Thank you very much for your help. I have got the extension today. Here is my PEO experience first hand.
PEO office – Sheffield
Appointment Time – 10 am Applicant – 1
1. I reached PEO office at 9.20 am. There is normal security check (like the airport check) at entrance.
2. Entered the office (its in the ground floor only). Lots of counters like in banks.
3. Counter number 7 is the reception. Receptionist was very nice and asked which appointment and my name. Gave me a token number in a small piece of paper. Asked me to wait. In 2mins job done.
4. I waited about 10- 15 mins and my number was called to counter 6 (which was common for paper verification for all).
5. This gentleman was very nice again. Asked for my form and supporting documents. Checked how am I going to pay, and the photos are ok. Put all documents in a folder (their own folder) and gave the folder back to me. Asked to pay the fee in the payment counter. 10mins job done.
6. Payment counter was counter 8. There was a queue of 3 people in front of me. A bit surprising, it took 10mins per person for the payment (i,e i got there after 20-25mins). I paid by draft and in 5 mins job done. Asked me to wait for Biometric.
NOTE: There is a clear note of payment window from Natwest ‘’ Natwest Credit or Debit card transaction for £1000 and over will require security authentication.’’ And I saw there is a phone line in the payment counter, cordless is given to the applicant to speak to Natwest and clear the transaction.
7. By 10.15 this was all done. I waited about 45 mins before I was called for Biometric. Counter 9-11 (in a different direction) are for Biometric only. Mine was counter 9.
8. This guy was also very nice. 2 questions asked: Did I use any other name for myself before? Did I have any Biometric in UK or any other country before? Answer= NO. Signed a form which had these 2 questions. Gave my fingerprints and then a photo of my face. Scanned my passport and took the folder with him. 10 minutes job done. Asked me to wait again, as my caseworker will come to a counter and speak to me when my turn comes.
9. By 11.15 all these done and waited another 15 mins before my caseworker appeared in counter 4 and called my number.
10. I must say, caseworker was very nice to me. He went through the form quickly (Although I could see he has gone through it already) and checked have I given evidence for each section/points claimed. Asked me when my leave is expiring (27 march), where from am I coming to Sheffield this morning, what do I do for a living etc in a very friendly way, while going through the supporting documents. Finally he said, my biometric result will come shortly, and he hopes to give a decision in 45 mins, if I want I can take a break and come back. He also mentioned, if it is positive he intends to grant leave from 27march + 2years (which normally is the case, but made me relaxed). It was 11.35 and he asked me to come back by 12.30. I said I will be here in 30mins anyway, please let me know if you need anything.
11. Went out for 30 mins and came back 12.05. Sat down with a glass of water within 5mins he arrived (same counter).
12. I must stress the point the caseworker was really nice and relaxed with a smily face. Gave me the decision and explained about the biometric (will arrive in 7 days etc etc). I must also say, I did not ask any specific question but was just happy, but still he said, I have granted you 2years from 27 march which will give you 5 years in Tier1 to be eligible for ILR. (Thanked him and he continued) You can show this letter to your company and that should be OK although BRO itself will arrive in 7days (Thanked again), should I send to this address or this? (I had correspondence address). He also thanked me for the photocopies I have provided for the supporting documents, said it was very helpful, thanks for that! Gave all my supporting documents back. Thanked him for his help.
13. Thats it! By 12.20 (exactly 3 hours) I was out and happy! £300 extra for PEO is worth it.
Documents I produced:
1. Cover Letter (as per this forums sticky thread)
2. Application Form– Extension for Leave to Remain Tier1 (General)
A. £1300 Banker's Draft payable to Home Office (Dated 13.02.2012) Name and date of birth written on the back
B. 2x Photographs (Name and dob written on back side)
3. Point Based Calculator from UKBA website
Age: Claimed 20
4. Original Passport
Earning:Claimed 45
Source1: Employer
5. Last 12 months Original Pay Slips from Employer
Source2:Bank
6. Bank Statement for period covering last 12 months: A4 size x10 pages (printed both sides) in Bank stationery with Logo in front side and stamp on backside. Highlighted salary transaction.
Education: Claimed 35
Previously provided for initial tier1G application, not producing anything this time.
UK experience: claimed 5 for UK education
English: Claimed 10: Degree taught in English. Not producing any document this time. Same as qualification
Maintenance: claimed 10: same bank statement as per Earning
7. Photocopy of all documents except 1,2,3
Thanks and all the best for others
