I had my ILR application at the Croydon PEO on Friday 12, 2012 at about 11 am. A little bit of background:
1. Passport lost during June 12.
2. Worked for 2 employers and self employed for almost 1year during the 5 year period with a gap of unemployment in 2010-11.
Documents prepared and provided:
Set O Form
3 years P60 and P45 for 6 months
Self employment accounts of 1 year and letter from accountant about my tax affairs
Last 6 months payslips with corresponding bank statements.
Employer letter for absences during my first qualifying employment period of 3.5 years
Qualification Certificates
Previous Visa approval letters for WP, Tier 1, and extension. Been to Croydon twice before.
Current Employer Letter confirming my employment, salary payment with Gross and Net payments and my requirement for the company in future.
Documents prepared but not given to the Caseworker.
Self employed class 2 letters
Invoices
Last 5 years bank statements
Tax letters from HMRC for self employment
So this is how it all started.-
I reached at the PEO around 10:40 am and entered the building and was asked to take a seat. Then after 15 mins a group of about 10 people including me were called inside for the Security check etc. After clearing that, my documents were checked for eligibility by another lady on the ground floor. I was asked few questions about my lost passport, self employment and my travel outside UK. I had copies of my lost passport, letters from employer and my accounts but the lady did wanted to see any of these. She just stamped, gave me a ticket and asked me to go to the first floor for payment. I got nervous when she asked me these questions, even though I had all the paperwork. I calmed myself and went upstairs (1st floor) for payment. There were two ladies at the counter. I wanted to pay from a Credit card even though I had my debit card details written on the form. I politely asked if I could use my Credit card to make this payment. The lady replied 'Ofcourse'. I did inform my CC bank a day before about a high value transaction to occur next day. I was a bit worried if it would fail but it went smoothly. I was given a receipt with a stamp on the form. Then I was asked to go the waiting area on the same floor (1st).
As soon as I reached the waiting area, my ticket no. was called within 5 mins. At the window, there was a guy who asked for my passport and form. He fed the data on his machine and gave me my docs after a few mins. I left and waited for another 20 mins for my ticket no. to be called for Biometrics. I finished my biometrics within 10 mins and I was out again in the waiting area. So by 12:30 pm. I had finished my biometrics too and now was the time for interview and meeting the caseworker.
I realised that the caseworkers desk were vacant from 1 to 2 pm probably it was lunch time for them but I did not leave the building thinking that someone may call during this time. I was starving and I kept waiting until 2:20 pm before I lost patience as it was almost 2 hours without anything happening. Then I went to the customer service desk and asked the lady if my ticket no. was called as I did go to the loo. I was told no but also I was told that the caseworker was behind her who was actually going to call my no and thats why she was there. pure coincidence. I did not speak to the caseworker at all but the lady at the customer service desk asked for my ticket and application form. She saw my file and said " Are all the supporting docs in that file" I said yes and she took the file. I explained to her that my passport was lost and I had a new passport in that file with copy of my old passport with few stamps. She took the file and gave it to the caseworker who heard our conversation. The caseworker left with the file and the customer service lady advised that it can take about 1.5 hours and suggested me to go out if I wanted. Returned back at about 3:15 pm. I was again waiting with all calmness and positive vibes until 4:15p.m. Then my ticket no was called by the customer service lady. I was full of hope which got shattered when I was told that I have not provided all the documents and a letter was printed out which was supposed to be given to me. The letter stated about my missing pay for the self employment period of 6 months prior to my current employment. I did not understand initially as I thought she was asking for the documents for my unemployment period of 2010 but it was actually 2011 when I was self employed. I realised that and I told I have provided all the docs earlier in my original file with the accountant letter and accounts for that period. The lady replied that the caseworker did not get any of these in the file....face turned red. Now the turning point, Luckily I had a copy of all my docs in a separate file which was with me. I took out a copy of the accounts, my invoices, bank statements for that period, tax letter from HMRC and gave it to her. She said why didn't I give this before and I replied that the accountant's original letter with stamped accounts were in the original file with my P60s and rest of the docs are not in the requirement anyway. She then took the docs and went to the caseworker. She came back with my docs with the caseworker and told me that I was not scoring enough points from my employment of 6 months. I got furious as I had experience of applying my Tier1G and T1G extension visa without any issues. I realised that the caseworker was not competent enough to handle my case. I explained that she should check the website again and she left too. I sat in front of the customer service desk lady for the next half an hour. It was almost 5 pm. I was then told that I was scoring 75 points and not 80 which I was claiming for. This time the caseworker was not satisfied with my degree certificate and said that I can get only 30 points for it and not 35. I knew I was ok now even though I dont get 80 points but I explained it is a master degree recognized in the PB Calculator and she can check it online. She went back and explained to the CW. After another 15 mins, that lady said that her working hours are now over and she had to leave. She explained my case to the other Customer service lady and left in the next 5 mins with a smile. She said dont worry during my last conversation with her and told that my case is now being dealt by 2 case workers- the first one and a senior caseworker. There was only one other applicant in the waiting area, rest of the first floor was empty. After another 15 mins, the first caseworker came with my file and left in on the customer service desk. The other cusotmer service lady incharge had now disappeared somewhere. The CW was actually looking for her. She found her and gave my file to her. She went back in with my passport to take a copy I think. She returned and kept the passport on my file and gave it to the lady. The Customer service lady called me and gave me my file. I asked what happened. She said your application is Approved. I was so happy, felt like jumping and the next few words from my heart were my sincere thanks to the almighty. I took the file and the approval letter in it and went to a chair next to the window and started reading it. I wanted to make 100 per cent sure that everything was ok before I leave the building. All looked fine and suddenly the Caseworker called my ticket no. I was a bit worried again now but she came to give my accounts which she had it and also apologised for not returning earlier. I left the building thanking god.
If my story was normal as in many other cases I read here, I would not have posted but since I had to go through all this, I wanted to share it with all of you.
I learned one important lesson 'Never give up, keep fighting if you are right'.
Thank you all especially sushdmehta and best wishes to all of you
