This is my experience of getting ILR through completing 10 years legal stay in the uk. i hope it helps.
Last week, i had an appointment with the Croydon PEO, and arrived 30 minutes before my time. After the relevant security checks, was asked to queue up. Whilst queueing i was asked by one of the ushers on what basis I was making my LTR application on the day. I replied by showing my SET(O) form together with a short answer "It's a 10 year long residence application". She then replied in a curt manner by saying "yes i know but is it workpermit, marriage, student or what?" I was tempted to reply in kind, but kept calm, and replied "workpermit", although one does not need 10 years legal stay on a work permit to get ILR. Her question made me understand her lack of understanding of the rules pertaining to ILR.
Thereafter i was asked to go to a counter for the initial check by an Immigration Officer. After handing over my application form, passports(current and previous), other documents etc. After perusing through my passports she told me that i would have to apply by post as couple of my visa stamps did not show continuity. I knew this would come up when applying, hence i did a SAR. On my SAR report it was apparent that all my applications were done on time although the stamps were few days late. I also took the post office tickets with me. Thus, when the IO made the point of applying by post, i replied by showing her the relevant documents from my SAR report. I cannot emphasise more the importance of doing a SAR when applying for ILR. If i had not done it, i would've had to do the application by post. The IO then spoke to another colleague and then told that i could proceed with my application.
After the payment, i sat in the area waiting for my turn. I was then called about an hour later to a counter where i gave my application, passports, etc. The Immigration officer was extremely courteous and polite. She had a look through my application and told me that it would take 2-3 hours for them to process it. To my surprise i wasn't asked any questions, and so i was quite unsure. Also wasn't asked for any of my financial status documents(bank statements or salary slips). Hence, i decided to stay in the building in case they wanted more information. I must say it was quite a "painful and a mind numbing" experience. i was so glad that i had brought 2 newspapers with me.
After a 5 1/2 hour patient wait, i was given my passport together with the ILR stamp. I was very pleased and left the building.
Points to remember:
The documents i had with me were;
2 passports(current/previous)
SET(O) application
Life in the uk test document
6 months salary slips
5 months bank statements
relevant documents from my SAR to prove there were no gaps in my stay(to show the application was made on time)
as said before by many other experienced members, the need for attendance letters dating back for so many years, old documents etc is not required.
Most importantly do a SAR check. If i hadn't done so, today i would be looking at months before a decision would be made regarding my application. Also be patient, polite and cheerful, even though the experience might be otherwise, as it is we who need their service.
i hope this account helps others when making applications.
Regards
raptor
