Post
by Shaunking » Mon Nov 16, 2009 3:53 pm
Hello everyone,
I got my ILR based on HSMP JR and wanted to share my experience of an In Person application at Birmingham PEO.
Application Type - ILR (SET O) under HSMP JR
PEO - Birmingham
Current Employment Status - Self Employed.
Initial HSMP approval - 10 MAY 2005
Documents Prepared
1. Application form
2. Passports including dependents (Wife +Son)
3. Photographs (Very Recent ) - Do not take old photographs
4. P60s - Past 4 years
5. Ltd company details (Certificate, VAT certificate, Invoices, Business Bank Statements, Tax vouchers, Dividend declaration forms, Business insurance)
6. Payslips (12 months)
7. Bank Statements (Current & Savings) - 12 Months
8. Mortgage Statement
9. Land Registry certificate (Showing me as the owner of the property)
10. Statement of earnings from my previous employers
11. Reference letter from my Previous employer
12. Reference letter from my accountant (For my limited company) addressing directly to the Immigration officer
13. Personal tax computation from my accountant for the year 2008-09 (This indicates my total earnings for the year)
14. HSMP approval letters (Initial + Extension)
15. My current contract documents from Client
My appointment was at 11:00AM. I reached PEO office by 9:00AM as I had to drive 120 miles. Went to the reception and went through the security check and they issued a Token and directed me to the waiting area around 9:15AM.
Luckily there was only one person before me. My number was called at 9:25AM.
At the counter, met my case worker (Very polite Gentleman) and I was offered a seat.
I handed in the application form and passports and also mentioned that I am applying under HSMP JR. Caseworker did a few initial checks and and kept on filling a form (I think their checklist) and asked me whether I have included all my absences from UK. I had clearly indicated my absence from UK which was 52 days in total from past 4 years.
After initial checks, he asked me to provide evidence of my economic activity in the past 4 years. I questioned back saying "I have the documents (Mentioned all the documents I had) and which one should he needs first". He then replied saying "Lets start from P60s". Handed in all 4 P60s. I had 2 original P60s and 2 true copies from my previous employer i.e., stamped and signed on a printout. He then asked me who has stamped these documents. I replied my previous employer and also mentioned that I have reference letter (Stating I was an employee of their company) and statement of earnings for that period. He then took these 2 documents and made some note. He looked at my 2 recent P60s and asked me whether I am employed or self employed. I said "Self Employed". Then he asked me to provide evidence of my business progression. I handed in the reference letter from my Accountant (Comprehensively written) along with my Personal tax computation. He then added these 2 to the rest of the pack and wrote more notes in the checklist document.
He then asked me to write in the application form that " I have switched from SEGS to HSMP on 10 May 2005". I think this is just to make sure to count the absences from 10 May 2005. After I did, he asked for 2 recent photographs of me and each dependant. I handed in the photographs and mentioned that they were taken 3 days back.
He then put all the documents in a folder and said "I have made a decision to give you and your dependents settlement in the UK. Congratulations". I said "Thank you very much" and asked if he needed any bank statements / Payslips etc. He asked me to provide 3 recent payslips but did not ask for the bank statements. Then he asked me to go to the payment counter to make the payment and wait for an hour to collect the passports.
The time was 10:05AM, I made the payment and waited for the passports to arrive. at 10:40AM, my number was called and they gave me all the documents (Except the accountants reference letter which was addressed to them) and passports. Also had a letter mentioning that my dependents and I were made free from Immigration on the 10 may 2009.
Overall it was a plesant experience and I was very pleased with the service.
If you have any questions please dont hesitate to ask.
Cheers
Shaun...