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Congrats it was really nice and relaxing to read your writing...MaY I ask you please when your last salary increased under T2 and the percentage of increment? As its an very important factor i think for HO!gladiator939 wrote: ↑Fri Aug 24, 2018 5:33 pmHowdy all..
A silent consumer of the wisdom on this portal, felt it would be useful to someone if I share my recent successful PSC experience for ILR. Please see below.
Date of application: 23/08/2018
1. Category: Tier 2 General
2. Number of dependents: 0
3. Total cost: £2999
4. PSC: Croydon
5. Documents provided:
a) SET (O) - completed by hand, only discovered the online option a day before my appointment. Doesn't make an iota of difference as has been made out by a few. I also didn't submit Section 9 (didn't print off c. 30 pages as it would be pretty much useless) and wasn't challenged on this.
b) One Passport
c) BRP
d) Photographs: 2x latest not older than 6 months
e) Life in the UK pass notification letter - Note, I took this test in Nov 2017 as a friend was applying for ILR at around the same time, and he talked me into taking the test with him, just for laughs and said that the results are valid for at least two years. Am mentioning this just in case anyone is in a similar situation - the test results are valid for life and do not carry an expiry date, but I do stand corrected. In any case, they seem to be valid for two years as a minimum.
f) Proof of English Language proficiency - MSc Degree certificate.
g) Payslips: 3x most recent (had three more in my back pocket but as expected I wasn't asked for these). I also got my payslips stamped by my employer, not sure if that makes any difference.
h) Bank statements: 3x most recent (similar to payslips above, had three more but didn't submit them. I also got my bank statements stamped by the bank branch).
i) Letter from current employer (Salary certificate, No. of weekly hours, SOC confirmation and confirmation of requirement for the foreseeable future). No absences as yet in my current job as I've been working for my employer only for the past six months, so there was nothing to add here.
absences from work)
j) Letter from two previous employers - these are well known names in the market, including a high street bank. I had no trouble getting letters from them. My first employer, where I spent 2.5 out of 5 years on Tier 2G, very helpfully provided absences in a rolling format for the duration of my employment. That must have really saved the caseworker some time ! My total absences collectively across 5 years didn't even cross 80 so I wasn't at all worried about this.
One set of photocopies, in the same order as above.
Some additional myths busted:
1) Continuous economic residence: You can apply within 28 days of the 5th anniversary of your first Tier 2G visa 'valid from' date. The date of your actual entry to the UK has no difference, unless you have delayed entry to the UK by 180 days from your 'valid from' date. As an example, my first Tier 2G visa was valid from 16/09/2013, and I entered the UK with this leave on 25/09/2013. Therefore, I calculated the 5 year continuous economic residence qualifying period to be 16/09/2013 - 16/09/2018, and I counted 28 days back from 16/09/2018, which meant that I could apply on or after 19/08/2018. The gap of 9 days, from 16/09/2013 - 24/09/2013 is set off against your 180 days allowance, and goes without saying that you don't need to demonstrate the reason for delayed entry.
See this link to HO-issued guidance which should put your mind at rest: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... .0-EXT.pdf
2) Speeding Offence: I was caught speeding for the first time ever in my life with less than a month to go for ILR ! I was doing 36 mph on a 30 mph road, and have been invited to attend a speed awareness course in my area. I did not declare anything on Section 7. In any case, the application form itself is very clear in that you don't need to declare speeding tickets. I don't even have any points on my license following this experience so there is indeed nothing to worry about.
3) Road Traffic Accident: Again, I can confirm that this has no bearing whatsoever on most applications, but make sure that you evaluate your individual circumstances properly. Getting a legal opinion (like I did) won't hurt.
PSC Experience:
Super smooth, straightforward and simple. Could not have asked for a better experience. I arrived at 8.30 am for a 9.00 am appointment. Reported to registrations at 09.00, was given a ticket and asked to wait in the cafe. Was called to the desk at about 09.20. I wasn't asked anything other than confirmation of my name, DOB and marital status. Took quite a while here as the gentleman I was dealing with was also simultaneously helping a colleague. I submitted my paperwork and was almost immediately called in for biometrics enrolment. Finished this and re-entered the cafe area by 10.00 am. I was told that the system was playing up so there was a slight chance that I would have to re-enter my biometrics, but thankfully nothing of the sort happened. My ticket moved to 'Under Consideration' by 10.15 am, which is when the waiting game began.
I spent the entire time inside the building as the weather was bad. I didn't give my phone number to anyone at registration / biometrics but did give my number on the application form. I got a call at 11.00 (yes, just 45 minutes later) from a caseworker who was very friendly and polite. He asked me why my wife and child weren't on my application, and I responded to say that I wasn't married long enough (!) and planned to go for British Citizenship for my son following a successful ILR application. He was perfectly fine with that and simply said that this is a mandatory question that they have to ask of all applicants, and that he could see our previous immigration history.
11.15 am - My ticket was announced on the tannoy and I was pretty shocked as the application was under consideration for just an hour. I was pretty sure that the caseworker had more queries but when I walked over to the desk I was greeted by another pleasant member of staff who gave me back my documents, and confirmed that my application was successful. I spent another 15 minutes or so just collating my original paperwork and ILR Approval Letter before leaving the building. Funnily enough I wasn't given any checklist or similar to sign (as has been mentioned by other posters).
Thanks again for all the nuggets guys, it has been very helpful and is truly appreciated. If there are any queries I can answer, please feel free to ask away and I will do my best to help.
Thank you so much, I am flattered haha !
Thanks then it’s ok in your case mate . It is important cause if anyone’s salary increase more than 15% (probably!) just before the ILR then it’s suspicious.gladiator939 wrote: ↑Sat Aug 25, 2018 7:51 amThank you so much, I am flattered haha !
You would have obviously noted that I've had three employers on Tier 2G. My last salary increase was actually when I was working for employer # 2, where it went up by c.27% when I got promoted. This was the same salary level (well, approximately) at which I moved across to my current employer earlier in the year, and has remained static ever since as I've only been with my current employer for 6 months.
It is also worth noting that my salary, at all times, has been well above the threshold defined for my SOC code (I would say it is about 3x). Therefore in my case I don't think the caseworker would have really cared when I was last given an increment!
Just out of interest, why do you think it's such an important factor for the HO? Just curious...
congratulations! I have an appointment next week and pretty much exactly the same conditions as you regarding previous visas. Would you be able to kindly help me out with a couple of questions I have regarding the application form? Really stuck here :Sanonymouspen wrote: ↑Mon Sep 03, 2018 4:01 pmLong time lurker on this forum, all the insights have been invaluable for my application.
PSC: Croydon for SET LR
Appointment date & time: 10:30 on 3 September 2018
Reception: 10:30 (was not allowed to register any earlier, although arrived at 10:10)
Case Registration: 11:00
Biometrics: 11:25
Documents returned: 13:30
Entered UK in September 2008 on T4x2, switched to PSW then T2.
Following documentation were submitted along with copy in addition to standard:
- Copies of all visas held
- Transcripts (3x uni)
- Employer letter
- 3x payslips
- 3x bank statements
The copy of all the documents were taken with originals returned.
Hey - sure just post them on here!abrs8 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 05, 2018 10:54 amcongratulations! I have an appointment next week and pretty much exactly the same conditions as you regarding previous visas. Would you be able to kindly help me out with a couple of questions I have regarding the application form? Really stuck here :Sanonymouspen wrote: ↑Mon Sep 03, 2018 4:01 pmLong time lurker on this forum, all the insights have been invaluable for my application.
PSC: Croydon for SET LR
Appointment date & time: 10:30 on 3 September 2018
Reception: 10:30 (was not allowed to register any earlier, although arrived at 10:10)
Case Registration: 11:00
Biometrics: 11:25
Documents returned: 13:30
Entered UK in September 2008 on T4x2, switched to PSW then T2.
Following documentation were submitted along with copy in addition to standard:
- Copies of all visas held
- Transcripts (3x uni)
- Employer letter
- 3x payslips
- 3x bank statements
The copy of all the documents were taken with originals returned.
Kindly respond to the users topic they already have instead of the user posting duplicate questions here which is a topic for successful applications only.anonymouspen wrote: ↑Wed Sep 05, 2018 2:21 pmHey - sure just post them on here!abrs8 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 05, 2018 10:54 amcongratulations! I have an appointment next week and pretty much exactly the same conditions as you regarding previous visas. Would you be able to kindly help me out with a couple of questions I have regarding the application form? Really stuck here :Sanonymouspen wrote: ↑Mon Sep 03, 2018 4:01 pmLong time lurker on this forum, all the insights have been invaluable for my application.
PSC: Croydon for SET LR
Appointment date & time: 10:30 on 3 September 2018
Reception: 10:30 (was not allowed to register any earlier, although arrived at 10:10)
Case Registration: 11:00
Biometrics: 11:25
Documents returned: 13:30
Entered UK in September 2008 on T4x2, switched to PSW then T2.
Following documentation were submitted along with copy in addition to standard:
- Copies of all visas held
- Transcripts (3x uni)
- Employer letter
- 3x payslips
- 3x bank statements
The copy of all the documents were taken with originals returned.
BRP delivered: 06/09/2018 4 working days after approval.Mercia300 wrote: ↑Sat Sep 01, 2018 9:53 pmHello,
I’ve been following this website ever since I came to the UK more than 9 years ago. Thanks to everyone for all the helpful information I’ve been able to freely obtain here to assist me in my immigration applications.
Sheffield PEO
Application: SET(M). 5 years
Citizenship: Non EU (African)
Fee: 2999 GBP
Documentation used: exactly as asked in the SET (M) guide, nothing more
Application date: 31/08/2018
Appointment: 11.40
Arrived: 11.10
I walked in and asked the security guard whether I could come in early as you are asked to come in only 15 minutes before your appointment. He said that was okay.
I went through airport style security and entered the PEO premises which are of moderate size and of similar design and smartness to most government offices I’ve visited.
I noticed that the counters where the applications are registered are of an open-plan type and rather close to the seating area so one can hear most of what’s being discussed with applicants without any effort.
Only before I left did I notice a small sign that said you can ask to register your application in a more private area. So if any of you are concerned about privacy, they are willing to accommodate that.
Application registered: 11.15
They were running ahead of schedule and for the rest of the day while I was there they were registering applications 30 mins earlier that scheduled.
The lady at the counter was kind and friendly. She asked me for my documents as she worked through a checklist and then told me to return to the seating area.
By the way, you don’t have to go with your partner, as mine sat at the seating area and didn’t even accompany me to register the application. Obviously you still need to have their passports etc. with you but the lady didn’t even ask me where my partner was.
Biometrics registered: 12.13
I was told I could leave if I wanted after leaving my phone number and return 1.5 hours later or when I got a call.
I decided to remain.
Called to the counters: 13.30
A kind gentleman told me right away that my application was approved. He told me a Biometric Residence Permit would be sent to me between 5 to 7 working days from that day.
Application processing time: 2 hours 15 mins
I’m so pleased to have obtained settlement and anyone who has had to deal with immigration bureaucracy and hurdles can attest, the sense of relief is tremendous.
It took me 4 days and multiple tries to be able to book a PEO appointment. The booking system is stressful and has clearly deteriorated over the last 5 years that I’ve used it.
I hope my post helps someone in the same way the multiple accounts posted on this forum helped me.
Congrats ntt05r...ntt05r wrote: ↑Fri Aug 31, 2018 1:17 pm
Overall I find my experience rather smooth. I find online application a lot easier to complete compared with the paper form. Plus the number of required documents is less for online application. Submitted the application just after midnight. To book an appointment I keep refreshing and changing between different PSC's; suceeded after 15 minutes. The day after I managed to reshedule to an earlier appointment. I didnt see any difference between using Firefox or IE.
Good luck everyone!
Congrats Can you please explain what did you mean by —1. Detailing reasons for absencesnasmc92 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 10, 2018 1:12 pmGood News to share. Mashallah my ILR approved at Premium Appointment Centre Croydon on 05/09/2018
Application type: Set(o), Tier 2 (5 years)
Arrived at centre- 8:15am
Appointment time- 8:30am
Token Received- 8:30am
Documents Submitted- 8:35am
Biometrics done- 8:50am
Case Awaiting consideration from- 8:57am
Case under consideration from- 9:22am
Called for collection- 10:28am
Overall it was a very smooth and quick process for me
Documents submitted as per check list
**Passport
**BRP
**Pictures
**Life in UK test
**UK degree Certificate
**3 months payslip
**3 months bank statement
**Consent form for verification checks
**Letter from Employer
—1. Detailing reasons for absences
—2. Required for foreseeable future
—3. Detailing all absences from past 5 years
Photocopies of all the above
yadsa123 wrote: ↑Sun Sep 09, 2018 10:55 pmCongrats ntt05r...ntt05r wrote: ↑Fri Aug 31, 2018 1:17 pm
Overall I find my experience rather smooth. I find online application a lot easier to complete compared with the paper form. Plus the number of required documents is less for online application. Submitted the application just after midnight. To book an appointment I keep refreshing and changing between different PSC's; suceeded after 15 minutes. The day after I managed to reshedule to an earlier appointment. I didnt see any difference between using Firefox or IE.
Good luck everyone!
Could you please share bit more on timings of application submission.
As PSC appointments are limited I want to submit application 45 days in advance of my 5 years (excl. 28 days), which probably would be at 5 years -28-45 days to book the earliest eligible slot (as those are released 45 days in advance). However online application says - you can not submit earlier than 28 days on the first page... I actually started it earlier and now it bit of worry what would be considered 'Submitted' - day of payment, day at PSC or day of initial start of the draft application.
In theory it should be date at PSC, but I am not sure...
How have you done it or have you completed application in one go and submitted it immediately?
Thanks
Denis
See link below of a sample.deelazam wrote: ↑Wed Sep 12, 2018 11:00 amThis forum, and this post in particular has been incredibly helpful as I prepare for my ILR (SET O) application.
Would it be possible for anybody who has successfully secured their ILR to share the template of the absence letter they received from their employer? My employer has asked me to draft one - I have gone through ten pages of posts on this thread but couldn't find a template (apologies if it has been posted before).
Thanks in advance.
If you are using PSC then your application date is when you attend your PSC appointment not when you pay or make a draft online application.yadsa123 wrote: ↑Sun Sep 09, 2018 10:55 pmCongrats ntt05r...ntt05r wrote: ↑Fri Aug 31, 2018 1:17 pm
Overall I find my experience rather smooth. I find online application a lot easier to complete compared with the paper form. Plus the number of required documents is less for online application. Submitted the application just after midnight. To book an appointment I keep refreshing and changing between different PSC's; suceeded after 15 minutes. The day after I managed to reshedule to an earlier appointment. I didnt see any difference between using Firefox or IE.
Good luck everyone!
Could you please share bit more on timings of application submission.
As PSC appointments are limited I want to submit application 45 days in advance of my 5 years (excl. 28 days), which probably would be at 5 years -28-45 days to book the earliest eligible slot (as those are released 45 days in advance). However online application says - you can not submit earlier than 28 days on the first page... I actually started it earlier and now it bit of worry what would be considered 'Submitted' - day of payment, day at PSC or day of initial start of the draft application.
In theory it should be date at PSC, but I am not sure...
How have you done it or have you completed application in one go and submitted it immediately?
Thanks
Denis