Firstly many thanks to all the forum members on sharing their experiences and also clearing my doubts regarding my Tier 1 visa extension application.
I would like to share my experience with you all as it has helped me in such a great deal to get my + dependants (wife+kid) visa approved without any hick-ups.
I am a company director NOT a sole trader hence applied as an Employee to my own limited company.
I have submitted the new application forms for my dependants (02/2012 version).
Documents:
1. Tier 1 (General) Extension Application form for the main applicant & dependents with credit card details for payment of the fee.
2. Points Based Calculator – work out sheet printed from PBS online system showing points claimed
3. Age: 32 years old (at present)
• Points Claimed: 10 (I was 29 years old at the time of my initial Tier 1 application hence 10 points claimed)
4. Qualification: Bachelor in Computer Application (Bangalore University)
• Points Claimed: 30
• Evidence submitted: Already provided in my previous application though I kept a photo copy of my degree certificate for their reference.
5. Previous Earnings: Total Salary: £xxxxx.xx
Points Claimed: 35
• Evidence submitted:
(a) Original Pay slips for 12 months
(b) Bank Statements for 12 months
(c) Letter from Accountant with Salary explanation
(d) Last 12 months Expense and mileage claims (not really required but I just provided it)
(e) Last 12 months business bank in original.
6. United Kingdom Experience: Refer point 5 above for documents
• Points Claimed: 5
7. English Language: Bachelor’s Degree taught in English
• Points Claimed: 10
• Evidence submitted: Already provided in my previous application though I kept a photo copy of my degree certificate for their reference.
8. Maintenance Funds:
• Points Claimed: 10
• Evidence submitted:
(a) Last 3 months personal bank statements covering 90 consecutive in original.
9. Copy of Marriage + Birth certificates (not mandatory).
10. Photo copies of all documents except application forms + business bank statements.
11. 2 Photographs each for all 3 of us.
Appointment was at 9:45 am today, reached at 9 (they allowed us in at 9:15 am) and went through the security checks, got the token number, paid the money via credit card all in one go and it took 5 mins(1st floor).
After 30 mins or so I was called to one of the counters where she checked all our application forms + photos + payment receipts.
Then we were told that we will be called for BioMetrics next, waited for 35 mins and then we went through the Biometric process.
Now the wait started, after 2.5 hours there was an announcement saying their systems were having issues and now they have sorted it out.
At last our token number was called at 1:30 pm, went to the counter and she (Case Worker) asked for all the forms + photos + support documents (original and photocopies). I handed over all of the documents which I had.
Interestingly she did not ask me any questions and said that we can go out for lunch and come back in 1.5 hours approx, she will have the result ready by then. She asked us to come directly to the same counter.
We came back at about 3:15 pm and went straight to the counter. She was ready with the letters, again strangely we started chatting about chicken tikka masala and other Indian dishes which she likes to eat
etc. She informed us that our visa is approved and we should receive the Biometric cards in next 7-10 days. She also informed that she awarded me all the points which I claimed (100 points in total) She gave all the original documents back which I rechecked to make sure I have got all of it. A very pleasant experience all in all.
Many thanks to all of you again!!
