We have introduced new simplified criteria that will apply to all new applications from non-UK nationals, both EEA (European Economic Area) and non-EEA customers.

Permanent right to reside will be required for all applicants on applications which do not meet the following criteria:

  • The customer (or either customer on a joint application) has lived in the UK for more than 5 years OR
  • Loan to Value (LTV) is <=75% OR
  • Application income >=£100,000.

When proof of permanent right to reside is required a next step message will advise ‘Proof of permanent right to reside in the UK is required for (applicant name)’ and this must be provided for all customers on the application.

If any of the criteria above are met the message will not show and the application can proceed without proof of permanent right to reside being required.

Permanent right to reside can include:

  • As part of the EU Settlement Scheme EEA, EU and Swiss citizens, living in the UK by 31 December 2020 can apply to continue to live in the UK after 30 June 2021 and will receive one of two statuses which are both acceptable:
    • Settled status (awarded where they have lived in UK for at least five years and also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme’)
    • Pre-settled status (awarded where lived in the UK for less than five years and they can re-apply for settled status after five years continuous residence in UK has been reached);
  • Indefinite leave to enter or remain.
  • Republic of Ireland citizens do not need to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme and have automatic permanent right to reside in the UK.

To determine if a customer has lived in the UK for more than five years we will use data provided by the credit reference agencies. In some instances we may require proof of residence in the UK for over five years.

The application income of >=£100,000 will include both incomes on a joint application and is the total of basic, overtime, bonus and commission for employed applicants or the latest year’s income for self-employed customers, plus pension income.

This new simplified criteria applies a consistent approach for both EEA and non-EEA customers and will make it easier for you to know in advance if an application will be accepted.

The new criteria will apply to all full applications submitted from Thursday 8 April 2021. A Decision In Principle (DIP) keyed before this date then submitted as a full application from Thursday 8 April 2021 will be subject to the new criteria. The new criteria will also apply to new further advance applications from this date.

The Criteria section on our website will be updated on Thursday 8 April 2021. This will include details of how proof of permanent right to reside can be provided and the use of an immigration status ‘share code’ where applicable.

If you have any queries please contact your Business Development Manager or visit us online here.