This post might be redundant (as most of the information is already posted). But, I still wanted to add my 5 cents.
Background:
- Employed till Oct 2013.
Self-employed (IT-Contractor) from Nov 2013.
Sole director of a limited company with 2 shareholders (50:50)
Application details:
- Applied for renewal on Jan 2015.
Got a letter to do the biometrics in 2 weeks’ time.
In about 10 days (after biometrics), I got a letter stating that they would want to interview me & that more info will follow.
I got email in 2/3 weeks’ time detailing the interview date & time. It had also asked me to confirm that I would attend the same (which I did by email).
I was a little concerned about the interview, but I did not have anything to worry about, as my case was straight forward (at-least to me), which met all criteria.
According to me, the only thing that might be an issue was “I submitted only the past 9 months stmts / payslips / dividend vouchers”. [Reason: I did not take any salary before that (for tax efficiency)]
Please note that interview letter states that they will not accept any document and I cant refer to any documents while at the interview. But, I took my recent personal & business bank stms. I also took some more documents that might aid them confirm the information that I had provided previously, as authentic. I had it with me just in case.
On the interview day: VSF London office (Battleship building)
To my surprise, when I was called in, it was a telephonic / webcam call (kind of Skye call). So, all the extra supporting documents were useless. [by now you would have guessed, that I never read any forums… ]
Actual interview (many questions were repeated):
- Confirm your name & DOB
Do you know why you are here for?
Current Visa status
Whom do you work for? * 3 times
What’s your qualification?
How does you qualification relate to your work?
When was your company started? * 3 times
Name of your limited company
What’s the company’s annual turnover?
Monthly expense for the company
How many people does the company employ?
What’s your monthly / annual salary? * 3 times
Does your company get any other income apart from the IT contract work that you do?
How many hours do you work per week? * 3 times
Accountant name and how much I pay them monthly.
What all does your accountant know about your business?
Do you have any other income?
Do you have any question for me (interviewer)?
The interview was over in 20 mins.
All the best.