Hi All,
Thank you to all who contributed to this forum. I found the posts both informative and reassuring.
My application for ILR was approved at the Cardiff PEO on 13/03. Below is a write up of my experience.
Settlement route:
1. HSMP (April 2007)
2. Tier 1 (General) (March 2009)
Documents submitted:
1. Completed SET(O)
2. 1x current passport + 1x expired passport + photocopies
3. Life in the UK pass notification letter + photocopy
4. Proof of earnings - 8 mths payslips and corresponding bank statement + photocopies
5. Document detailing absences from the UK (178 days - all holidays)
6. HMRC employment history 2007 - 2011 + photocopy
The process:
My appointment was at 8:30am. I got there at 7:50am and was 3rd in the queue. Security let the group into the building at 8am and we went through the security checks one at a time.
Once the security checks were completed, we sat in the waiting area until we were called to the counter. I was called within 10 to 15 mins.
At the counter I was asked to show my application, photos and passport. The lady on the other side of the counter was professional, friendly and quick/efficient. She checked that I had filled in the payment details, that I signed the form and that I provided recent photos. She then asked for all my additional information, which I handed to her in a binder. She checked what additional material I was submitting. Throughout this process, she was ticking and making notes on a separate form. This took about 10 mins.
Once this was completed, she explained that my application would be assessed by a case worker and that it would take 2 to 3 hours. She asked me to take a seat in the waiting area until someone called me to do my biometrics - finger prints and photo.
I sat in the waiting room and chatted with other applicants for 10mins before I was called. Another lady led me inside and took my finger prints and my photo. She was absolutely brilliant - she chatted about the rugby and gave me pamphlets, maps and tourist guides for things to do in Cardiff while I waited for my application to get processed. This process took about 10 mins.
I wondered Cardiff, a beautiful city, for 2 hours before I got the call to return.
Back at the PEO, I had to go through the security checks a second time. I went to a counter when one became free and stated that I had received a call to return. The lady - the one from before - took my name and asked me to take a seat. She said that my caseworker will come and get me.
My caseworker called me after about 15mins. She called me to a counter and told me that my application had been approved and that I would get my Biometric Residents Card in 5 to 10 working days. She returned all my docs including my passports.
That was the entire process.
Some details:
1. Why only 8mths of payslips? I was unemployed for a period so I was only able to provide 8mths of payslips.
2. Why HMRC employment history? I was not organised enough to file my P60s.
3. For my latest bank statement I got a 'temporary' statement from HSBC. This is essentially a printout on their letter head. There was no stamp or signature. I did not have any trouble with this.
4. I only counted full days outside of the UK - i.e. I did not count the days that I left or returned to the UK
5. Why Cardiff? I couldn't get an appointment in Croyden
6. Payment was taken by the PEO using the information I filled in the form. I did not have to go to a separate counter or use my keycard.
7. I would recommend an early appointment
8. I would recommend the Cardiff PEO
Good luck with your applications!
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