Since I read lot of topics and learned a lot from this forum, I felt obligated to write my story. It will be a short one though
I started looking for appointments in January 2010 and to my surprise I realised the appointments are not available at all either on-line or by phone.
The phone service was quite inadequate with limited and sometimes incorrect information (Personal experience).
However after two weeks of continuous on-line efforts I picked up an availability pattern in the system. This is for your information and action. If you try looking at the UKBA website after 18:00 hrs on weekdays, your chances of finding an appointment is greater. Do not ask me why, but I think the system tends to release appointments around day end.
After securing the appointment which was 9:00 am 1st of April 2010, (Quite misleading towards becoming an April fool)
, I arrived at Croydon PEO 8:20 am. Nearest Parking is Whitgift NCP. After airport style screening, we were sent in and to my surprise there were 25-30 people ahead of me. I thought I was early
.On the ground floor, there are counters for pre-screening your application to check if it can be processed on the day.
I was called on the next available counter in about 30 mins of arriving at the PEO. The lady at the counter checked the application, asked me application, passports, photos and supporting documents. In my case, HSMP 4 years ILR JR.
After checking some details on the application and the computer system with quite focusing eyes for about 10 mins she handed me back the documents and application along with passports. The application was stamped VALID with a ticket with a number. She asked me to take the ticket on the 1st floor and deposit the fee. In my case Main applicant and 2 dependents amounting to £1120.
After paying, I was handed over the receipt and told to stay on the first floor and wait for for your number call. After 5 mins of waiting there were 4-5 ticket numbers called including mine to go to 2nd floor and wait for your number call.
Went on the 2nd floor and case worker was already waiting with number displayed on his counter screen.
He mentioned his name and that he will be dealing with my application as my case worker. He asked me following documents:
1. Application
2. Passports
3. Photographs
4. Employment Letter
5. Pay slips for 6 Months
6. Bank Statements 6 Months
7. P60s for all 4 years (Although he mentioned he has updated record via HMRC to counter check).
8. My child's birth certificate
9. Original home office letter granted at the time of entry clearance.
10. Marriage Certificate
11. A document of all entry exit dates as per passport stamps.
I handed over all the required documents. He told me that it will take him nearly 2 hours to counter check all the documents against records in the system for him to get back to me with a decision. He also mentioned that I can come back in 2 hours or can stay in the building. Choice is mine.
The time is right now 9:40 am. I said to the case worker, I shall return at 11:40 am. He said fine.
At around 11:15 am I arrived at the waiting area. After about 10 mins I saw my number announced. I went to the counter window and the case worker asked me to wait to finalise his decision. At the same time he was talking to someone on the phone as well. He was on the phone about 5 mins and muted the window sound so I could not hear. After he hung up the phone he took couple of minutes doing something on the computer and then opened the sound of the window. He said I am granting you and your family ILR from today's date. You can collect your passports after 30 mins from the 1st floor customer services counter. I said thank you and off I went to 1st floor. I waited around 40 mins for my number to be called . Went at the counter and saw the ILR stamps on the passports along with UKBA letters. The lady asked me to check the details, name and all and if all looks good, I am good to go. Hence, an end to a hectic day.
Summary:
Please take all related documents you have, you never know what the case worker can ask. The immigration officers ask documents from you to counter check our submission against their records. They have access to all the systems and information we provide with multiple system linkages. In all, the experience went smooth. Good luck to all.
