Hello all,
I finally received my ILR today.
Application sent: 16/09/2013
Acknowledgement: 25/09/2013
Biometric Invitation: 10/10/2013
Biometric done: 15/10/2013
Passport Received: 30/01/2014
BRP received: 31/01/2014
Straight 10 year student visa. All stamps present and life in the UK test certificate included.
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I contacted my MP and will give as much detail as possible
1) I had a job offer since mid October and my employer was willing to wait.
2) My initial start date for employment was mid Jan and I really had to get my ILR. I was actually in a career limbo.
3) I e-mailed my MP on 16/01 and explained him the situation clearly. Initially he said that I am under the UKVI timescale and my situation cannot be classified as "urgent". But then I requested him to send a copy of my employment contract, and gave him the career limbo explanation. I just did not want to loose this job (which by the way would have been my second job offer, as some other employers refused to hire me due to lack of ILR - despite of being successful at the interview. Anyways).
4) The employer also sent a fax to UKVI along with a copy of employment contract as a proof. At the same time I sent UKVI letters on their Liverpool address, which is mentioned on your ILR application acknowledgement letter. So, they received correspondence from three different parties.
5) UKVI does have a fax number starting 0870 (I don't have it anymore), but good luck on getting through that clogged up line.
6) UKVI has 20day time frame to respond to the MP, which they did. My request was accepted on 28th Jan, ILR letter despatched on 29th, which was received on 30th, followed by BRP on 31st. I think it was the combination of correspondence from MP and employer that worked for me.
Hope this helps.
I sincerely wish everyone who is waiting a good luck. End is insight.