Post
by Lilo2017 » Mon Jan 16, 2017 4:09 pm
Hello everyone,
I've had a bit of a bumpy journey so I hope my details help others.
EEA STUDENT (doing a 6 year undergrad degree)
Docs sent 09/09/2016
Docs received 12/09/2016
Payment taken 15/09/2016
Confirmation email 28/09/2016
DCPR dated 20/12/2016
DCPR received ??24/12/2017 - 16/01/2017
Receiving docs:
The documents were sent to the wrong flat. Initial delivery on 24th December - my neighbours informed the post office that no one with that name lived there, so documents returned to Liverpool on 28th December. They were then again sent back on the 12th January to the same flat!! My neighbours just left the post card out on the stairs and I was lucky enough to find it and finally collect the pack from the post. That is a very long delay and could potentially have been a big issue as I could have had my documents lost! Not impressed with UKVI...
Personal details:
Student for 5 full years - undergraduate degree that actually spans over 2 universities with 2 degrees as a result. Always lived in university accommodation. Did not properly have CSI, but had an EHIC issued by home country just after referendum and then brought some documents of my insurance over the past 5 years.
Tips:
- provide document as best as you can - my insurance documents were rather patchy (I tried to present it as clear as possible) with only one EHIC actually issued over past 5 years.
- Bank statements - should be individually stamped?! I never did it (didn't see that small notice). Had no issues with it.
- Letter explaining finances - students need to include a letter signed by a solicitor where they declare they never made use of any particular benefits etc and that they have been self sufficient during the 5 years. I heard that letter can be a deal breaker, so don't forget about it!
- Don't leave any blank spaces in your application - if you are asked for a document, just declare you have it, even though it is patchy. For example I only had a plain letter from my previous university declaring I lived in their accommodation for three years. That did actually not include summers ( I lived with a friend over the summers). I think caseworkers are busy and won't be digging your documents too much. However, it is they legal responsibility to follow the law so it is understandable they would never issue a document for an application that clearly states there are documents missing.
- Include cover letters for each section: finances, accommodation, CSI etc and make you case. I personally mentioned my degree quite a few times and the fact that I would start work in August 2017 in a very respected and understaffed field. It maybe did not influence the outcome much, but I made it clear I am highly educated and will be a very valuable contribution to the society for the next 50 years of my career. The best it could have done is make them appreciate my application and maybe not dig into the details of my documents too much... who knows?!
- Try keep an eye on this forum. It's not exact science, but the timelines of others are a good indicator, I believe. It's maybe worthwhile to consider something went wrong if it's delayed too much (suspect posting issues?!). Better include a prepaid envelope to be sure....
I wrote this because I wanted to encourage students to take their chances and apply even through their CSI coverage is not straightforward. It's worth giving it a shot!
I am glad to offer advice to other students if anyone needs help.
Best of luck,
Lilo
