Hello to everyone.
First of all, I want to thank everybody here for the enormous help, contribution, and useful advice.
I wanted to share the experience of my recent visit to the PEO in Solihull.
My case was a combo of WP(1yr)+HSMP(2yrs)+ HSMP extension to tier1(2yrs).
I arrived an hour early in an attempt to avoid getting stuck in traffic. The town centre is quite nice and cosy, and plenty of car parks all over the place.
The PEO itself was quite tidy, and looks pretty new from the inside. Was let in by a member of staff, had a security check, and they verified at the desk if I had the right form, then was given a slip with a ref number.
About 10 minutes later I was called in. The case worker was friendly and polite, checked the application form, and only asked for last 3 payslips, last year p60, and employer letter( which I am glad I took with me just in case, stating my employment and annual salary).
I had a bag full of documents covering literally almost everything over the past 5 years, including WP/HSMP letters, and photocopies, but none of these were asked for.
Couple of checks were done on the computer, and a brief phonecall, all in all did not take more than 10 minutes, then was told everything was in order and should go pay the fee, and the passport will be ready in 2 hours to collect with ILR stamp.
After paying the fee, I left the building and spent sometime in town. On my return, and after producing my ref number slip and a little wait, I was called to the desk, and was handed back my documents and passport with ILR.
There was a letter too, but to my surprise, it only stated that an application for extension of stay was made, and to check the endorsement in passport, however there was no mention in the letter itself of anything to do with ILR. I queried that at the desk, and was told this is only a generic letter which they normally issue, and the stamp in the passport is what matters. I must admit I felt bit astonished, as in all my previous applications made, I always had a letter stating type of extension and length etc, which I indeed had to use as a proof to employers in the past, and hence wondered why no such similar letter was issued for ILR, which can be useful when applying for naturalisation. I wonder if those of you who were granted ILR recently had a different type of letter? or if different PEOs do things differently?
Anyway, my overall experience was good, and my piece of advice - even though in my case not much documents were asked for and all the photocopies will be in the shredder soon - gather as much as you reasonably can, you can never be over-prepared, and even if you do its better to be on the safe side, and always hope for the best.
Well, I need to relax a bit now but once again thanks to all of you here, and keep up the good work.
Wish you all best of luck.
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