derekhuffman wrote:Hello everyone.
I have been a LONG-time reader, but haven't posted. I am sure there are many like me out there who have been looking to you all for support / encouragement. On behalf of the silent folk, thank you for continuing to post your successes - it has been a very big help.
Timeline:
Sent application - 25 February
Ack. letter - 29 February
PP Received - 21 June
Stamped - 14 June (Liverpool)
Mine was (I think) a relatively straight-forward Set (O) Work Permit application with dependant. We came over in 2005 on a Working Holidaymaker Visa, then switched to a Work Permit after I got a permanent job teaching.
Anyways, some advice for those who are waiting OR who are yet to apply:
-First of all, if you CAN, apply in person. This postal business was the worst decision. I missed out on more than one trip abroad and have been stressed out of my mind for four months.
-DO NOT psych yourself out. I became obsessed with trawling through the 'refusals', seeing similarities with my case that weren't actually there. This made me sick. SO MUCH was riding on this - my whole future, in fact.
-Don't forget - if you haven't heard anything, take it as a good sign. I have read so many people say stuff like 'Be patient!'. 'Easy for you to say - you have your ILR' would always be my reply. But, be patient.
-Go out and do things to keep your mind off it. Exercise is probably the last thing you want to do, but it is probably the first thing you SHOULD do.
Hope I don't sound preachy - these are just things that I wish people had said to me.
Good luck to you all. Thanks so so much for keeping me sane.
Congrats on your ILR..... Thanks for the advice it is much appreciated, I landed up painting my whole house to keep myself occupied after work. Hopefully mine won't be long now as I applied on 28 February..
Did your ppt arrive in your pre-paid envelope or did they send it second class? The thought of my ppt's and my whole families birth and marriage certificates being sent second class sends shivers down my spine as it took me two years to collect all those original documents.
Thanks for posting you time line.... for all those silent ILR prisoners, come on and post your timeline... who knows, these figures could stand as strong evidence to the UKBA regarding their service standards and client services (or lack there of).... so post your time lines.
I wish I would have come across this forum before I decided to mail my application, would have travelled to Wales to get it in 24hrs.