I recently got my ILR approved. Here are my notes on this experience. Hope it’s useful. I am not responsible if things work out differently for you. I understand and expect that you will exercise your discretion.
New online process for Set (O) explained in brief:
Register and fill your online application as much as you can [link:
https://www.gov.uk/settle-in-the-uk]. You will have a link to download pdf of your incomplete application. Use this pdf as a guide to check/fill the rest of the form (don’t worry the form won’t be submitted unless you press the submit and pay button). Once you acquire all your documents (details below), submit and pay the fees. You will receive an email confirming the submission from the home office. You will be redirected to a webpage with a link to setup an account on Sopra Steria website + a link to download consent form and a checklist of required documents. Download the consent form and checklist. Setup an account with Sopra Steria. You will get an email from Sopra. Book an appointment for biometrics on their website. Also, find the link to upload documents. Scan and upload all your documents before your visit. It makes your biometrics appointment run so much smoother.
Scanning guide:
I scanned the documents in color (not necessary but useful to show signatures in color ink).
Scan as pdf files (recommended).
Keep individual file size lower than 6mb (necessary).
Scan all pages of passport(s) and merge them together as one pdf file (recommended).
Scan both sides of BRP and merge as one pdf.
and so on…
Preparing for Life in the UK test:
(i) Book:
I bought the official book from [
https://www.tsoshop.co.uk/Life-in-the-U ... kID=002353]. I familiarized myself with the four or five different sections of the test using the book but did not actually make much use of it to prepare for the test.
(ii) Practice test website:
This ‘official’ website [
https://lifeintheuktests.co.uk/life-in-the-uk-test/] contains 45 practice tests. I started learning about the history and life in the UK using these questions (and Wikipedia for the facts I did not know). I failed at most of these tests in the first instance. After going through these the second time, I noticed a significant improvement and by my third attempt I was scoring above 20 in all of these.
My advice is to practice all the tests available on this website (don’t bother purchasing the book). Most of the questions on my test were either exactly the same or very similar to the questions within all these tests. Another thing I noticed at my test is that most of the questions were Scotland related (I took the test in Edinburgh). Pay extra attention to the questions related to the region you are living in.
Once you are confident, you can book the test here -
https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test
Financial documents:
I submitted last three months’ payslips and bank statements. Get your payslips stamped and get a letter authenticating these payslips.
My bank is HSBC which has a policy not to authenticate/stamp bank statements. I managed to get a temporary statement printed at the bank on their letterhead along with a standard draft letter that HSBC issues to all. I explained this in my cover letter (see below) and this was sufficient.
Sponsor letter and previous sponsor letter:
Here is a draft letter I used for my application. My advice is to work closely with the HR. Calmly explain to them why each statement serves a purpose in their letter.
Draft letter:
indefinite-leave-to-remain/employer-let ... 75321.html
Side note: ‘Current salary will be paid for foreseeable future’ is implicit in the ‘required for the job for foreseeable future’. My sponsor letter didn’t have this, and it was not an issue at all.
Big shout out to the moderators of this forum for their advice on these letters. Much appreciated!
Cover letter:
I feel this is the one of the most important part of your application. Explain in a concise yet comprehensive manner why you qualify for ILR. Also make sure to explain anything that needs explaining (such as bank statement in my case). Don’t hesitate to explain to the case worker in as short a way as possible. Demonstrate that you understand the process of ILR application and can confidently say that you qualify. Do mention politely that you are happy to provide more information if they need it (and that you are just one email away from them).
Draft letter:
UK Visas and Immigration XX March 2019
Dear Sir/Madam,
SET (O) Application for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the United Kingdom
Super Priority Service
Applicant: xx xxx; Date of birth: xx-xx-xxxx; Nationality: xxxx
Unique Application Number: 12345
Payment notification number: 12ABC345
Submission date: xx-xx-2019
Please find enclosed my application form and following documents in support of my application for indefinite leave to remain –
Mandatory documents:
1. Current passport.
2. Signed consent form for verification checks.
Proof of residence in the UK:
3. Biometric Residence Card.
4. Driving license.
Proof of identity and travel history:
5. Old passport with issued Visas and entry stamps.
6. Letter from sponsor, XXX University with lists of absences from the UK with reasons.
7. Letter from previous sponsor, University of XXX with lists of absences from the UK with reasons.
Proof of employment:
8. Letter from sponsor confirming that I am still required for the role, that I am receiving a salary of £xx,xxx per annum for a xx hour working week, and that the SOC code for my role is xxxx.
Proof of finances:
9. Payslips for January, February and March 2019.
10. Letter from the employer confirming the payslips.
11. Bank statements for January, February and March 2019 (till date).
12. Letter from the bank confirming the finance details.
Proof of other requirements:
13. Life in the UK pass certificate.
14. xx degree certificate for original research conducted in English.
15. xx degree supplementary information.
Along with my most recent bank statement (dated xx February 2019), I have also attached a statement printed at the bank on their letterhead for the dates between xx March and xx March 2019. Since it is HSBC national policy not to stamp individual statements, I have also attached a signed letter from HSBC confirming my up to date financial details.
I have spent a continuous period of 5 years in the UK as a Tier 2 (General) visa holder on the xx March 2019 (counting the 5 year period from xx March 2014, the date when my initial application for entry clearance was approved). I have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK during any year within the 5 years I have been living in the UK and I have provided the specified documents relating to my absences from the UK. I have met the English language requirement and I have passed Life in the UK Test.
Please let me know if you need any more information, I will be glad to provide it.
Yours faithfully,
Mr/Ms Xx xxx
Address: xxx
Mobile: 1234567
Email:
xx@xx.com
