Post
by anjalimaj » Fri Mar 16, 2012 10:34 am
All,
I was under Tier-1 General which expires on 15-July-2012 but I wanted to go for early extension for many reasons (Thanks to this forum and its members for their valuable inputs).
So, with loads of struggle and many many sleepless nights and restless days, I booked an appointment for 15-Mar-2012 for main and 2 dependants.
1. My appointment was at 11.15am but we went to the Croydon centre at 9.20am. We were asked to wait outside and come 30 mins before the appointment.
2. So, we waited and went to the security at 10.45am. It was very crowded and we were asked to wait in a lobby and asked to go for the security checks (like in airports) after 10 mins. Then after the security checks, where we were asked to remove our jackets, belts,...
3. we stood in a Queue to head to counters where we were asked to provide with only application forms and passports. Since I had bundled up the application forms with the supporting docs, he asked us to take the docs separately and asked only for application forms. So, you may want to separate them before you go to this counter to avoid confusion.
4. After that we were given token number in that counter and were asked to goto first floor.
5. In 1st floor, we were directed to a Queue to pay the money for the applications. I had already informed the bank the previous day and again called them on the day of PEO appointment just to be sure that the payment goes through (to avoid unnecessary tension if your bank blocks your payment).
6. Then we were asked to wait in the 2nd floor waiting room for our token number to be called out for biometrics. We waited for nearly an hour for our number, then went for biometrics, where the lady explained about the use of data,... to us. Then took fingertips and facial image, then back to waiting room for our number to be called out for the case worker.
7. After waiting for another 30-45 mins, our number was called out and we went to the counter. Then we were asked to submit the applications and the passports. Then she asked for supporting documents. I gave separately for main and each of the dependants. She said, since it is Tier-1 general, it might take longer than expected and that she had 3 more cases to look at. So she said it may take an hour or more and asked us to go for lunch. We got some snacks from the 2nd floor shop itself and we sat there in the waiting room.
We could see that she was very carefully looking at each and every line of my payslip, my bank statements, employer letters,... and main applicant form. She then looked at dependants form and supporting document. That was the longest 1 and half hours in my life. She then called us and said that she is happy with the application and had verified everything and granted us Leave to Remain until 15-Mar-2015.
We were asked to wait for to check the info that will be printed on our BRP cards. So we verified all that and our originals, then signed the forms for BRP cards. We were told that we will receive the BRP cards in 7 days. We thanked GOD and we got out at 3.25pm.
Hope this helps!