Post
by gajenb7 » Sat Jul 09, 2011 10:44 pm
Hi there guys,
Just thought I'd share my experience in getting my ILR at the Sheffield PEO.
I went to the PEO one hour in advance, parking my car in the NCP car park just adjacent to the office. At the office, there was an airport security type clearance (going through metal detectors etc). Mobile phones are to be switched off.
After the security, I was told to sit at the waiting area for the reception counter to open. My advise is to sit as close as possible to the reception counter because as soon as it opens, everyone will rush to get served first. As I was the second in the queue, i was served quite quick...the receptionist asked for my appointment number upon which she gave me a ticket number. I went to sit back at the waiting area for a few mins and then my number was called to one of the counters where the lady asked for my application and supporting documents. She checked them all, ticked some boxes and them put all the documents in a plastic folder and gave it back to me. I was then told to go to the payment counter to make the payment for 1350 pounds.
Shortly after the payment, my number was called again by a counter. I was asked to hand in the plastic folder and sit back in the waiting area. This is where the nervousness begins, because I knew that someone was going through my docs! After about 20 mins, I was called back to the counter where I was told that my application was approved and I am being granted ILR. I was informed that my passport will be ready in about 10 mins. I checked that the details on the ILR was correct, thanked the lady who gave me the passport and happily left!
FYI, my application (SET O) was based on combination of WP + Tier 1General. The documents I handed to the UKBA were as follows"-
1. SET O application form
2. Life in the UK award certificate
3. 12 Bank Statements
4. 12 Payslips
5. MSc degree certificate
6. Letter from Employer confirming employment
7. Spreadsheet listing my absence out of the UK (with duration)
8. Letter from employer confirming business trips.
9. UKBA SAR report
10. Utility bills
11. Current and old passports
12. 2 x passport photos
I have to say that as nervous as I was, the staff at the Sheffield PEO were well mannered and efficient. I am not sure how the other PEOs are like but would certainly recommend the Sheffield one.
All the best to all of you applying! Just remember to take as many supporting documents you can and keep them all organised!