BritishCanuck

Hi Jesse Abroad, I used the GOV.UK ID Check app to verify my identity when I created an account on the Government Gateway. I can't remember exactly, but I think as you work your way through setting up login details, it may send you to get the app if you can't verify your identity another way (I thought I was stuck too at first). There is some guidance on the ID-checking app here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-govuk-id-check-app Hope that helps!

Hi Keith, Sorry for the delay, I didn't know you had replied - HMRC accidentally deleted my forum account - they sent me an apology email today :o) Anyway, I was wrong about the reference code, the REF in their letter wasn't for me to use when paying. They had links in the letter that sent me to the web page with info about paying. They give you the option of paying from a foreign bank, or sending a cheque. They seem to have removed the option to pay by direct debit from a UK bank, if you live abroad (which makes no sense to me and was very frustrating as I had already transferred the money over to my UK bank). I ended up posting them a UK bank cheque, along with a note with the details they request (Name, NI number etc). At this time that cheque has not yet been cashed, so I don't know how long this next stage takes. Those web pages also tell you how to make up the reference number if you don't have one, but I think for the cheque payment it was just your NI number. But the web pages they link to have all that info. Mine definitely got processed faster than what they said was the expected time, so I hope yours does too. But like you say, you're in the system now, so that's the important thing. It's a shame that Canada post still seems to use horseback to get across country. I'm always reluctant to use them after they lost my permanent residence renewal application that I sent by registered post. Now if I have to do a passport renewal or something I'll pay extra and use Fed Ex - they're also waaay faster!