Immigration Property Inspection
People who apply for UK citizenship are required by the UK Border Agency to provide a UK Accommodation Certificate as part of their application.
The certificate shows that the applicant has made provision for maintenance and accommodation for themselves (and any dependants) without necessary recourse to public funds.
It also provides a statement about the applicant’s proposed accommodation – its condition and suitability.
Officers from South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils can carry out this verification process and provide a certificate – in the form of a letter – for a fee of £331.
How to request a Verification of UK Accommodation Certificate
The applicant – or applicant’s sponsor, who is living in the UK – can request a verification of UK Accommodation certificate by contacting us using the details at the bottom of the page.
They will then receive a letter which requests information and provides notice of the fee and request for fee payment.
Once the fee is paid council staff will carry out a Land Registry search of the property and an inspection of the property.
They will assess:
- The availability and adequacy of the accommodation in accordance with Housing Standards
- That (where applicable) the permission of the owner of the accommodation has been given
- That no additional public funds will be necessary for accommodating the applicant in cases where the applicant’s sponsor lives in accommodation from public funds
The verification letter will then be sent to the applicant and/or their agent/sponsor and can be sent to UK Border Agency if required.
Please be advised the service cannot be used to support temporary visas e.g. when a person has been granted a short-stay in the UK and must leave before a given period of time.
For more information please contact our private sector housing team using the details below.
Contact us - Private Sector Housing
01235 422436
(Text phone users add 18001 before dialing)
South Oxfordshire District Council
Private Sector Housing Team
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE
