Hello everyone,
My story:
HSMP approval letter in the end 2005
Came to the UK Jan 2006
Got 4-year extension Dec 2006
Applied for ILR under HSMP JR in March 2010
My case wasn’t straightforward as, firstly, I did not work in my second year in the UK and secondly, my absences total was more than HO limit of 180 days in 4 years, i.e. 225 days in total excluding days of travel. I was advised not to apply in person, however, after reading a few posts on this forum decided to take a chance. I booked my appointment on the phone, rang at 8:58 exactly, got through at first attempt and had my appointment booked in Sheffield in 6 weeks time.
I have prepared the following documents to support my application (the documents I was actually asked to produce are in bold):
List of absences from the UK (stating dates, destinations, reason for travel and references to passport pages with the entry/exit stamps);
Letters from my contractors (I am self-employed sole trader) stating the dates outside the UK on business;
Email correspondence with my clients outside the UK confirming meeting dates;
Letter from my accountant confirming my self-employed status, listing my UK contractors and confirming I have no outstanding balance at HMRC;
Interim Income/Expenses report from the accountant for the tax year 2009/2010 to the end of Jan 2010;
Income/Expenses Report for the tax year 2008/2009;
Copy of Tax Return 2008/2009;
HMRC statement that I am up to date with my tax payments (You can request it from HMRC help line over the phone, mine arrived in less than a week);
Bank statements (I had last 12 months, was asked for the last 2);
P60, P45 and payslips for year 2006;
Council Tax bills for years 2006-2010;
NHS registrations cards.
(The last two only because proof of address was mentioned when booking my appointment)
I also took with me every single document with my name on it I received in the last 4 years, just in case.
My appointment was at 10:45 on Monday, but I arrived at the PEO at 9:45 and was admitted (you have to go through metal detector, but this is it from the security point of view and didn’t take long). Then at reception you’re given a ticket with a number, 5 minutes later I was asked to go to a window and this is when I was told that the caseworker wouldn’t be able to make the decision on the day as there are some necessary checks, which can’t be performed as they need information from their Liverpool office, which is on UKBA strike. They said I could either re-book my appointment or to go ahead so a caseworker considers my application and the only thing left would be this final check with Liverpool and I would have my documents by the end of the week. I said I’d stay and was asked to make the payment and my number will be called again. There was a delay as there is only one payment desk and someone was having trouble with their card (they do accept cash btw). 15 -20 minutes after I’d paid I was called again, now by my caseworker and he asked me what documents I had brought. I started with the letters, he asked me how often I travel on business, and then asked for the interim accountant’s report for this tax year, which was mentioned in the accountant’s letter. He said he was happy with my application and mentioned that HSMP requirements are quite broad anyway so you only need to show you’re economically active. He then said that there was a small chance they could get the answer from Liverpool on the day if I was prepared to stay in Sheffield. I stayed and 2 hours later he rang and said that I could come back and pick up my passport with the ILR. I also got a backdated ILR letter so I can apply for citizenship in 10 not 12 months.
I hope this is useful, btw, PEO staff are very friendly and helpful, the key is to be well prepared and make it as easy as possible for them.
Big thanks to everyone who shared their experiences at this forum and good luck!
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