I am writing to thank the moderators, senior members and other experts on this forum for their time, service and valuable counsel that has been immensely helpful to secure my ILR through SET[O] route on 01-Feb-2012 at Croydon PEO.
Here is a summary of my experience at the Croydon PEO
1. Arrived at 13:45 for the 14:15 appointment [30 mins early exactly as advised] and was ushered into the security area immediately.
2. Passed through airport-style security [remove jackets, belts, laptops and all metal objects]
3. Directed to queue for document screening, about 6 people in front of me and queue proceeded very slowly so only got to counter at 14:05
4. Handed over passports for self+2 dependants, and Set [O] application form. He asked if my dependants were with me - uninterested when I said no. Details entered into system and handed payment token and told to proceed to 1st floor to make payment.
5. On 1st floor, security checked Token No and Set [O] form again, then directed me to the payment queue where 6 people ahead of me
6. At payment queue, teller noted my payment details and put the payment through on Chip/Pin machine as I was paying through a debit card. I was then issued a token and told to wait in the waiting area on 1st floor [adjoining the pay tills] till my number was called on the PA.
7. Waited 30 minutes, checking progress of my token no. on the screens in the hall, till my token was called [time now 14:50]
8. Lady Case Officer was professional but brusque, did nothing to put one at ease and seemed mildly irritated to be at her desk at all. Lack of privacy at the counter was not helpful either.
9. Uninterestedly, she asked for my payment token [!!], then application and documents, reviewed them and then sighing loudly, asked me to leave the desk and wait in the waiting area, then drew her counter curtain down.
10. About an hour later, she raised the curtain, signalled to me, and advised me she was granting the ILR and I should await my passport at the Customer Services Desk. [16:00h] She smiled weakly which I took to be her excitement to be able to go home or whatever it is UKBA PEO staff do when they are not forced to work with customers.
11. After two hours waiting, was finally called to the Customer Services Desk at 18:00h where I was given all [3] passports and a ILR leaflet.
12. Checked the ILR vignette for spelling and other details; and ensured I had all my original certificates/documents returned to me before exiting the building. Couple of people had errors on ILR
13. Stopped by the Biometric Customer Desk to see if I could get a BRP card as they already have my data collected. I was told that it could not be arranged but if I ever applied for a transfer of my visa to a new passport, the "No Time Limit" visa would be Biometric - they would collect the data all over again. BRP is not required or needed at this time [not until 29-Feb 2012 when it becomes mandatory] but i prefer to have one as employers are being trained to ask for it as proof of immigration status. Card easier to carry around then a passport.
Settlement Route: Set [O] via HSMP 2 years + Tier 1 General 3 years
Absences: 113 days with no unpaid absences [so well within the requirement]
One employer throughout with evidence of economic activity/salary growth; no absences or unpaid breaks
Documents requested by Case Officer
1. Token Number and evidence of payment made [receipt]
2. SET [O] Application Form
3. Passports for self + 2 dependants
4. LIUK Test certificate
5. 12 months payslips
6. 5 years P60
7. 12 months bank statements [marked where salary deposit entries made]
8. List of Absences
9. [2] Cohabitation documents for each year in last 2 years
10. 2 photographs x each applicant
I had carried a range of other documents as back up that were not required - CRB clearance, Credit History Report, Other bank statements to show available funds, Electoral Register letters, etc.
Some Interesting Observations
1. No requirement for dependants to attend with you - call the PEO helpline to explain your circumstances as to why you may not wish your spouse/children to attend. The case officer did not ask to see them. Saw pregnant women and small children wait 3-5 hours in uncomfortable circumstances and would not recommend they attend.
2. Canteen on 2nd floor shuts at 5 pm so if you need a warm drink, or milk to be heated for your child, or food, do so before the closing time or you will have no assistance between 5-7 pm when the PEO closes. You can leave the building and return but only up to 4 pm [when the security screening shuts] so anyone leaving the building after 4 pm cannot return on the same day.
3. Template to record absences [sticky note above] is excellent and much-appreciated by the case officer.
4. Template for letter(s) from Employer are very good. If you are a Tier 2 applicant however, please ensure you state your SOC code and salary. No requirement of this for Tier 1 migrants though I had this included.
5. FOR TIER 1 MIGRANTS: Please have payslips and bank statement for the entire period of time you're claiming - in most cases for all 12 months. Tier 2 migrants are asked for 3-6 months but Tier 1 migrants are expected to provided all 12 months bank statements, payslips and 5 years P60 or 'Employment History' alternative from the HMRC.
6. Unless bank statements are officially printed, any statement printed out in bank branches must be stamped by staff on each page. No internet statements are admissable.
6. Remember to pre-authorise your credit/debit card by calling your bank in advance of your PEO appt. and advising them of charge, approximate time, and PEO so your card is not declined as a fraud-prevention measure by the bank.
7. Security guard I got chatting to suggested mid-week booking in the afternoon are best as there are fewer people at the PEO (as opposed to Mondays and Tuesdays) and waits do not drag on for the entire day. Not quite sure whether this is good advice because i took 4 hours (an hour over UKBA's 3-hours minimum standard)
8. UKBA staff are professional and courteous, but do not expect them to be friendly or put you at ease or helpful. If you have this, consider it a bonus.
9. Passport photo booth in hall for emergencies, but no photocopying etc. I did NOT carry photocopies of all documents as most case-officers evidently like taking their own copies.
10. If you are getting to Croydon by train, I found West Croydon a good station as it is walking distance to the PEO and clearly signposted 'Home Office' so you cant miss it. However, be aware that it is a 45 min train ride from London Bridge on the Overground (possibly quicker on London Midland / other routes]
Once again, my thanks to the moderators, senior members and experts who provide an outstanding service which I have benefitted from.
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