Tier 1 (General) extension applications - PEO Experiences

[longshift]

I would like to share my good experience with Croydon PEO office on 02/08/2012.

I had an appointment for Tier-1(General) visa extension on 02/08/2012 with 1dependant. I have my limited company. So following documents were requested by CW by checking his checklist of items he had with him.

1) Main Applicant & Dependant application forms along with passports & photos.
2) Accountant Letter confirming the earnings. (Note:- I gave the letter along with accountant business card. But CW was pissed off by seeing the business card. So please make sure do not give business cards to CW since they don’t like it)
3) Accountant Certificate confirming he/she is an ACCA/FCCA
4) Company Incorporation Certificate
5) Payslips for the earnings period claimed
6) Dividend Vouchers for the earning period claimed
7) Personal bank statements
Business bank statements
9) Invoices raised for the earning period
10) PAYE tax paid confirmation for the earning period. (I had screenshots of the PAYE payments made to HMRC. He was happy with this. Also, he asked me to highlight the PAYE payments made in my business bank statements)

Also, provided him main covering letter & payment letter detailing him of the payments made with date on personal bank statements.

I did provide photo copies of all the above documents except application forms, passport & photos.

He was happy with the above docs & asked me to come back after 2hours for decision.

Timeline:- My appointment was at 10 AM reached Croydon office at 9:30 got approval letter for another 2years extension @ 2:30 PM. The whole process of making payments, getting biometric & decision took me about 5hours. Overall I can say my experience was good in Croydon PEO.

Many thanks for all the support provided through this forum. If any questions please let me know.

[longshift]

PEO Appointment : 6th August, CROYDON, LIMITED Company.

CASE Details : Limited company director and employee and Wife as dependent applicant.
Document List : You can find these easily from the site.
Office : Croydon
Process :
1. Reached Croydon office at 8:20
2. Security Check done and online appointment verified , On ground floor i collected my Coupon (26)
3. Went to 1st Floor and paid fees using Barclays card
4. Same floor they were calling the coupon numbers , waited 20 minutes for my first call
5. The person verified my documents (All my passports , Application) and told me to wait for Biometric call [ Took 15 minutes to do the first check ]
Got my biometric call after 15 minutes

Passed my First Bumpy Ride : Biometric machines were working

6. Lady in the Biometric machine room asked couple of questions and was smiling all the time and was quick enough to complete the biometric stuff in 10 minutes for both of us.

Next Phase : Allotment of case worker

7. After a wait of almost 2 hours , i got my call and my case worker called me on counter 24
8. He greeted us and started talking about the next step, he asked us the following :
-> Do you have all the documents , specially salary slips and other papers? Replied YES
-> Do you have photocopy of all documents with you ? Replied YES
-> Asked if i am a Self Employed? I told NO i am employed to my Limited company, he asked me what is the difference and i told him about the NI types, but i dont think he could find the difference

9. He asked me to submit the folders with documents to him so that he can start verifying , I asked him if i can sit and explain about , how i had arranged the documents in folder? He just said NO and told us to either go outside for a coffee or the small shop on second floor. I rather chose to sit on the seats just opposite to him so that he can see me and call me if required

10. He called me alsmost 4 times to ask small questions about my previous stay, my first date of entry..etc. After that i was back to my seat

11. Waited another 30 minutes and FIRST shocker, he asked me to show proof of NI , which i told him that i dont have to pay NI as i have not reached the threshold salary for NI, this was clearly mentioned in the Accountant letter with the type of NI i need to pay. He was not satisfied with my answer and asked me what all types of payments i had done till now to HMRC. I had mentioned that with proofs [ PAYE screenshots, VAT payments ..etc ]. He was not satisified and he told that he will get this clarified from his senior, he was away for 15 minutes, i was waiting.

12. Waited 15 minutes and when he was back at his desk, he called me again, He asked me the same question why you are not paying NI, which i replied with the same answer that , i dont have to pay that. He asked me to show a communication from HMRC that i dont have to pay NI, I didnt have any clue what to say to this person. I showed him my ORIGINAL salary slips + Accountant letter that i dont have to pay any NI. He went back again to his senior to ask the same thing. This time he came up with new thing, He told me to give the welcome Kit letter from HMRC which contains a proof for NI. I was clueless, i never got any such letter. I have all the letters provided by HMRC from the begining and none of them was a nearly match for the doc ,which he was asking. He told me that i need to contact my accountant and get that letter posted to UKBA and then result will be given, i was little bit confused but was not panicked.

13. He told me to either submit the document by 4:00 Pm for the same day decision. I asked him, what if that document is not there with my accountant, he told that my case will be refused, i was not able to find any answers for that. He told me that he will be back in an hour after the lunch and i need to call the accountant and check what he needs to say. I called the accountant and checked if there is any such document he ever recieved from HMRC, he told me that there is no document of such type for a Limited company and explained me that why i should not be paying the NI with the threshold limit for my company. He did not had anything new to offer for the NI proof, he told me that he can give me a letter in a different format if the CW is ready to accept. I wanted to have a look again on the Tier 1 guideline policy to find out what is he refering to , i found on one page, that HMRC welcome kit is for self employed for showing NI proof if there salary is too less, i thought he took my case as a Self employed and checking the docs on that basis. Now the next thing was to raise this to him after the lunch and check if this could make him happy.

CLIMAX :

14 . He was back at his desk and he called me as soon he saw me and told me that no need to prove NI , he verified with his colleagues about this and he came to know Limited companies needs to be checked in different way. , he was happy with other documents and gave my VISA letter after 1 hour.

[longshift]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 7 Aug 2012
3. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 3 Sept 2012
4. Date of expiry of the new visa : 3 Sept 2014
5. Payment mode : Credit Card
6. Name of PEO Applied : Solihull

I called Lloyds to inform them that I am making a payment of £1800 tomorrow with their credit card and requested them not to stop it under anti-fraud measures. They verified my details and said that they are making a note in my account but cannot guarantee this as it can still be stopped. I will have to call them on the number at the back of the card if that happens.

Detailed Review at Solihull PEO.

Reached Solihull at 7:30. Drove there from London. Went to the lode lane car park which is just 2 mins. walk from solihull office. Just a point to note here. Lode lane car park opens at 7:45AM. Also John lewis car park is 2 mins walk away. But it opens at 8:30AM. Both are good car park to use if driving there.

Parked the car and went to Solihull office. Few of the staff were having a fag outside. One of them told me that its too early and they cannot let me in. They were nice and friendly and told me to come back at 8:30AM as the doors will open at that time.

There is a weatherspoons pub opposite which opens at 8:00AM. Incase you need to kill some time.

Entry at 8:30AM. I was first. The guard checked the application form and ask me to empty my pockets. After check they let me through. They didn't gave me any token at this point but asked me to take a seat. After that they let few people in one by one who all had appointments at 9. I guess 4 of us in total. At around 8:45 the security guard came to me and gave me my token with a satifisfaction survey which he asked me to fill after my appointment is over.

At sharp 9:00Am my number was called and I was asked to goto counter 4. There are only 5 counters in Solihull. Counter 6 is for payment. All of this counters are in another room then where the seating area is. I went there and only 2 counters were open.

Case worker was an old lady. Gave me a big smile. She asked for my application form and passport first. She asked me to keep all the other docs with me and she will ask for it one by one. After doing few checks her first question was about my degree certificate. She said, am i using the same degree as last time. I said yes. She said thats fine.

She then asked me to submit my earnings docs. I gave her 12 payslips and 12 bank statements. I attached each payslip with the relevant bank statement with a pin. Also highlighted the pay in both with a marker. She quickly checked each amount on both the evidences. While she was doing this I also gave her my employer's letter. She took it and left it on the side. Please note that 1 of my payslip was not original but a photocopy. My manager signed it but there was no stamp on it as my company don't have one. When she came to that payslip, I straight away told her that, this payslip was lost in post and hence the photocopy. She immediately told me that its fine as there is a signature on it.

After that she asked me whether I am using the same statements for maintenance. I said yes. She said good. She then said, she need to do 1 last check on my passport in the back office and will be back in 2 mins. She came back with a photocopy of my passport.

I told her that I have got photocopies of all the docs that I gave her. Then I gave it to her. She gave me another big smile.

She told me that she is satisfied with my application and is granting me the extension. She also told me that she is giving me the extension from the expiry so I don't face any problem during my ILR. I said thanks, it will be a great help.

She then told me to make a payment on counter 6 and then go for my bio-meterics.

I went to counter 6. Told the lady about credit card. It was chip and pin machine so the payment went through straight away. No issues what so ever.

Then went to the same room where I first came in. Went to the security counter and asked them where the biometeric room is. He asked me to wait in the sitting room. After 15 mins. was called in for Bio-meteric. Everything went through straight away. The lady asked me to go out and come back in 1 hour and the documents will be ready for me to collect at the security counter.

I went out. On the right side of the PEO there is a big High-street with all the shops. Greggs, Starbucks, MacDonalds, Pret, Etc. So lot of food option. Had a coffee and then went to John Lewis. Big store.

When I came back my documents were not there. So the guy said I can go out again or sit there. I decided to sit. But had to go through the security check again.

When I was sitting there I noticed there was a screen in the room which stated the progress of your case. My counter was 200 and it was under case consideration stage. It was similar to that screen in Argos where your counter number goes from1 stage to other.

After 15 mins. Security guard called my number and said that my docs are ready to pick up. I asked them whether I can sit and check all the docs are alright. He said sure. I went back to my sit and first checked my approval letter. All the details were correct. Then checked all my documents which came back. They returned everything but the employer's letter. Thn I checked my approval letter again and found that the reference number was missing. So wnt back to security counter and told them to provide that information. Please note that this guys don't know anything. She first told that the reference number is the same which I got while booking my PEO appointment. I told her thats not right and she should check it with the case worker. She then wrote a 9 digit number from her computer. Don't know whether this was right or wrong as its totally diff. than the one that is on my BRP letter.

By the way, got my BRP in just 2 days. Came in Today Morning at 10:30AM. It was a courier guy. Came on a bike. He asked me for my ID then asked me to sign for it. It was not Royal Mail.

Hope this information helps you all. Any questions please send me a PM. Don't reply back on this thread.

[Amapee2008]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 :
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 13th August 2012
3. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 05 March 2013
4. Date of expiry of the new visa : 13th August 2014
5. Payment mode : Debit Card
6. Name of PEO Applied : Liverpool

appointment was for 9am but allowed in at 8.30am

BRP to be sent in the post

[tier1extension222]

I had PEO appointment on 13 Aug 2010.
In my 12 months of earning I am show 4 month I was contracting through Limited company.
And I have transferred 3500/- each month to my personal account.
And the payslip which my accountant have created have PAYE detection of 1.40 every month but NI is 0.

Now in the interview they have put my application in hold asking to submit a document with 14days.
And PEO mentioned if you submit the decision will be positive.

This is how it is mentioned in the letter provided.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Documents required:
"National Insurance contributions documents to HMRC for your company xxxxxName Limited"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you fail to provide the required documents, the application will be considered on the basis of the documents that you have already provided. This may result in your application being refused in accordance with paragraph 322(9) of the Immigration Rules.

Questions:
1) DO I need to get confirmation from the HMRC as NI Paid (IN that case my payslip dont have NI is 0 and I have not paid. Then how can I show that)
2) If not what else is he asking
3) Do I need to take lawyers help?
4) Did anyone face this issue before?


IT WILL BE GREAT HELP....PLEASE HELP ME...

[longshift]

I had PEO appointment on 13 Aug 2010.
In my 12 months of earning I am show 4 month I was contracting through Limited company.
And I have transferred 3500/- each month to my personal account.
And the payslip which my accountant have created have PAYE detection of 1.40 every month but NI is 0.

Now in the interview they have put my application in hold asking to submit a document with 14days.
And PEO mentioned if you submit the decision will be positive.

This is how it is mentioned in the letter provided.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Documents required:
"National Insurance contributions documents to HMRC for your company xxxxxName Limited"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you fail to provide the required documents, the application will be considered on the basis of the documents that you have already provided. This may result in your application being refused in accordance with paragraph 322(9) of the Immigration Rules.

Questions:
1) DO I need to get confirmation from the HMRC as NI Paid (IN that case my payslip dont have NI is 0 and I have not paid. Then how can I show that)
2) If not what else is he asking
3) Do I need to take lawyers help?
4) Did anyone face this issue before?


IT WILL BE GREAT HELP....PLEASE HELP ME...

Please dont ask questions on this thread. Its to share PEO experiences only. If you have a queries then please post in relevant forum or start a new thread. Thanks for understanding.

[John]

I am getting close to closing this useful topic!

See the words in red posted by longshift ..... so why are questions still being posted in this topic?

Anyone else posting queries in this topic could well find those queries being promptly deleted.

[b.srinivas231]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1 General
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 16 August 2012 10:00 am
3. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 14 October 2012
4. Date of expiry of the new visa : 14 October 2014
5. Payment mode : VISA card
6. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon
7: No of Applicants: 2 (me & my wife as dependent)



First of all,

I want to thank this forum, which helped me in this successful application.

I am a Contractor having my own Limited Company, part of my earnings were Full time with another company and part were my limited company salaries & dividends.

My appointment was at 10:00, I reached there at 09:10. I asked security personnel if I could go in. He asked me if I have received UKBA SMS reminder, I did show him that on my phone, he then let me & my wife in.

We sat inside for 2 minutes, then we were called in to go through the security check.

Then a lady asked us to go to counter (next available) 2, there another lady asked our application forms & passports, then checked passports & payment details page, and asked if I brought all the documents (payslips statements etc), I nodded, then she stamped (valid) the payment pages in the application forms, gave us token receipt (62), told us to go to second floor to pay the application fee.

Everything was fast, I handed over the payment pages at payment counter, then handed over my card, while he was processing the payment, my token number was called at counters, there are 28 counters at right side once you come up.

I went to the counter, she asked payment receipt, passports, application forms, photographs. She entered some details on her PC, scanned photographs, checked passports/VISA few times, then gave everything back and told us to wait for our number at the Bio-metrics.

By the looks of it; I guess Counters 1-5 are bio-metrics, 6-14 are for the above initial screening, 15-28 are main case handler counters.

We were called for the biometrics, with that completed, we waited for an hour for our number to be called by Case handler.

Case handler was young, and while I was opening my file foler to pass the application forms, he asked for the entire file folder (It is one of those plastic case with multiple slots and raised tabs, http://www.whsmith.co.uk/CatalogAndSear ... D=33202914)

Luckily I had those little paper tabs inserted into each storage slot, explaining what it is,

he was happy to see them, and did took all the documents out of it and sorted on his table. He just scanned through the Bank Statement & my Dividend Vouchers, and told me wait in the waiting area, He would call if needed. Thats it.

List of Documents (Some of them are not necessary, but I kept them all in my file folder just in case needed, and Case Handler has taken out all of them and seen every document)

1. Application forms along with photographs
2. Points calculator printed
3. Masters Degree award & transcript
4. Pay-slips
5. Dividend vouchers
6. Bank statements (Personal) with salaries & dividends highlighted
7. Accountant ACCA certification copy
8. Accountant letter confirming my details as Company Director & 100% share holder, quoting VAT number, PAYE Reference etc, then stating salaries & dividends by month wise in a table form, signed on official letterhead.
9. Bank statements (business) highlighting VAT, PAYE/NI payments, salaries & dividends
10. Funds Maintenance (Savings account statements & Bank reference letter)
11. Company Incorporation Certificate, VAT certificate, PAYE/NI enrollment letter from HMRC & Corporation Tax letter from HMRC
12. P45 from previous Employer, P60s for two years
13. Marriage cerificate, Council tax on the name of my wife & me

We were called after 50 minutes, then he gave us the good news, we signed the aknowledgements that they give and are out by 12:50


All the Best for your visit!!

[vapollo]

1. No of Applicants: 1
2. Employment type: Employed
3. Current vignette: Tier 1 General
4. Date of PEO Appointment: 21 Aug 2012
5. Appointment was at 10.00 am
6. Date of expiry of current leave (visa): 22 AUG 2012
7. Date of expiry of the new visa: 21 AUG 2015
8. Payment mode: Debit Card
9. Name of PEO Applied: Belfast
10. BRP received on: 23 AUG 2012
11. Approval letter given: Yes .....at 10.50am



Based in London. Belfast PEO only available appointment before my current leave expired so I took it.

Folks if you get a Belfast appointment do not hestitate...grab it. Flew into Belfast International took the 300 bus to Belfast City centre about 40 mins.... comfy seat and clean bus. Cost 10 quid return ( valid for a month).

Took Bus 6b (to Forestside- 15mins cost 3 quid on day pass) stops outside of Home Office about 1 minute walk.

Arrived at Home office at 9.25 cleared security.

Thanks to b.srinivas231, I had all my docs labeled in separate sections using the whsmith file organiser ( cost 2.99). 5 sections ( application forms, Earnings, Qualifications, M'tce funds, Copies). I used separate foldback clips instead of paper clips to bound each separate set of docs i.e app form, payslips, bank statements and copies. Copies of all documents were in one complete stack...used postit index flags to identify where each set of doc began in the stack. P.S all of this probably didnt affect the outcome of the application but it sure made it easier for the CW to process


When CW asked for the passport and supporting documents I gave her the kit and told her it was all there. CW was blown by the presentation and asked me to hold in the waiting area while she reviewed the docs. Called in 10 mins and asked me to make payment and to proceed to biometric. This was the longest wait as I got stuck behind a family of 4 doing biometrics. Once called, completed Biometrics in under 5 mins. Asked to hold in waiting area. Was expecting to be told that I could go and return in 1 hour for documents but surprise surprise in 15 mins I was called, told that my visa was approved and given approval letter and asked if I would like to complete a survey....which I happily agreed to. The staff from security guard to CW were the most pleasant bunch I've met in any gov't office...hands down

Took 6a bus back to Belfast city centre and went sight seeing.

Btw folks Belfast is a beatutiful city. I'm definitely doing a city break getaway to this hidden gem before the summer is over. All the negative reports you get from Londoners/Brits, some of which have never set foot in Belfast is unfounded. The people are by far the warmest I've met so far in all of Europe. There's no need for armored cars, to wear black, or be wary of public transport.....oh and also the streets and city are clean.

[nks]

No of Applicants: 1
Current vignette: Tier 1 General
Date of PEO Appointment: 20 Aug 2012
Appointment was at 10.15 am
Date of expiry of current leave (visa): 1 Sep 2012
Date of expiry of the new visa: 1 Sep 2015
Payment mode: Debit Card
Name of PEO Applied: Croydon
BRP received on: 22/8/12
Approval letter given: Yes

[boonkoh]

No of Applicants: 1
Current vignette: Tier 1 General
Date of PEO Appointment: 28 Aug 2012
Appointment was at 8:00 am
Date of expiry of current leave (visa): 27 Nov 2012
Date of expiry of the new visa: 27 Nov 2014
Payment mode: Amex Credit Card
Name of PEO Applied: Croydon
BRP received on: Not yet received
Approval letter given: Yes

Very quick turnaround. Got there at 7:40am, already 3-4 people in the queue in front of me. Breezed through ground floor desk, 1st floor payment desk, and biometrics by 8:30am. Sat for half an hour on 2nd floor waiting for caseworkers to arrive at work. Handed over all documents at 9am.

No problems or questions at all on application. Got the letter of approval at 10:40am.

Note that I applied for my renewal just under 3 months from date of expiry (28 Aug 2012 vs 27 Nov 2012). However, I was successful in getting them to extend till 27 Nov 2014 on renewal. This is because I brought a letter from company showing that I need to do foreign travel for my job, and some foreign embassies require a minimum number of months on Tier 1 visa to allow you to apply in the UK (e.g. Chinese embassy). Also I had with me flight tickets to China for early November.

No big questions raised about this at all, so I think as long as you have a good reason, you can apply up to 3 months early without losing any months off your current Tier 1.

Aso note that you can bring in laptops, ipads, mobile phones, etc inside. There's no store inside selling magazines or newspapers, so its best to bring some work or reading material with you otherwise you will get very bored.

[redbull.lion]

Here it is my experience at PEO

1. Employment type: Employed + Self Employed
2. No of Applicants: 1
3. Current vignette: Tier 1 General Extension
4. Date of PEO Appointment: 28 Aug 2012
5. Appointment was at 11.00 am
6. Payment mode: Debit Card
7. Date of expiry of current leave (visa): 27 Sep 2012
8. Date of expiry of the new visa: 27 Sep 2015
9. Approval letter given: Yes
10. Name of PEO Applied: Croydon
11. BRP received on: still awaiting

I was arrived at 9am...no one checks any appointment time and security let me go through...airport style security was cleared in 5 minutes and then advised to go straight...on ground floor staff behind window checks my form and passport along with appointment letter and issued me a token number. . .quite smooth process which was completed in 2 minutes. . .then i was sent to 1st floor where payment was taken with Debit card...and i received a payment receipt in 2 minutes....Again quite smooth transaction ...

After payment i went to main waiting hall where there are 28 counters...counter 6-21 was allocated only for enrolments(data entry) and counters 23-28 was allocated for caseworkers...with in 5 minutes my number was called and staff behind counter checked my form and entered my details and scanned my photograph...then she told me to wait in the same hall for call on counter 1-5 for bio matrics...

After wait of 1 hour (as there were only 2 counters open in this section at that time) my bio matrices has been taken...then i was advised to wait in the same area to be called for a caseworker...time on clock was 10:00am...

waiting..waiting ..waiting around 1400 one of the supervisors made announcement that there are delays of 4 hours in process applications...(CLEARLY ONLY 7 CASEWORKERS WERE PROCESSING AND AS FOR AS I RECALL LAST TICKET NUMBER WHICH WAS REGISTERED FOR THE DAY WAS 179) so i don't really knew whether everyone's application was processed on time...

but as my appointment was early hence at 15:00 i was called for a casework...

I gave all of my copies and original docs to a caseworker who was very nice and polite. i was seated in front of him while he was process... while processing he asked me several questions regarding my application...e.g. salary, self employment...accountant and taxes and several others...

at 16:20 he gave me a good news and told me that he has approved my application and asked me check details for BRP...he then handed over all my original docs along with approval letter and gave me a departing comment ( best of luck )

case worker was very nice and knowledgeable...

16:30 i left lunar house...

[usanag]

Hi All,

Good Evening......

I want to thank this forum for my successful application. . Here is my experience at Croydon.

No of Applicants: 2
Current vignette: Tier 1 General
Date of PEO Appointment: 30 Aug 2012
Appointment was at 09:30AM
Date of expiry of current leave (visa): 30 Sep 2012
Date of expiry of the new visa: 30 Sep 2015
Payment mode: Bankers Draft
Name of PEO Applied: Croydon
Approval letter given: Yes
BRP received on: Awaiting

Reached PEO : 08:40
Security Checks : 08:50
Payment Done : 09:05
Finished Biometrics: 09:20
Call from Case worker: 09:30 provided all the documents including copies and he told me to come back after 2hours.
Approval letter given at 11:00

Supporting Documents:

12 Months Payslips (2 employers) - Online payslips stamped and signed by employer
12 Months Bank statements ( 11 Original Statements and 1 Copy (I lost this statement) Statement Stamped and Signed

Additional Documents Submitted:
1.Covering letter
2.Payment summary sheet (Month,Employer name, Bank account No, Gross and Net)
3.Copy of degree certificate
4.Copy of Marriage certificate and PBS summar sheet

Some of the below documents are also with me but I did not submit
1.EP60 Stamped and signed by my payroll
2.Previous Employer P45
3.Employment History letter from HMRC

Many Thanks in advance for your help.

Wishing everyone all the best ....

Regards

[darkhorse10]

My second extension

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 :
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 28th August 2012
3. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 5th May 2013
4. Date of expiry of the new visa : 28th August 2014
5. Payment mode : Debit Card
6. Name of PEO Applied : Liverpool

My appointment was at 10am. I went early and was there at around 9:20am. Glad I did that. I was the second person in the PEO. In 30 minutes it was packed with lot of applicants and mine was dealt fairly quick compared to the later ones. At PEO checkin, the lady checked my current BRP and told that it is not within 3 months, so my visa will be issued 2yrs from the date and not from the expiry date. I finished check-in, waited 2 mins for payment, and waited for call from case worker after payment maybe for 10mins. Caseworker took all the documents asked me to wait, after 15 minutes she called me and told to have the passport with me to go for BRP counter for my biometrics to be taken. It was quick too, not more than 5 mins. I was called again after 10mins and was told there was problem in their biometrics systems, and had to take biometrics again. Around 10.30 I got my Visa issued.


Thanks to all the guys on this forum who helped me in few questions I had before the PEO.

[johnjoe]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 :
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 03-Sep 2012
3. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 20 Sep 2012
4. Name of PEO Applied : Solihull

Status not processed.

For full details of my PEO experience, Please follow below thread.

http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=112269

[mrjsg]

I want to thank this forum for my successful application. . Here is my experience at Cardiff.

No of Applicants: 1
Current vignette: Tier 1 General
Date of PEO Appointment: 04 Sept 2012
Appointment was at 11:30AM
Date of expiry of current leave (visa): 28 Sept 2012
Date of expiry of the new visa: Don't know yet
Payment mode: Debit Card
Name of PEO Applied: Cardiff
Approval letter given: Yes
BRP received on: Awaiting

Reached PEO : 10:55
Security Checks : 11:00
Form Check and document submitted: 11:10
Finished Biometrics: 11:20
Advised to leave the building and will call me when require.
Received call from case worker:13.00
Approval letter given at 13:20

Supporting Documents:

12 Months Payslips signed by employer
12 Months Bank statements

Additional Documents Submitted:
1.Earning letter from employer
2.Job verification letter from employer
3.Original degree certificate


Many Thanks in advance for your help.

Wishing everyone all the best ....

Regards

[Trickytok]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 29 Aug 2012
3. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 17 Sept 2012
4. Date of expiry of the new visa : 17 Sept 2014
5. Payment mode : Banker draft made by natwest in 1 hour by paying 12-15£
6. Name of PEO Applied : Solihull


Detailed Review at Solihull PEO.

Reached Solihull at 7:30. Drove there from London. Went to the lode lane car park which is just 2 mins. walk from solihull office. Just a point to note here. Lode lane car park opens at 7:45AM. Also John lewis car park is 2 mins walk away. But it opens at 8:30AM. Both are good car park to use if driving there.

Parked the car and went to Solihull office. I accidentaly went to the office in front of Cineworld. Luckily I had enough time to go back to the PEO office situated at 10 mins walk from there. I was there at around 9 instead of 930 and they told me that its too early and they cannot let me in. They were nice and friendly and told me to go throu security check and sit inside till 930 coz thts wen i will get my ticket.. Surprisingly, few mins later he came and gave me my ticket as well..



At sharp 9:50Am my number was called and I was asked to goto counter 2 There are only 5 counters in Solihull. Counter 6 is for payment. All of this counters are in another room then where the seating area is. I went there and only 2 counters were open.

Case worker Gave me a big smile. She asked for my application form and passport first. She asked me to keep all the other docs with me and she will ask for it one by one.

She then asked me to submit my earnings docs. I gave her 12 payslips and 12 bank statements. I attached highlighted the pay in both with a marker. She quickly checked each amount on both the evidences. While she was doing this I also gave her my calculation sheet . She took it and left it on the side. its good to write gross salary for total income and calculate ot for rquired period in excel.

After that she asked me whether I am using the same statements for maintenance. I said yes. She said good. She then said, she need to do 1 last check on my passport in the back office and will be back in 2 mins. She came back with a photocopy of my passport.

I told her that I have got photocopies of all the docs that I gave her. Then I gave it to her. She said she doesnt need it.

She told me that she is satisfied with my application and is granting me the extension. She also told me that she is giving me the extension from the expiry so I don't face any problem during my ILR. I said thanks, it will be a great help.

She then told me to make a payment on counter 6 and then go for my bio-meterics.

I went to counter 6.

Then went to the same room where I first came in. Went to the security counter and asked them where the biometeric room is. He asked me to wait in the sitting room. After 15 mins. was called in for Bio-meteric. Everything went through straight away. The lady asked me to go out and come back in 1 hour and the documents will be ready for me to collect at the security counter.

I went out. On the right side of the PEO there is a big High-street with all the shops. Greggs, Starbucks, MacDonalds, Pret, Etc. So lot of food option. Had a coffee and then went to John Lewis. Big store.

When I came back my documents were there.

After 15 mins. Security guard called my number and said that my docs are ready to pick up. I asked them whether I can sit and check all the docs are alright. He said sure. I went back to my sit and first checked my approval letter. All the details were correct. Then checked all my documents which came back. They returned everything but the employer's letter. Thn I checked my approval letter again and found that the reference number was missing. So wnt back to security counter and told them to provide that information. Please note that this guys don't know anything. She first told that the reference number is the same which I got while booking my PEO appointment. Then she said it doesnt matter.. Coz we got all the info. When i applied for ext.. I din write any home office ref no and all that.. They got it from comp themselves.. S these thing are not mandatory to fill in i guess.

By the way, needed to go collect brp coz i missed it.. Its better to go collect it instead of waiting at home if u missed it. They got lot of colection centers.

Hope this information helps you all. Any questions please send me a PM. Don't reply back on this thread.

[padejuwon]

No of Applicants: 1
Current vignette: Tier 1 General
Date of PEO Appointment: 13 Sept 2012
Appointment was at 9:30AM
Date of expiry of current leave (visa): 15 Oct 2012
Date of expiry of the new visa: Don't know yet
Payment mode: Debit Card
Name of PEO Applied: Croydon
Approval letter given: Yes
BRP received on: Awaiting


I want to thank everyone for your help. It all went well. The whole process leading to the collection of approval letter was within 3 hrs. Wishing all the best.

[rk_simh]

1. Employment type: Employed + Self Employed
2. No of Applicants: 1
3. Current vignette: Tier 1 General
4. Date of PEO Appointment: 11 September 2012
5. Appointment was at 8:45 am ( but was little late to appointment, i went @ 9:30am permission granted upon request)
6. Payment mode: Credit Card
7. Date of expiry of current leave (visa): 20 Sep 2012
8. Date of expiry of the new visa: 20 Sep 2014
9. Approval letter given: Yes
10. Name of PEO Applied: Croydon
11. BRP received on: still awaiting

Decision taken in 90minutes, very fast and quick service.

Thank you very much to this forum and Thank you one and all the active members, viewers and answer back people.

i am totally an active Viewer.

[UKLife]

No of Applicants: 3 ( Wife + daughter)
Current vignette: Tier 1 General
Date of PEO Appointment: 11 Sept 2012
Appointment was at 10:50AM
Date of expiry of current leave (visa): 29.09.2012
Date of expiry of the new visa: 29.09.2014
Payment mode: Credit Card
Name of PEO Applied: Croydon
Approval letter given: Yes
BRP received on: Awaiting

Security checks, Form validity,Payment and Biometric went smoothly,however the actual document processing took more than 3 hours. My case was pretty simple case of an employed person with two dependents.Anyways i am happy that all sorted out the same day. now waiting for the BRP.

documents submiited :
1. salary slips 12 months
2. bank statements confirming salaries
3. company letter confirming employment and salray details.
4. previous letters ( tier 1 gen and post study work) from home office
5. daughter birth registration certificate.

good luck to all future visa applicants.

thanks
uklife

[tier1-immigrant]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 15 days before the expiry (don't wish to give exact date)
3. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) :
4. Date of expiry of the new visa : 3 years from date of appointment.
5. Payment mode : Banker's Draft
6. PEO:

Category: Applied as employed to my own limited company drawing salary and dividend.

On the day of the appointment, the case worker reviewed the documents for about 30-40 minutes (though it was a straight forward case).

After the review, she called me and said she cannot accept one of my bank statements of the latest month. It was my HSBC business account statement for the latest month. Since I had not yet received the postal statement, I had visited the HSBC branch and got a duplicate statement on the bank's letter head. She told me that she cannot accept this as it did not had a stamp or covering letter. I said it is on banks letter head, but she did not accept it.

Thankfully she gave me another appointment two weeks later and asked me to get the original bank statement.

After coming home I checked the policy guideline and it was mentioned that adhoc bank statements on banks letter head are accepted.
So sometimes it depends on case worker !!!

I went to the PEO again two weeks later with the original statement.
The same case worker was there and she recognised me and this time
everything was fine and the extension was approved.

[Harleycoco]

Thanks to all who post on this forum, it has been a great help to me and my boyfriend doing our tier 1 and tier 2 extensions. I just wanted to share my experiences at the PEO this morning so that it may help others going through the application process.

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1 general extension
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 17/09/12
3. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) :25/11/12
4. Date of expiry of the new visa :25/11/14 (according to CW)
5. Payment mode :CC mastercard
6. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon.

My appointment this morning was at 0930. Got to PEO at around 0840, quite a few people waiting around. Guards not happy to let people in until 30 mins prior to appointment due to the number of people waiting. Took around 30 minutes to get through security, so at this point was getting myself ready for the long haul!

Proceeded through the airport security and then had to wait in another queue before being seen on the ground floor for the first of many checks. First they want to see your passport, booking confirmation and application form. He went through the whole thing, stamped a few pages and then gave me a number.

About 20 minutes later made it to the first floor for payment where they wanted passport, payment page and the credit card. All went through quite quickly, then advised to take a seat on the first floor and wait for biometrics.

Had to wait about 10 minutes then was called by a lady who wanted the application, passports and photos. She then scanned the photos, asked me if had a representitive with me (I didnt). Advised me to wait again for biometrics.

Called for biometrics about 10 minutes later, asked for passport and number. They ask two questions, if you have had a different name and if you have had biometrics done before. You sign a form and then they take the fingerprints and your photos.

A few minutes later was told to go to second floor, where my number was called straight away. Gave over everything to the case worker. She looked at my passport, asked my occupation and how old I was at my first application (which i got wrong and when i corrected myself she said 'just testing'). She told me to wait and she would call me either if she needed to clarify anything or if the case was concluded.

Called me after an hour, gave back all the documents. Told me to confirm my details for the BRP. Gave me the approval letter and told me not to travel until it arrives. She then asked me one question for a survey which was why did I choose PEO. I said because postal is too slow.

I did use an immigration service to help me complete the application. However I choose to save some money and not get them to represent me on the day. I managed to secure the appointment on my own. Although many people there did have advisers with them, it honestly was not necessary. If anything some of them had so many cases on the go they could not keep up with what was going on.

I would highly recommend this service, the extra money is really worth it when compared with having to wait 4+ months for the postal application. I also recommend getting the earliest appointment possible as I can see how things would slow down as the afternoon drags on. I think that having an adviser is not needed if you have a straight forward case like mine. I can see that if you speak english as a second language or have a complex case then having an adviser would be a huge help.

Documents:
Application form
passport
passport photos
12 months bank statements
12 months pay slips
3 months bank statement from secondary account for maintenance
cover letter from immigration adviser.


Overall just over 2.5 hours from start to finish.

[shanzay]

1. Employment type: Employed + Self Employed
2. No of Applicants: 1
3. Current vignette: Tier 1 General Extension
4. Date of PEO Appointment: 20th sep 2012
5. Appointment was at 08.00 am
6. Payment mode: credit Card
7. Date of expiry of current leave (visa): 24 Sep 2012
8. Date of expiry of the new visa: 24-09-2015
9. Approval letter given: Yes
10. Name of PEO Applied: Croydon
11. BRP received on: received on 25th-Sep-2012

many thanks to all of you, who have posted some useful information, specially the senior members.
I wished good luck to all applicants who's extension is due.

[sujyo]

http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=113552

[Rooney]

Hi All,

1. Employment type: Employed
2. No of Applicants: 1
3. Current vignette: Tier 1 General Extension
4. Date of PEO Appointment: 26th Sep 2012
5. Appointment was at 10.15 am
6. Payment mode: Credit Card
7. Date of expiry of current leave (visa): 5 Oct 2012
8. Date of expiry of the new visa: 5 Oct 2014
9. Approval letter given: Yes
10. Name of PEO Applied: Croydon
11. BRP received on: 4 Oct 2012

I reached the Croydon PEO at 09:20 AM and showed the appointment printout. Even though my Appointment was for 10:15 i was allowed to go in. I went and sat in the waiting room (in queue).

After 10 mins i along with others seated in the queue was called in for security check which took just 5 mins. Then i again queue up to go to a counter where the they check the appointment print out and take your application form and stamp to say its valid. This process took another 15 mins.

Post this i was told to go to 1st floor where there were payment counters. Again stood in the queue where they ask for application form, passport and mode of payment (Credit card). I paid the money though credit card and was given a token number. I then proceeded to the waiting area before the counter and waited for my turn. Receipt of my payment as well.

Around 10.30 my number was called and i went to the counter. I was asked for Token, passport , Payment receipt and application form. Where she opened my case. I was quite intimidating as she was having repeated look at my passport. She had 2 retired persons sitting next to her in the same counter wit whom she was referring. One of the 2 was making a note and the other one had Case worker reference document in his hand.
Finally she gave back my documents and told me to wait for biometrics.

I was called in for biometrics immediately where i had to fill in form which had 2 questions and had to sign it. I was told to go back to waiting hall and wait for my turn for submission of documents.

There was an announcement made for series of token number and were told to go to the 2nd floor. Then the wait began from 11:00 AM. At 12:00 there was an announcement made that PEO application were informed that they were experiencing delays. I was finally called at 1:15 PM to the counter.

1.Applicants Travel Document/ Passport
2 Cover letter (Clipped with 2 passport photographs to the form)
3 Application form
4 Payslips with the Excel tracker attached above the payslips
5 Bank Statements
6 Highest Educational Degree Certificate
7 PBS Calculator summary sheet

At 14:15 i was called to provide my employee phone number and Also verify my NI number. I provided the number and showed my NI card and then was told to wait. At 14:25 i was called and informed that my application was successful and she printed my approval letter, returned my passport, submitted documents and informed me that BRP would be posted in 7-10 working days.


Thanks to all, who have posted some useful information
I wished good luck to all applicants who's extension is due.