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Dani123 wrote:Today I went to PEO Croydon ILR application and got it stamped without any hiccups(2 hours and 6 minutes in total).
First of all - thanks a lot to this forum, which have been very useful in preparing my application for ILR and read other’s experience. And I felt compelled to register myself in the forum and write my experience.
My background:
- Actuarial consultant working for a UK company on work permit
- Arrived to UK in Feb 04
- No company changes; same employer all along
- No long absences-holiday trips and annual vacation. All totalling to 90 days in the last 5 years(What case worker seemed to be interested is any single absence >90days).
-My visa was expiring today (9th Jan, exactly 28 days before I complete 5 years in the UK and eligible for ILR interview appointment!). I had 5 year WP.
Now to share my experience:
- Called about 6 weeks back to get the appointment at PEO Croydon for today (9 Jan) at 10:00). Although I had to call twice as first call centre operator said I am not eligible due to the fact I am 28 days short, but the first operator didn’t understand the 28 days rule (even his supervisor!!). The second operator however was aware and gave me the appointment and very nicely explained the issue. Bottom line is if you are sure you fulfil the criteria please check the forum and BIA website and try again, many of the call centre staff are not properly trained and some are stupid.
- Reached Croydon office around 9 am. I took a train and live just 6 miles from Croydon so no problem. However the car parking is just opposite to the Lunar house - Whitgift NCP car park centre
-Airport style checks which was not a problem
- Same formalities as you would find in other posts here; initial check at the 'reception counter' to validate the appln; I handed over the lady at the counter following docs:
--- Filled-in appl form with photos
--- Employer’s reference letter
--- Payslips (4 months but 3 should be Ok)
--- Bank Statements (4 months but 3 should be Ok)
---P 60’s for last 5 years (is not mandatory though and lady didn’t seem interested in my case or any document except passport in my case!)
--- Life in the UK test pass notification
--- Passport
---An Excel Printout of my absences including number of days and page number of relevant stamp just to save some time in case, the case worker cross checks the stamp but later on I found she was not bothered about stamps at all in my case. However in one of my Friend’s case last month the case worker cross checked the stamp dates so I was prepared.
(I had put yellow sticky notes saying what document it is (For example Employer’s letter etc) on each document above clearly sign posted and the lady just checked the sticky notes and not the actual document itself.)
- She checked those and stamped VALID in my appln and issued the appointment letter with a calling ref number and some document saying Employment detail sheet( I don’t know what that was as she put the date 09/01/2009 on this as it was a WP to ILR I think).
- Then payment at the counter. Most of the counters were empty but got busier after 40-45 minutes. I paid by Credit card and she gave me the card receipt and stapled the actual HO receipt to the forms and took out the payment detail page out of the form. Please remember to collect the HO receipt if you want a refund from your company.
- I was called for the 'interview' around 09:45ish by a lady
- Almost same kind of check as happened at the reception counter; but this time in detail
- As each document was clearly signposted she knew exactly what she is looking at.
- To my great surprise she had a cursory look at the documents and didn’t even seem to read the Employer’s letter or any supporting documents. (one of the reason might be that my application was straightforward as I am with the same employer for 5 years, no long absences (90 days in total). She did ask about this and seemed quite relaxed once she knew this. I must confess however that I am not sure why I was not asked any question.
- She then said everything is fine and she is ready to grant me ILR as all the documentation is done well. She didn’t refer to her senior just some colleagues bout certain IT/System question.
-This was 10.10 ish (about 25-30 minutes) and she said I can collect my stamped passport in 1.5 hours. She took the photocopy of my original document and returned all the originals.
-Also she took only one photograph and returned the other photograph.
- I waited there. ILR stamped passport was returned in 25-30 mins time. I left the building at 11.06 am so total 2hours and 6 minutes.
Points to note from my experience:
- Absences if any for 3 months or more may warrant some attention and the case worker will/may need a letter from employer.
-Don’t worry if you have the right documentation and you have done your home work. I for example was prepared for any documents and had everything for last 2-3 years. I had a file full of documents but gave exactly what was in the SET(O) form as above. Only extra I gave was P60. ( Easier said than done as I was also worried in case I get any finicky/skeptical /unprofessional/stupid case worker).
- Otherwise it was a straight-forward appln and it went smoothly
To sum it up - ILR is an administrative burden on us in search of better life, benefit etc but in 10-15 years I am sure we will realise our children may not need to settle here as our motherland will catch up with UK as UK is going down and other countries are going up (in terms of economic indicators- I am an economist in case you are wondering!). In my case the only motivation for me for ILR and eventually UK Passport is that I can travel more than 100 countries without needing a visa.
So take it easy and all the best to you all for your applications.
Thanks,
SS
I am a bit confused here.I entered on 6th Feb 2004 and my visa/Entry clearance issued at 09/01/2004, so exactly 28 days. If I would have entered on 7th Feb I would have to apply for another WP extension or Tier 1 and then apply for ILR.
Very thanks Dani123, based on your dates I am now sure about my earliest date to apply for ILR in personDani123 wrote:I entered on 6th Feb 2004 and my visa/Entry clearance issued at 09/01/2004, so exactly 28 days. If I would have entered on 7th Feb I would have to apply for another WP extension or Tier 1 and then apply for ILR.
Hi NNJ10Hi Test001,
Thanks for your response.
Personally in my Case, I am here on HSMP for past nearly 2 years.
I entered UK on 45th day of EC stamped on my passport.
I am going for HSMP --> Tier 1 (General) soon.
I hope to fulfill all absence requirement for settlement
Assuming, I will be granted my Tier-1 (Gen) (for 3 years),
as per above understanding (in your post) I would have to apply a further extension of leave under Tier-1 (Gen), for 17 days?
17 Days = 45 (as above) - 28 (Days one can apply in advance before completing qualifying period as per guidance).
In this case, as I am yet to apply for my extension (of HSMP) under Tier-1 (General), can I ask UKBA, to grant me further leave for 3 Years and 45 days (until i reach the above qualifying period for settlement)?
Thanks,
NNJ10
thank you for your reply. did you mean invalidate ILR if stay more than 2 years in another country?dnicky wrote:While having ILR you will still need a valid visa to travel to other EU contries.
While having ILR you can stay and work in UK without any time/immigration restrictions.
You can stay and work in your country of birth while having ILR, but any stay out of UK for a continuous period of more than 2 years can/will validate your ILR .
Congratulations Dani.Can I ask a small doubt.I was on a WP for a year in 2006(Jan2006 to Jan2007) after its expiry(6 weeks),i got HSMP and was back in the UK.Dani123 wrote:My answer:test001 wrote:Hi Dani,
Very informative Post.
Just a question - did you have further leave to remain after the 9th. If not then what fall back plan you had in mind if your ILR gets rejected for whatsoever reason or you fail to make in time for the appointment.
I didn't have the FLR after the 9th.So I had already applied for Tier1 for a back up plan but had passport to support my ILR application. Otherwise if you have a situation like me i.e visa expiring the same day as ILR interview, you can post your Tier 1 application the same day( by Royal mail,registered not courier) if your ILR is rejected so that your immigration status continues.
the start to look for a new job, if you find it, then tell your employer and see if he will extend the contract if not then go to new jobindianuk wrote:Thanks for the post Dani...I was on a WP for last 4 years, but now i have got HSMP valid for 3 years...My employer is not ready to extend my contract at the moment...and the market is not good outside as well. so very difficult to get a new one...My employer has asked me to go back by March end...and i think worst scenario would be that i will not have a job from March till i become elligible for ILR...around 3 months...I have enough funds in my account to support myself...But if i dont have a job, am i still elligible for ILR...i am ready to stay in the country till i become elligible...please suggest...