Apply for an immigration inspection

Information on how to arrange a housing inspection to support a Home Office immigration application. 

Before any inspection is carried out, you must complete the application form:

• application form (PDF) [117KB] (opens new window) signed by the person at whose property the person seeking entry will be staying (the Sponsor) 

• proof of ownership form (PDF) [96KB] (opens new window)  or tenancy agreements

Once the application has been checked and confirmed as containing all relevant information, a visit to the proposed residence during working hours will be arranged.

If the property is occupied by the owner, at the time of inspection the following will need to be produced:
•    A copy of the deeds of the property 
•    A copy of the owner's passport or driving licence
•    Current safety certificates for the gas installation and appliances

If the property is rented, at the time of inspection the following will need to be produced:
•    A copy of the tenancy agreement
•    Written permission from the landlord confirming that they are happy for additional persons to be housed there.
•    Current safety certificates for the gas installation and appliances

Please note that if you cannot complete the application form or provide the supporting documentation we cannot continue with the inspection or provide a refund.
 

The property will be inspected and the officer must confirm that the property:

• is free from category 1 hazards under the Housing Act 2004
• is in a reasonable state of repair
• has sufficient rooms to accommodate both the current occupiers and any additional people who propose to live there 

When the inspection and investigation is completed, a letter will be supplied stating:

• the names of the sponsor and applicant
• the address of the property inspected
• who owns and who occupies the property
• whether the property provides a safe and healthy environment for any potential occupier or visitor at the time of inspection
• whether the property would be statutorily overcrowded by the addition of the person(s) seeking entry into the UK
• the name of the officer to contact for further information      

No. The report will be sent to you which will form part of your application for clearance to UK Visas and Immigration (opens new window).

The following should also be noted:

• It is advisable to keep copies of all forms prior to submitting them to us
• We will not supply letters unless an inspection has been carried out
• The Immigration Authorities will not accept letters that are greater than 12 weeks old
• If your letter expires, we will need to carry out another inspection, incurring another full inspection fee
• We reserve the right to make a charge for any amendments to the letter or for the supply of copies of the letter at a later date
• It is therefore very important that you do not request an inspection of your property for immigration purposes until you are ready to submit your full application to the relevant authorities