I finally got my PSW visa for 2 years a few months ago (it took 1 year + from the time of my application). I feel I sould share my experience and my interpretation of all the posts on the Tier 1 Board. I posted a few times before so have a look if you need to know more info or if my situation applies to you. I think anyone who feels they should apply JUST to work in UK should consider the following.
1. The appeal process is stressfull, lawyers are expensive and if you are not capale of representing yourself you must be prepared to spend a LOT of money on lawyers and Home office. Please dont assume that your finances overseas count for anything. My overseas finances DID NOT- any immigration officer can find out where the money came from and when it got into your bank account. In fact I have heard this question from a HO rep- ' If you have the intention of living in the UK , why do you keep all your money abroad?'. Get a UK savings account-use it and keep a healthy amount of savings.
2. I assumed that i had the right to live in the UK and work here based on long residence, family relations, UK education and job propects. This was foolish of me- Under article 8 (which is often the last option ) it must be proved that sending you back will severely inhibit you 'living'. Luckily for me I only visited my home country 4 times in 12 years-and i had written evidence from almost everone who i had worked for and befriended since 1996. I thereby proved I have spent more than 95% of my time in the UK.
3. AIT judges are willing to hear well prepared cases, I made the decision that a lawyer could not put my case accross either emotionally or logically. This is why I represented myself. The judge was understanding and even the Home office rep. was helpfull and gave some advice after the hearing. During my hearing i saw 3 people being represented by 1 lawyer in quick succesion. I am sure this was not good for them. How well can this lawyer prepare for 3 cases held over 3 hours?
4. Get all your evidence togethar-no matter how obscure. It shows you are being truthful and not hiding anything. Prepare your case well. Have your friends, employers and partner help you. Its important to show yo are staying in the UK for yourself and others-not just yourself or money.
5. Always play by the rules when you are a student. Trust me its not worth being detained at the airport and being asked about your immigration history every time you come and go into the UK. Especially if you though it was ok to work more than the allowed hours per week.
6.One thing I can say is that PSW DOES NOT COUNT towards permanent residency. Dont apply for something because its easy (anyone can get a UK degree and borrow £800 right???)and end up in the same situation in 2 years-trying to find a reason to stay.
Finally all I can say is that for me the PSW and the appeal process was a big struggle. Staying in the UK was a very big thing for me and very important to me. All I can say is that staying after that will also be a challenge. Think very carefully about what you want and why you want to stay in the UK before you apply-if you have good reason then you have a good chance-if all you have is £799 in your savings and a degree it wont be easy.
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