appointment for biometrics, application date, continuous leave

[burcu b]

Hi everyone, it is my first time here

I will be eligible to apply for ILR set(O) in December.
1) I have filled in the online form, it looks like I will only be given an appointment at UKVCAS for biometrics. So when and how will I be uploading my documents? Is someone going to see my documents originals and scan them or will I be scanning and uploading them online only without ever needing to show the originals?

2) Which date is considered to be the date of application? it used to be the date of the in person appointment but I'm not sure anymore... I need to know which date is considered as the official date of application so that I can correctly calculate my 5 years minus 28 days. Is it the day money is paid when you submitted the online form, the day biometrics are taken, or the day all documents are uploaded to the system?

3) I will apply to ILR after 5 years working on Tier 2 visa.
in Personal information section in Set(O) there is a question about absences:
Since you first entered the UK, have you had any absences from the UK?
I have entered the UK with a student visa,- 1 year before I got my Tier 2 visa (which I had for about 5 years now).
Shall I ignore the year when I was a student when filling in absence history? Or do I need to add that years absences as well as the ones during my 5 years on tier 2 ?

Thanks

[CULLINAN]

1) Pay and submit online via UKVI, Scan and upload on UKVCAS. Only original passport is needed. However, originals only are advised to carry to appointment. They are not checked though. No need to carry soft copies.

2) Date of application is when you pay and submit online. Biometrics date is irrelevant. Pay and submit when you qualify. Calculate accordingly.

3) Date of entry based on Tier 2.

[burcu b]

I see, thank you!

I could not managed to add premium service to my basket at the end, it only shows one price. Thought I would be able to book an appointment for December by getting premium, and my appointment day would be considered as my application date.

would I be able to upgrate after I pay the standard price or is there an other way to do it?
I am not willing to wait 26 weeks.

[tier2genmisery]

1) Pay and submit online via UKVI, Scan and upload on UKVCAS. Only original passport is needed. However, originals only are advised to carry to appointment. They are not checked though. No need to carry soft copies.

2) Date of application is when you pay and submit online. Biometrics date is irrelevant. Pay and submit when you qualify. Calculate accordingly.

3) Date of entry based on Tier 2.

wow!
does this mean you can only submit the online set(o) form after your 5 years minus 28 days ends?

[CULLINAN]

I see, thank you!

I could not managed to add premium service to my basket at the end, it only shows one price. Thought I would be able to book an appointment for December by getting premium, and my appointment day would be considered as my application date.

would I be able to upgrate after I pay the standard price or is there an other way to do it?
No
I am not willing to wait 26 weeks.
Only standard service is available for now. However, if you check the timeline thread, many Tier 2 applicants are receiving decisions within 2-4weeks!

[tier2genmisery]

I see, thank you!

I could not managed to add premium service to my basket at the end, it only shows one price. Thought I would be able to book an appointment for December by getting premium, and my appointment day would be considered as my application date.

would I be able to upgrate after I pay the standard price or is there an other way to do it?
No
I am not willing to wait 26 weeks.
Only standard service is available for now. However, if you check the timeline thread, many Tier 2 applicants are receiving decisions within 2-4weeks!

this is quite depressing news. it used to be much easier.
it looks like now you have to actually wait until the end of your 5 years -28days on Tier2 to be able to even submit the online form. And then wait for many weeks to get a decision. And then a couple of weeks after that to get your new ILR BRP card... So you essentially can't leave the country for months..