/college then ask the school/college for a letter confirming that you have been attending.

What about opticians or dentists? Have you been a patient? If so ask them.

Answer 4

Well there should be some records, NHS card, NI insurance card.

School, college records.

Get a bank account - you will need one.

Why were you living with your cousins? If you have come from abroad (i know you are British but other family may be abroad) purely to study then you are still counted as an overseas student.