I've just collected my documents from the post office (they'd left a card as I wasn't home when it arrived on 3rd-Sep 08). Got the Tier-1 valid through to 2011. The time lines were as follows:
Posted: 26-Jun-08
Funds taken: 27-Jun-08
Called around 29th Aug and they said status was "under consideration".
Documents Arrived: 03-Sep-08(Delivery at home attempted but it went back to local post office as I wasn't in to collect it. Collected it today).
I had not sent in any UT forms etc nor did I send in any prepaid envelopes - Mistake I guess. The package was heavily damaged while under royal mail's care i.e. envelope in tatters and passport could have fallen off any time. However, Royal Mail had heat-sealed it in a plastic cover with an apology note that said "we apologize for any inconvenience caused as a result of the damage to your package while under our care.If you find that any documents are missing, please contact...".
Fortunately, all my certificates etc were laminated before I sent them...they were all intact. I think It's a good idea to send in a plastic prepaid envelope that doesn't tear up - for them to return your documents. If you had seen a package like mine this morning,trust me..you'd be very upset and worried about what's gone missing - it was in complete tatters - envelope torn on 3 of 4 sides. Thank god..the damage was only external and all the contents were intact.
Now...for those of you who're waiting, as you may have already read, when it comes to the home office, the only certainty is uncertainty. Don't get misled by "under consideration" or "with the CW" replies....they carry no weight. Might as well forget about it until it shows up. If you got the Tier-1, well and good.If you didn't, consider it a blessing in disguise - so you can try again with the right documents or go elsewhere, earn more, have lower deductions in taxes and definitely a higher/better quality of life.There's nothing like having the mindset to deal with "come what may" and succeed
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)