I had a successful PSC application a few weeks ago so just wanted to share information on the documents I submitted, my history and how the day went.
1. Category - Tier 2 General
2. Number of dependents - no dependents
3. Total cost - £1,900
4. PEO branch - PSC Liverpool
5. Documents provided
Letter from HR confirming my job title, SOC code, salary, absences (business and personal holiday), confirming my standard hours, that I am paid above the rates as per the codes of practice of the immigration rules, and that I am still required for my role.
Letter from Payroll confirming my payslips are authentic + 6 months' stamped payslips
Original UK degree certificate
Life in the UK test pass certificate
6 month's original bank statements
Current and previous passports
2 recent passport photographs (full name written on the back)
Application form + additional sheet for absences in the last 5 years
Current BRP card
Original employment contract
6. Absences more than 180 days in any of the qualifying years.
None
7. Any Additional Comments.
Nationality: Zambian. Completed a Bachelors' and Master's at two UK universities, and have been employed via Tier 2 General since graduating.
A friend of mine used a lawyer to support her application for ILR. They were on Tier 2 General with one employer, and had a straightforward case, but she just didn't want anything to go wrong. I considered using a lawyer as well, but decided it wasn't worth the expense as there is nothing that is complex about my case. I would end up paying them £2,000 just to help me fill out an application form!
I went for a premium appointment in Liverpool as I wanted the decision to be made as quickly as possible, and because I have travel plans. Croydon did not have appointments available at the dates and times I wanted.
Studying for the Life in the UK test was quite easy. I read the official book in about two days, and then did lots of free online practice tests. I finished the real test in about 5 minutes, and thankfully passed! I wasn't quite sure what the purpose of the test was though. Is it to test my knowledge of UK history? Or test my knowledge of general UK culture? It seemed like it's just another hurdle to put in front of those who haven't got the time, money or confidence in the English language to pass the test...
I arrived at PSC Liverpool 30 minutes before my appointment. It was quite literally airport-style security - I thought they might confiscate any liquids I had above 100 ml
I was given a ticket and less than five minutes later called up to submit my application form,= and supporting documents. I had a bundle of photocopies which they gratefully took as it would save them from having to do the photocopying later.
Less than 5 minutes later I was called to do biometrics and sign a quick sheet with a couple of questions.
10 minutes later I saw my bundle of documents get passed to a caseworker....it was clear they were working on my case. It was getting very real! This went on for another 40 minutes, then my case work was passed to the person who originally took my application form. A little bit of typing and looking through a couple of sheets, and then I got called to the desk.
I was asked to verify the details on a sheet placed in front of me, then got told 'well done, your indefinite leave is approved today!'
Huge relief! My new ILR BRP arrived in the post later on in the week.
Only 12 months to go till naturalisation! I found the PSC Liverpool to be quite professional, friendly and quite efficient. Overall my application took 40 minutes to be considered, but it was quite a straightforward one, with no convictions/cautions/long absences/complex immigration history.
I had a bundle of additional documents just in case (tenancy agreements, credit card statements, letters from HRMC) but was never asked for them.
Hope this helps someone