Big thanks to members of this forum who helped me a lot in the process of preparation for the application.
special thanks to Kevin24, wpilr_nov12, Gagan1986, vinny, John, ILR05, uksettlement, sheraz7 and dk2011, thank you for all your kind help
I switched to work permit from student visa in May 2008, one employer, no dependent, straight-forward case I suppose.
Here is my experience at Solihull PEO on 9 April 2013:
Appointment was at 9am. Door opened on time at 8:30pm, was let in after security checks. Was allocated a ticket number with a guidance note of appointment procedures. It clearly states payment procedure before the interview.
Was called around 9:20, the case worker was a very nice and friendly lady. She asked for application form and passport, asked me to confirm that I was willing to make the application and sign a form to confirm.
She did some checks on her computer and asked if I had only one employer.
Other documents asked for:
previous passport (with valid WP)
Life in UK certificate
employer's letter (one with SOC code and annual salary, confirming paid above required level and still required for the employment, the other one confirming days outside UK in 5 years, all paid annual leave)
most recent payslip
most recent bank statement
I asked her if she needed photocopies, she was happy to take them. I also provided the spreadsheet for absence from UK. Not sure if she quickly went through all documents but just saw her putting all originals in one bundle and all copies in another bundle.
She went to the back for about 5 minutes then came back with photocopies of my passport and a purple receipt for the fee(£1426). She said the payment had been taken and I could go back to the waiting area.
She did say that I would get a letter later and could go back to collect the original documents after 1 to 1.5 hours. I thought it was just the process of collecting documents however that was the interview, finished around 9:40. We chatted a bit but no question asked about any document provided.
Got finger prints and picture taken around 10:20, for some reason it failed and was asked to do it again one hour later. Was told it was not my fault though. Was called to the reception and a very friendly lady apologised for the delay and said I could collect everything in 10 minutes. Finally got passports and all other originals back together with the approval letter around midday. Now waiting for biometric card.
Documents prepared but was not asked for:
further 11 months bank statements
saving account statements for 12 months
5 years' payslips
5 years' P60s attested by employer
WP letter
visa approval letter
contract of employment
degree certificate
The staff in Solihull has been really polite and helpful, highly recommended even if they now take payment before approving application! I think my payment was taken at the end of the interview though.
Any questions please feel free to ask.
Good luck for all applicants!
