Just wanted to say thanks for this super helpful place with lots generous people sharing information and suggestions.
I have got the approval letter with docs. Here to share my process time and information.
Applied via 50K route(PSW), self-employed with proof of overseas funds( under my name).
No interview and no solicitor: I almost went for one among some choices due to the fact my PSW visa was gonna expired within 3 weeks, and I wanted to have a proper representative to get it right with a formal cover letter.
But they were just wanting to double the charges even I have prepared all the docs soundly. In the end, I decided to make great effort by myself to prepare the supporting docs and did find a lot of useful information here.
I think people shared information about how they approached by themselves encouraged my to believe that I could make it without solicitor. So, I would like to share my experience for the application to give people confidence, who prepare by themselves.
As some people already said, it is better to read all the details in the guidance/ application form by ourselves cuz not guaranteed every solicitor knows it better than us( one friend used solicitor but still got asked to provide further docs.)
Also I want to suggest that the more evidences we provide( even they are optional), the better we present our business well.
Here are my processing times:
Application accepted date: 30 April, 2014 (the day my PSW expired)--not a good example. It is suggested to apply 1 month before
Biometrics Letter:1 May, 2014
Biometrics Submitted:7 May, 2014
Visa Approved:19 May, 2014
Letter Received with supporting docs: 23 May, 2014( Royal Mail)
BRP Card:23 May, 2014( waiting for DX courier to redeliver)
Thanks for everyone contributing.
Good luck to everyone applying.
HS.
