Hi All,
I had HSMP Visa valid untill 1st Dec 2009. I went to PEO Croydon on July 28th 2009 for Tier 1(General) extension.Along with me, i had applications for three of my dependants. i had appointment at 10 AM. i and my wife went to the PEO.
Below is my experience:
Drove down to London ( about 3 hrs) and reached Home Office at about 8 AM. Parked at Whitgift Parking just opposite to the Home Office.
1) Stood at the line at 8:15 AM. A security person had come and said it is too early and we need to come at 9 AM.
2) Went out, had a coffee and went back to Home Office at 9 AM.
3) Security Checks at the entrance.
4) At the reception, took all 4 forms, passports. Gave a reference number and returned back all the forms and passports.
5) Went to First Floor at 9:15 AM and Paid the fees of 1170 ( 1020 + 3 * 50). I got delayed here due to some problem with the payment system.
6) Went to Second Floor at 9:40 AM. The Case worker in one of the desk was waiting for me.
7) Went to the Case worker directly. She was a nice lady. I explained about the delay in the payment section.
She asked my application and 3 other dependant applications. She also asked for passports.
9) She went through all the applications and passports.
10) She verified with me that previously i was on Work Permit and then moved to HSMP.
11) In my application, she said that i had put in a wrong visa reference number. This is regarding the first time i came to UK. First time, i came to UK on a business visa in June 2004. I put in these visa details. But she said i should put in the details of the first time i came on Work Permit in Nov 2004. Frankly, the questions on the App form were not clear. It just asks about details of the first time i came to UK. I feel i am right but the case worker asked me to change the details on the App form. I changed the details and handed over the updated form. ( In future , if the application asks me about details of first time i came to UK, i would still put details of my business visa because this is correct. Because App just asks about first time and not first time on Work Permit).
12) She then had a look at all applications and passports. She said that this is going to take a long time. She asked me to put all my supporting documents on the desk meanwhile. i put in whatever is required like payslips, bank statements, covering letters, marriage certificate and 2 birth certificates for my children.
13) She then started looking at the Qualifications sections. She looked at the documents i provided and said i did not give her the degree certificate. I said that i do not need to as i have previously submitted in HSMP application. She still asked for it. I gave her my degree certificate and degree transcript.
14) She then started looking at the earning sections. She looked at the payslips and bank statements.
15) She said she could see my salary getting credited into my bank account.
16) Then she started calculating the earnings. After a while, she asked me how did i come to the total amount i claimed. I made her look at the covering letter and explained her about my Gross Salaries for 12 months. She was actually looking at Net Salaries in Payslips. Then she was happy with it. At this point, i also gave her my p60 for the previous financial year.
17) She went through all other sections of the application form.
18) At about 10:30 AM, she said that we can go out and come back at about 12:30 - 1 PM. I asked her if she requires anything else. She said no. i repeated the list of documents i have provided. Then she asked me if i have my employer letter. I said i do not have it. Only two evidences are required and i have provided payslips and bank statements. She was fine with it.
19) Went out to Whitgift Shopping Centre just opposite Home Office.
20) Came back to HO at 12: 30 PM. The desk was closed. I and my wife sat in a place where the case worker could see us if she opens the desk.
21) Waiting time.......
22) The desk was still closed at 1 PM. Did not know what was happening.
22) Finally, the desk was opened at 1:15 PM. She asked us to come to the desk. She said she has approved my visa untill 1st Dec 2012 and returned back all the documents we have provided. She asked us to go to the first floor and collect the passports.
23) Passports arrived at 2:15 PM.
24) Collected the passports, had lunch in an Restaruant and headed back to my home.
Below are my details:
Age: 0 POints
Qualifications: Bachelor Degree ( 30 Points)
Earnings: 45 Points ( Period: 1st July 2008 to 30 th June 2009)
12 Payslips and 12 Bank Statements
Maintenance: Maintened £2399 for well over 3 months.
Marriage Certificate
2 Birth Certificates.
Covering Letter
Over all it was a pleasant expereince. The staff were very nice.
And finally Thank You all of you for the guidance. Especially Chetan, thanks mate for all the help.
Now, it is Payback time for me, any help please let me know.
Thanks
--Pradeep
