Just some advice for other applicants based on my experience
Application Posted on 14th July
Application Received on 15th July
Confirmation Letter Received on 17th July
8/08/09 I received a letter today which read
''Thank you for your application of 15 July 2009 for leave to remain in the United Kingdom under Tier 1 General
I would be grateful if you could submit two recent passport size photographs of yourself.
Your documents will be returned to you as soon as I receive these photographs.''
I sent the new passport photo on the same day.
14/08/2009 I received my documents with my application approved and Tier 1 visa.
Some issues I had that might be useful to to other people are
I didn't get my bank statement on time so I had to get statements that were printed at my local branch but I got the bank to stamp and sign every page.A senior staff was also kind enough to include her card.However,my original statement came and I was adviced by someone on the forum to send them as well.I also mailed a kind person in UKBA who adviced
''If the copied statements you have provided are stamped and signed by the bank and contain all the information that your original statements would then there is no need to send them, however you are free to send them if you prefer''
Second issue,
I had two statements,one was a savings account which had a minimum of £1000.The second was my salary account which occasionally went overdrawn bc I was also using it for a bit of trading.One month to my submission,I tried to keep the account in credit in an effort to demonstrate that I actually had cumulatively the funds for maintenance.
Third issue,
I submitted a passport which I had used for all my other applications for the past 3 years.I was lucky that they sent me the letter above asking for a new set of passport photos.
Some of the things I did I won't advice others to do as it as quite risky.However,I hope someone else can learn from my experience.
Cover letter,
To
The Immigration Officer,
Tier 1 (General) Date: 14/07/2009
Dear Sir or Madam:
I xxxx, wish to apply under the Tier 1 General category.
Following are the list of documents provided with my Tier 1 application.
1. Age Assessment - 10 points claimed
Documents provided:
1) Notarized copy of Passport
2. Educational Qualification- 35 points claimed
Documents provided:
1) Original Masters Degree Certificate. (Masters Degree in xxxx, University of Leeds)
3. Past Earnings -25 points claimed
I’ve submitted a Lloyds TSB account statement and my payslip as supporting documents for my previous earnings. I will like to explain that although I applied for my payslip two weeks before the 14th of June, 2009,Lloyds TSB weren’t able to get the statements to me in time for my application hence my having to submit stamped copies of my statement for the period 9/12/2008 – 02/07/2009.I will be happy to send the original copies when they arrive should it still be necessary.
Documents provided:
1) 12 months salary slips (Salary slips submitted from August-2008 to June-2009.)
2) Bank Statements for the claim period showing my Net salary credited into Lloyds TSB Bank.
3) Letter from employer indicating my Annual salary.
4. UK Experience- 5 points claimed
Documents provided:
1) 12 months salary slips (Salary slips submitted from July-2008 to June-2009.)
2) Bank Statements for the claim period showing my Net salary credited into Lloyds TSB Bank.
5. English Language Requirement:
Documents provided:
1) 1) Original Masters Degree Certificate for degree taught in English Language (Masters Degree in xxxxx, University of Leeds)
6. Maintenance Fund:
Documents provided:
1) Barclays Bank account statement showing a minimum balance of not less than £800 from 14th April, 2009 – 14th July, 2009
Summary
Total Points Claimed: 75 Points
1. Education: 35 Points
2. Earnings: 25 Points
3. Age: 10 Points
4. UK Experience 5 Points
5.English Language 10 Points
6.Available maintenance funds 10 Points
I trust the information I have provided is satisfactory, however if you have any questions or queries or require additional information do not hesitate to contact me on [+44-xxxx] or alternatively via email
xx@xx.com
Thanking you,
Sincerely,
xx xx