Tier 1 Queries

[gautamdheeraj]

Hi All,

I am planning to apply for Tier 1 from India in mid June (waiting for maintenance eligibility). Currently completing all other work and documents. I have certain queries -
* In my degree certificate, My name is printed is First name only and all other documents (passport, bank statements, payslips) I have my complete name with surname. What additional document should I produce? "Same Name Certificate/Affidavit having my photo" from notary would suffice?

* In my degree certificate state of university is not mentioned anywhere. It only mentions MDU, Rohtak (name of the district). But while going through pbscalculator, I found it is mandatory to select some state. Mentioning this in the cover letter would suffice. What additional document should I produce?

* For English requirement, my 4 years degree will suffice. But nowhere its written that my degree was four years. On another post, one member submits 8 semester mark sheets. I believe this should be able to prove my degree as four years, so my English requirement. What senior member suggests?

* For currency conversion, BIA recommends oanda.com. On this forum, some members suggested to use http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic. On this web page, there are different rates displayed. e.g Interbank rate, typical cash rate, typical credit card rate etc. Which one to use? I believe Interbank Rate needs to be used.

* In Last September I changed my job. Now I have two salary slips for month of October. One for new company another for last company's full and final settlement. Should I claim full and final settlement from last company?

* In pbsguidance, it written that we need to provide evidence of funds or withdrawal where appropriate. For how much amount evidence should be provided?

* For maintenance requirement, I took money from my father. Is there any need to show proof of this fund. I am choosing statement dates such as these transactions are out of my statement? But also I am also submitting statement of same account for previous earnings but for different period. What could be proof for source of funds?

* Currently I am applying alone. My wife will be applying later. Does it weakens my case?

* One more, What is Intgra process.

Thanks
- Dheeraj

[gautamdheeraj]

Any response from Senior members ?

[push]

* In my degree certificate, My name is printed is First name only and all other documents (passport, bank statements, payslips) I have my complete name with surname. What additional document should I produce? "Same Name Certificate/Affidavit having my photo" from notary would suffice?

- better and safer option would be to bet a degree certificate with your full name. If that seems like a long drawn process, then get a notary certificate (Assuming that you are applying from India, look for notaries authorised by BHC). Additionally, get a letter from the concerned University that the certificate was indeed granted to you and because of conventions/whatever, only first name has been entered on the degree certificate. Despite doing all this, ECO might reject the application.

* In my degree certificate state of university is not mentioned anywhere. It only mentions MDU, Rohtak (name of the district). But while going through pbscalculator, I found it is mandatory to select some state. Mentioning this in the cover letter would suffice. What additional document should I produce?

Select the state as Haryana from the dropdown list and if your Univ is listed on the self assessment tool, there should be no problem.

* For English requirement, my 4 years degree will suffice. But nowhere its written that my degree was four years. On another post, one member submits 8 semester mark sheets. I believe this should be able to prove my degree as four years, so my English requirement. What senior member suggests?

Even my degree does not state the duration of the qualification. If you can get a letter to this effect from the University, it would be helpful. Although, I assume that the fact it is listed on the self assessment tool and the tool awards you points for english qualification, you need not worry. Others, please comment !!

* For currency conversion, BIA recommends oanda.com. On this forum, some members suggested to use http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic. On this web page, there are different rates displayed. e.g Interbank rate, typical cash rate, typical credit card rate etc. Which one to use? I believe Interbank Rate needs to be used.

Thats interesting Use whatever you want to use (we bankers prefer interbank rates) unless it makes a material difference to your application. In any case the caseworker will reconfirm the conversion calculations. Are you as marginal a case as far as points on this criteria concerned, as to warrant so much worry??

* In Last September I changed my job. Now I have two salary slips for month of October. One for new company another for last company's full and final settlement. Should I claim full and final settlement from last company?

Go for it buddy, I too did it. Its perfectly legitimate.

* In pbsguidance, it written that we need to provide evidence of funds or withdrawal where appropriate. For how much amount evidence should be provided?

- read it again. Your interpretation seems to be wrong !!

* For maintenance requirement, I took money from my father. Is there any need to show proof of this fund. I am choosing statement dates such as these transactions are out of my statement? But also I am also submitting statement of same account for previous earnings but for different period. What could be proof for source of funds?

Yes. A gift deed should suffice.

* Currently I am applying alone. My wife will be applying later. Does it weakens my case?

Not really, if you provide adequate explanation for that. Last year a few HSMP applications got rejected with ECO taking a view that@ " the fact that your wife is not going with you, you dont seem to have intentions of settling in UK, as is the objective of HSMP (really ) but then some of other applicants got away with it. Mention the reasons very clearly in your cover letter....

* One more, What is Intgra process.

I am too tired to answer that question in detail. Basically it is a process by which BHC verifies the authenticity of the evidence submitted in support of claiming point under the HSMP/Tier-1 VISA application. Its doen by a third pary- a company called Integra

[gautamdheeraj]

Thanks push_hsmp for your answers. They cleared lots of confusion.
- My different name on degree certificate is because earliar I was using my first name. Then I changed my name (added surname). No documents available now for name change. But degree certificate have my photograph (but quite old). Still I would talk to University if I can get new degree certificate or a Letter from them.
- One more question BHC Site suggests to contact local Notory Public. Or I should look somewhere else.

- Dheeraj

[push]

Thanks push_hsmp for your answers. They cleared lots of confusion.
BHC Site suggests to contact local Notory Public. Or I should look somewhere else.


- Dheeraj

you are looking at the correct place. This link provides the contact details of the advocates in different regions of the country. This list is only indicative and you dont have to necessarily get the certificate from these guys only. The advantage of using these guys is that in your cover letter you can claim that the enclosed certificate comes from a lawyer whose name was listed on BHC website (albiet for providing certified translations in English).

Dont be surprised if one of these lawyers says that he does not even know that his name is on the BHC website- it happened in my case.

All the best.

Kind regards,

push_hsmp

[avn77]

Hi

I got my Tier 1 Migrant visa in Mumbai last week. It is valid for 3 years. I have a small query. I am looking for ajob in the UK from Mumbai. I do have the Tier 1 Migrant visa so dont need sponsorship. What I do want to know is if there is a time limit in which one needs to make an entry into the uk?? Can I enter the UK and start working after a year i.e. a year after I got my Tier 1 Visa. I am unable to find any info in this regard?? Can you please help.

A V Narayanan

[push]

Hi

I got my Tier 1 Migrant visa in Mumbai last week. It is valid for 3 years. I have a small query. I am looking for ajob in the UK from Mumbai. I do have the Tier 1 Migrant visa so dont need sponsorship. What I do want to know is if there is a time limit in which one needs to make an entry into the uk?? Can I enter the UK and start working after a year i.e. a year after I got my Tier 1 Visa. I am unable to find any info in this regard?? Can you please help.

A V Narayanan

AVN77, Legallyonce you have an EC, you can enter UK at anytime after the approval date, till its expiry. But in practice, you might have a bit of explanation to do to the Immigration officer. The second point to consider is the ILR.

For your benefit, I am posting from UK Border agencies website:
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/faqs/5167621/2969423

After I get my visa What is the latest date that I can arrive in the UK with my visa?

The expiry date will be shown on the visa, but remember that this is also the last day on which you are permitted to stay in the UK.

hope this helps.

regards,

push_hsmp

[avn77]

Thanks Push HSMP. I am aware of the ILR. I am looking for work now. Realistically it might take me 6-8 months and I also plan to get married in 6 months so that will be my explanation to the immigration officer.

To extend my Tier 1 after 3 years I need to show myself emolyed for onbe year i.e. ideally the last year and earning in the vicinity of 40,000GBP. I still have 3 years on my visa, so will I be ok if I landed in the UK after a year with a job in hand??

What about the explanation to the immigration officer?? Can i use my marriage and job search as reasons?? Please do advise..

Thanks

[push]

Thanks Push HSMP. I am aware of the ILR. I am looking for work now. Realistically it might take me 6-8 months and I also plan to get married in 6 months so that will be my explanation to the immigration officer.

To extend my Tier 1 after 3 years I need to show myself emolyed for onbe year i.e. ideally the last year and earning in the vicinity of 40,000GBP. I still have 3 years on my visa, so will I be ok if I landed in the UK after a year with a job in hand??

What about the explanation to the immigration officer?? Can i use my marriage and job search as reasons?? Please do advise..

Thanks

See as far as I know, logically what you are saying appears ok. But marriage does not sound like a credible reason for deferring entering UK by an year. At the same time HSMP/Tier 1 is meant for people who are skilled enough to get a job after coming to UK. So the reasoning that you were looking for a job sitting there in India also does not hold sostrongly.

So technically you can enter UK even on the last date of your VISA but practically it might require you to do a lot of explaining -I mean one would have to come up with compelling reasons as to why one did not enter the country despite having an Entry Clearance. Someone who has done it successfully in the past would be well placed to answer this question.

You might also want to write a letter to HO and clarify.

regards,

push_hsmp

[avn77]

Push HSMP

Many thanks for you reply. I am quite certain I will be able to travel to the UK with a job offer in 10 months time or so. I plan to give my marriage as the reason. However, I did check with a lot of people and all said that you can go after a year or 1.5 years as well...I need to ensure I earn 40000 GBP in my final year and need the work atleast 1 whole year before my current visa runs out for an extension.

I am also job hunting sitting in India. I dont think it is viable to quit my current job and travel to the uk to job hunt for a month or god know how much longer.

Are you in agreement with my understanding of the rules. Whom should I write this letter to? Do you have any email ids or contact details.

Cheers

[push]

However, I did check with a lot of people and all said that you can go after a year or 1.5 years as well...I need to ensure I earn 40000 GBP in my final year and need the work atleast 1 whole year before my current visa runs out for an extension.

Even I would tend to agree with it.

I am also job hunting sitting in India. I dont think it is viable to quit my current job and travel to the uk to job hunt for a month or god know how much longer.

Could not have agreed more with you on this. I dont know which sector are you in but I am in Banking and have seen people being laid off left right and center.

Are you in agreement with my understanding of the rules. Whom should I write this letter to? Do you have any email ids or contact details.

You might try this id wpcustomers@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

[TierOneAspirantMay]

Hi avn77,

Iam also looking for the same option(trying job from india) and please let me know how u r planning to do that ? r u from IT ?

[avn77]

Thanks a ton Push HSMP...

[push]

Thanks a ton Push HSMP...

no worries. best wishes for your job search.

regards,

push_hsmp

[notty]

hi there

[notty]

congrats to all who got their TIER 1 stamped

[notty]

Thanks a ton Push HSMP...

no worries. best wishes for your job search.

regards,

push_hsmp

[notty]

Thanks a ton Push HSMP...

no worries. best wishes for your job search.

regards,

push_hsmp

[geriatrix]

push_hsmp,
You better answer this guy's queries, or else he is going to post the same thing in each and every discussion topic on this board.

notty,
Can you delete the duplicates, I think one is more than enough for anyone to respond.



regards

hi there
i am going to apply for tier 1 from student visa

i have done PGDMS here in UK in 2008, can i use that PGDMS to get my qualification points?

i came here in JAN07, before that i have done full time course of Graphic designing from institute in pakistan it was six months course, i started that in JULY06 and completed in DEC06, will HO consider me as a student from
july06 or from JAN07?

If from JULY06 then what documents are required from my pakistani institute.

I am showing earnings from pakistan, i was working in a company from APRIL04 to JUNE05 as a marketing manager, i've earned handsome money out of it. the company was doing marketing/advertising projects in real estate, in that period they have done marketing/advertising for some housing projects and for some shopping malls. but now a days there is downfall on that company coz real estate is almost stopped from last 1 year in pakistan so company is just on breakeven. so does it matter or not?

and does INTEGRA investigate and visit employer in each n every case. and what kind of questions they will ask to employer.

I have my payslips and Tax returns stamped by IT office with confirmation letter, is that enough evidence to get my earning points

Thanks a ton Push HSMP...

no worries. best wishes for your job search.

regards,

push_hsmp

[gautamdheeraj]

Hi All,

I shall be applying my Tier 1 application very soon. Just preparing for that and on final stage. I have certain queries -

* For maintenance funds - Do I need to show from where I get the money. I will be submitting only last 3 months statement which will show no inflow of 2800 pounds. Do I need to show source of these funds?

* PBS Guidance says (for maintenance funds) - "the receipt of funds along with regular withdrawals from the account, where appropriate". How should I interpret this word "appropriate". The account in which I am showing maintenance funds is a normal savings account not a salary account.

* My salary and my wife's salary both are transferred into this account. Should I explain these entries as well? I believe I should do that.

* I have a running home loan with EMIs linked from this account and EMI entries will be there in the account statements. Should I provide any documents/explanation for this. If yes, What could be probable document? any idea?

* I believe I need not to explain any transactions appearing in A/C statements submitted for the previous earnings.

- Dheeraj

[gautamdheeraj]

Hi,
Today I called VFS customer care regarding some query on maintenance funds. While querying they told me that "you need to submit 15 months bank account statement for maintenance funds, of which last 3 months must show that 2800 pounds have been maintained".

Is that true? Is there any requirement of this sort. I believe there should not be any such requirement?

Does some body aware of BHC email-id where we can sent our queries?


- Dheeraj

[gautamdheeraj]

I am waiting reply from senior members .

[hsmp1412]

Hi gautamdheeraj,

you can mail at any of the following IDs based on where u are located:
West India: Email us vfsuk.west@vfs-uk-in.com
East India: Email us vfsuk.east@vfs-uk-in.com
North India: Email us vfsuk.north@vfs-uk-in.com
South India: Email us vfsuk.south@vfs-uk-in.com

I had mailed them and they told me to submit 15 months' statements as well. I am wondering what to do now. Is yours a fresh application?

[rely]

do not trust their verbal orders.most of them are goonks sitting there.request them via e mail.
Rely

Hi gautamdheeraj,

you can mail at any of the following IDs based on where u are located:
West India: Email us vfsuk.west@vfs-uk-in.com
East India: Email us vfsuk.east@vfs-uk-in.com
North India: Email us vfsuk.north@vfs-uk-in.com
South India: Email us vfsuk.south@vfs-uk-in.com

I had mailed them and they told me to submit 15 months' statements as well. I am wondering what to do now. Is yours a fresh application?

[CoolestGuyC]

I had the idea that VFS people dont make any decisions related to Visa, rather BHC people are the ultimate authority in the decisions.

So would it be any better if queries related to immigration rules are posted to

New Delhi visqry.newdelhi@fco.gov.uk

Chennai Chennai.visaenquiry@fco.gov.uk

Kolkata Visaenquiry.Kolkata@fco.gov.uk

Mumbai bombay.visaenquiries@fco.gov.uk