Hi All,
Thanks for the forum and all the moderators for providing all the invaluable information/guidance. Finally I went for my application on 5th December 2012 @ Glasgow.
I am a single applicant with Work permit. My work permit was expiring November 2013.
I was employed with the previous company for 8 months and then changed to current company with whom I am still working since last 4 years and 4 months. My original work permit was sponsored by last company and was transferred by current company but when I transferred I was given 5 year from the transfer date, Hence I had some extra time for ILR.
I will start my story from the start!
I had criminal conviction from past (November 2007) hence, I had to wait until November 2012 before I could apply. By the way, the conviction was showing up on disclosure Scotland. Though the conviction was considered spent after 5 years, there was a nagging feeling that I should declare it, just in case (as it was coming up on disclosure Scotland).However, after reading this forum and going through individual cases, I decided not to mention it as it was already 5 years.
Now the appointment booking. I had heard horror stories about appointment booking problems. So I did trial run 42 days ago for 4th December @ Glasgow PEO. And luckily I got the appointment. But actually I wanted for 5th December, So I also booked 5th December next day.
I had planned to cancel the 4th December appointment but I could not remember the password to log in and cancel it. So I tried calling them on 3rd December to cancel the appointment on 4th December. Guess what??? The lady on the phone cancelled both the appointments – 4th and 5th December. And before I could explain she already went ahead and cancelled. I tried argue with her but was of no use.
I was in big panic mode as I had planned everything for 5th December and don't have any appointments. Luckily after 2 hours of panic the same appointment came up on UKBA website (18.30 on 3rd December).
So I rebooked it. And felt as if it was a miracle that I got the same appointment back.
Now 4th December, I was putting everything in the folder and I was reading everything for the last time. I found a big glaring mistake which could result in big issues.
My current work permit had an error in the company name. Basically we have 2 companies on paper (though we work in same building and sometimes on the same floor). But on paper, we are two different legal entities and have different accounting and tax returns. The company had applied for WP with different company name for e.g. xxx Gmbh though I was working in xxx Ltd (the prefix (xxx) was same) . I went to HR to tell them that this is mistake and I don't work in the department/company. They identified that it is a genuine mistake. But we decided that it was very hard to identify the difference as we have same logo and the 1st name is same as well. Hence, it would be very difficult to identify that it a different company.
As I am staying in North Scotland, I decided to drive on 5th December. But when I woke up early on 5th December, It was snowing heavily here and I felt that It is going to be very difficult to drive. Still I had no choice and went ahead. Luckily I had no issues, though it took me double time to reach Glasgow PEO.
I arrived hour early and the security guard told us to go for a 'wee' coffee. Back 11.30 - half hour before appointment time as instructed.
I showed my passport. Security check similar to airport. They checked our bags. Took our mobile phones. Friendly staff.
Went to reception to check in and he told us she will bring over a number 5 minutes before our appointment.
He brought it just before 12 am.
My number was called to desk 10 minutes later, exactly at 12.10. I handed over the application form and then my passports and supporting documents. There he took my passport and searched on his system. And then he asked a question which had no relation with this application.
Q) Why was I rejected for Tier 1 back in 2008?.
I replied that I sent an Internet printed bank statement and hence, I was rejected on that basis.
He asked me if I have both the original work permits. I had the original work permit for the current company but I only had the photocopy for the last company. He accepted the original WP and said that he cannot accept photocopies for anything. By the way my HR had advised that do not give the WP letter unless requested as it had got a different name compared my payslips as mentions above. But reluctantly I did give it.
He asked me for last 5 years P60’s and LIUK.
Company letter and Payslips.
The guy said that caseworker will look at all the evidences and give my result by 2.15. I will be called to do my biometrics soon. Was handed our passports to take to biometrics. The guy seemed bit arrogant and rude.
10 to 15 minutes later called for biometrics. Very friendly Lady. Took finger prints and digital photo and filled in a form. She took our passports to give to the case worker. By the way until now I haven’t seen my caseworker. The biometrics lady said that I should go for lunch as it will take an hour before they call me.
Went out and had Lunch. 1.45 I was called to desk 1 to see the case worker (I think - she was dressed in a uniform). She handed my documents and told me that I should check my details are correct and sign. At which point I assumed the application was successful! She said biometric residence cards will be send in 7 to 10 days and handed back our passports and original documents. And a receipt for the payment, which I assume they made in the back of the office from the detail on the application form.
Quick and easy. Staff was reserved but friendly. I was surprised that the caseworker did not see me before making the decision and it came out so easily.
In summary I was asked for the the following documents ( I had many more but was not asked for other documents):
1. Application Form (by the way I filled it with blue pen. He asked me to fill the payment section in black pen again. They gave me a spare payment section to fill up with blank pen. Everything else was okay for them).
2. 2 Photographs
3. Company Letter - 1 letter confirming the SOC code, salary and number of days I have gone outside UK on business visits). I was only out for 136 days including business visits. 2nd Letter confirming my salary for each month for last 12 month. The letter also confirmed that I am getting electronic payslips and they have stamped them on behalf of the company.
4. LIUK Certificate.
5. 3 months Payslips. (Signed and Stamped by HR)
6. 3 months bank statement (My statement was upto 29th November).
7. Last 5 years P60's.
8. Original Current Work Permit
I offered photocopies of everything but he said because they didn't take everything it would be easier for them to photocopy it themselves.
Hope that helps anyone who are feeling nervous because I was very stressed!
Good luck!
- FAQ
- Login
- Register
- Call Workpermit.com for a paid service +44 (0)344-991-9222