As many before I found this site extremely helpful in preparing my application and will tell my story here to give back a little
I booked my appointment online on 10 May 2014 - exactly 43 days before I wanted my appointment. I did it just after midnight and had a good choice of dates and times. I booked at Croydon for a same day appointment at 9:10 am. Full payment has to be made at this time (ouch!).
I applied on form SET (O) for settlement after spending 5 years on a Tier 1 General visa. Just me, no dependants. The appointment was about three weeks before I reached my 5 years.
My application was quite straightforward, I didn't even change jobs in the last 12 months so only one company's payslips! Two things to note - I had written my TOEFL in 2009 for my first Tier 1 application, and even though technically it has expired they still accepted that certificate. The second thing was my holidays - I included just a covering letter saying it was all annual leave taken whilst in full time employment and that I could provide P60's on request.
On the day - I arrived quite early, by 8:40. Everyone, including the security staff, was very friendly and extremely helpful. I had to put my bag through a scanner and walk through a metal detector - similar to an airport. The security guard then accompanied me up in the lift to the reception area.
First stop was the reception desk where I had to show my appointment confirmation (printed email) and the payment confirmation sheet. I was then given a number and asked to wait.
After about 10 minutes I was called to the desk where my application was logged. Not much checking happening at this time - she just took the whole bundle of documents (originals and copies) and placed it in a folder. She checked my personal details etc. I asked whether the BRP could be sent to a different address than my home address on the form and was told no.
As soon as I was finished at this desk I got called in for biometrics. As you would expect (and no doubt have done before!) fingerprints and photograph. To note - it was this picture that ended up on my BRP and not the two I submitted with my application!
Then came the longer wait for the case officer to evaluate my application. After 30 min my number appeared on the screen saying 'ready for collection'! I was not called for an interview or anything. But, like I said my application was very straightforward.
I was done 65min after I arrived. It was actually a little anti-climatic - just a big thing for me and I got it quick and easy with no fuss.
Do note that the café at Croydon is not open on a Saturday (luckily I packed snacks as suggested by someone else).
I collected my documents (letter stating ILR granted, original docs I submitted and passports) and was told the BRP will be delivered within 7-10 working days. After reading other posts on this site I bargained on Wednesday. I asked to work from home and success! My BRP was delivered by 10am. They only needed a signature, no ID necessary so I reckon anyone at that address could receive it.
All in all a very pleasant experience (apart from my credit card bill!)
