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Congrats mate and thanks for sharing your experience!Aletski wrote:Hi I just finished my application today using premium service in croydon. I thought to share the experience as I used this site quite heavily in preparation. My turn to return the favor.
My Situation:
I'm been in tier 1 general since June 2009, got extended for 2yrs in oct 2012 (severely delayed because of chaos of Olympics. I applied by post, they held my passport for 6 months!) and now finally am eligible for ilr.
I am a contractor with my own limited company since may 2012 and paying myself salary and dividends. I had a total of 205 days absence within the 5 years but never more than 180 within a span of a year. A mishmash of business, vacation and bereavement absences.
My documents:
1.) life in uk certificate
2.) a new gece english language certificate
I still had my old ielts cert from the first tier 1 gen application but couldn't quite find the documents online that specifically states that I can still use it even if expired. So I thought to just get a new certificate than risk it. You can get the gece certificate in trinity college london. No written exams, you just have to speak to someone about a topic of your choice and that person will assess your level. You'll get the cert within 5 days.
3.) personal bank statements
4.) business bank statements
5.) letter from accountant (accountant had to be certified as specified in ukba site)
6.) dividend vouchers that I signed.
7.) current and old passports
8.) biometric card (got this during the 2012 tier 1 gen renewal)
9.) 2 passport size photo with ur name at back (croydon has a photo booth if you forget this)
I had an arsenal of other documents (certificate of incorporation, vat registration, corporate tax, p60s and p45s etc) but I didn't include them when I handed my application as I didn't think it was relevant. Just in case it was asked or if I needed them to defend myself. I also brought printed copy of the guidelines and the directorate 6a, again just in case .
The day of application:
My appointment was @9am. Got to croydon office by 8:30.
1.) Step 1. Security checks. Typical airport like checks.
2.) Step 2. Reception desk. At this point they will briefly check the below items to make sure you have the basics.
-appointment ref number,
-your payment letter (if u paid online when booking appointment).
-you passports
-biometric card
-your application form
They will give you your number that they use to call u to any counter. You will also pay at this point if u haven't paid online.
3.) Step 3. Inputting your application into their system.
You'll wait at the cafe until they call ur number (they also have tv screens with the status of each number application)
You'll be called to a counter where they will log ur application into their system. They ask for the same thing that step 2 asked for.
Then they'll tell u to put all your supporting docs into a plastic envelope. They'll eventually put your form and passport and everything else in the same envelope and send you over to step 4.
They didn't ask any questions at this point, just basically someone typing your details in.
4.) Step 4. Biometrics.
Fingerprinting and photo and signature.
They will then retrieve from you the plastic envelope that holds your application, passport, and all your documents.
I was told that a case worker will look over my application. I was told that if I wanted to go to the nearby mall because it will take an hour or so or wait at the cafe. I decided against going outside to the mall just in case I was called early to explain some stuff in my application.
5.) Step 5. They will call ur number again. Successful ILR application. Collect your documents at a counter. You new biometric card will arrive via post in 7 days.
NOTE: I never actually have to face or talk to the case worker. I asked one of the guides who directs people where to go, he told me 9 out of 10 applications are smooth and doesn't involve having to be called by your caseworker. No one has ever mentioned this in this forum or I just haven't stumbled on their entries. Just wanted to let people know. The process is very smooth considering I went in there prepared for battle.
mkraja wrote:hi, thanks for sharing this
What evidence did you provide to explain reasons of your 205 days of absences?
The bank statement for both personal and business was only for the 12 consecutive month period I was applying for.sam74u wrote:Thanks for sharing your experience. Did you present personal and business bank statements for the year preceding your application or for the whole 5 years?
What was the content of the letter from the accountant?
Could you present only 2 types of documents? e.g. personal bank statements and dividend vouchers?
Did you have to prove anything about your economic activity during the 5 years?
Your reply will save my life.
Hi Aletski, thank you very much for your response. Really appreciated. Could you please advise further on section 6 and question 11L of form SET OAletski wrote:I didn't provide any evidence as none is necessary. The 205 days absence was within 5 years. The rule is you should not have more than 180 day absence within ANY 12 month period within the 5 years. So my 205 days absence was spread out within the 5 years so that I never exceeding 180 days within a year.
mkraja wrote:hi, thanks for sharing this
What evidence did you provide to explain reasons of your 205 days of absences?