I have an unusual question regarding qualifying periods for my PR certificate application.
I entered the UK in 2011. For the first 12 months I was seeking for jobs. I hold a PhD in medical research - during those 12 months I had a few (6+) interviews but it was a slow process. I have proof of applications, interviews, rejections. Even when I finally engaged with my current employer it took a fair amount of time from application in Sept, to 1st interview in October, second interview in Nov, 3rd in December, and Job offer early January. I have been employed ever since with the same company (4+ years by now).
During my jobseeker period I used my own savings, and did not seek any benefits whatsoever from the UK govt. I made the conscious decision not to burden the UK with my unemployment so I didn't register at the job centre nor applied for JSA.
Obviously I had reasonable chance to find employment - it simply was a bit tough at the time.
Now how likely am I to be accepted if I claim those 12 months as jobseeker?
I checked with an immigration attorney and they said reasonable but then asked for £1000 pounds to do the paperwork for me
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cheers!