Post
by slugmeister » Sat Mar 26, 2011 12:51 pm
Hi Everyone,
I'm just wondering what I should do here?
I'm American here on a Tier 1. I arrived in July 2005 on WP --> HSMP (Dec 2006) --> Tier 1 (granted Jan 2009 valid until Jan 2012).
I qualify for ILR, however, in a quandary about when to apply? I believe I qualify under the new rules via Master's degree, 50K salary, UK experience & 5 points for age. No criminal history.
I can't decide if I should apply in person under the current rules (appointment on 31/3) or apply by post with the new rules? My two issues: Money is tight these next 2 months. I am also traveling outside the country at the end of April.
Should I be in a rush to get ILR? All my American friends are telling me to get ILR ASAP and don't stop until I've gone through naturalization. I loathe the idea of spending extra money at the PEO and if it weren't for the travels I would apply by post anyhow. I just have this sinking feeling that if I don't get my ILR over with next week, I'm going to regret it. If I do get it next week, I'm going to be on a meager budget for the rest of the month, which won't be fun, but at least I'd have my ILR.
Ideally, I'd like to apply in May, by post, after my trip. Should I risk it?
Any advice or opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks!