[GOT EC] NEED HELP!! GOT HSMP, I really want to ....

[shez]

G'day,

My first post and I really looking forward to get some help. I've received the HSMP approval couple of months ago and will apply for the entry clearance on the 2nd week of Sept 2005 (this would be last few days before the HSMP offer expires) I've learnt that I will only get max 3 months and then I'll have to make the entry in the UK. Due to some personal issues I would really love to stretch it until end of Jan 06 (that is 4 months from the day I get the entry clearance)

Has anyone actually received more then 3 months extension?
Can I request the consular or whoever to give me 4 months?
How much money (Australian dollars) do I need to show in my account for me and my wife? I have savings in multiple accounts, and i was thinking of moving all of them in one - is that a good idea?

Thanks in advance.

NOTE: Just to clarify that I am in Australia.

Cheers

Shez

[try-one]

Hi Shez,
The rules state that you need to arrive within 3 months, I'm not aware of any extensions available for this (I might be wrong).
Please note that the consular team might not be totally aware of the rules, the extension after 12 months is managed by a team in the UK (not EC abroad) so the UK guys are the ones checking your arrival and approving the additional 3 years....
Funds...living and accomodation could be anything between £1K and £2K a month....try to show minimum £5K but the more you show the better.
T

[shez]

Thanks mate. I really appreciate it.
anyone else had the same experience?

[bani]

I think they can postdate your EC to December (if you apply in Sept), and it's ok to arrive in late January if you do that. It's ok to arrive a month or two after EC is given (there are examples of people who entered the UK even later than that).

As for the bank accounts, I think it's better to show separate bank accounts with a consistent history (you need to show a few months' statements anyway) than one account that has recent large deposits.

Good luck .

[shez]

Thanks Bani. I was just wondering if any aussie friend can tell me about his/her experience of bank statement. How many (just latest or more than one months) did he/she take to the high commission and how much did they have in the account?

Has anyone ever been asked about a particular transaction details of their bank statement? (better if it was local high commission in AUS or NZ)

[shez]

Finally ... got the EC on Friday (thanks for all of)

Applied on : 7th Sept
EC received in mail : 15th Sept

Visa starts from 7th Dec but I am not going until 15th Jan 06 (I've asked the consular and she reckon it should be no problem)

[Ashwin2005]

shez,

When you wanted to travel on 15th January, Why did you date your EC on 15th Dec? Did you try for post-dating the EC, what was the response from Consular?

[bani]

Finally ... got the EC on Friday (thanks for all of)

Applied on : 7th Sept
EC received in mail : 15th Sept

Visa starts from 7th Dec but I am not going until 15th Jan 06 (I've asked the consular and she reckon it should be no problem)

Congratulations shez!! Glad the EC worked out well. Good luck with the relocation (and the rude change from Aussie summer to UK winter... but at least the days will be getting longer again by then).