my 14 years due in 3rd August, advice please

[Klow]

Hi,
I've been reading a lot, but never post. This is the 1st.

1998/08/31 - I first came to UK
1999/03/01 - Student Visa approved
2004/04/24 - Student Visa Expired

2005/06/08 - University Graduate

Then just work on & off.

I was planning to apply for 14 years ILR after 3rd August 2012, but received new on 11 June about the 14 years ILR will be abolished.

Should I still give it a shot and apply before 9th July? If yes, when will be the last date I post my application with special delivery, Thursday 5th or Friday 6th?

Any suggestion will be appreciated. Many thanks in advance !!!

[geriatrix]

IMHO, do apply.

There are many post offices open on Saturdays (half-day, if not the whole day), so you may be able to post the application even on 07-Jul.
Use Special Delivery and do keep the proof of posting in safe custody.

[Klow]

IMHO, do apply.

There are many post offices open on Saturdays (half-day, if not the whole day), so you may be able to post the application even on 07-Jul.
Use Special Delivery and do keep the proof of posting in safe custody.

on 7th July??? Then the post will arrive at 9th July, isn't it too late for the application? The new rules will start on 9th July, right?

Thanks

[geriatrix]

The date of application is determined according to immigration rule 34G.

[Klow]

That's really helpful.

Another question just pop up in my mind.

I have most bill & statement since I arrive 1998, but mostly from 1999. All certificate I earned from studying. Will that be enough? Do I need to apply for biometric residence permit before I send my application? Am I eligible to apply for it?

[geriatrix]

The onus is on you to prove that you have been in the UK for "14 years".
You will be informed when you are to enrol biometrics after your application is received by UKBA.

[Klow]

If I posted on 7th July, arrive 9th July. That is 3 weeks earlier than within 28 days of my full 14 years in UK. What would they do? Will they

a) just send acknowlegement of receiving my application, then take my blood money, and consider my application in few weeks time.

b) just send acknowlegement of receiving my application, then take my blood money, reject straight away without consideration because it's more than 28 days

If a), then I might have better chance.

If b), then what should I do?

[geriatrix]

The question you should be asking yourself is - is it worth taking a chance or is it worth not taking it?

The general understanding is that a CW starts assessing an application only after biometric information has been submitted by the applicant. So it is possible that by the time a CW opens your application you would have completed the 14 year qualifying period and the CW will hopefully use discretion in your favor and make a decision based on your eligibility on that date rather than the date of application.

It's blood money vs. settled status. What has more worth to you is for you to decide.

[Klow]

Thanks sushdmehta. That's a good push for me.

Any other advice/opinion will be appreciate !!!

[geriatrix]

Pay for the application through bank draft / postal orders ... to avoid any payment issues.

[Klow]

Thanks for advice on payments. Once my partner application rejected because HO couldn't get money from her bank account.

[Klow]

I've posted last Thursday. Wish me luck !!!

[Klow]

Hi,
Just an update.

05 July Posted the application
XX July Received acknowledgement letter
04 Sept Biometrics letter dated
08 Sept Biometrics letter received

I'm going to do the Biometrics enrolment on Monday. Hope everything goes well.