I have immensely benefited from this forum, and thought to share my experience to help other forum users like me.
Had an appointment at 9:30 earlier this week, reached there by around 8:30am and parked at Dingwall road car park.
Airport style security check at 9:00am, application versions checked by a staff after the security check.
Waited in the queue to be called by another staff and issued token number.
Went to the first floor to make payment by Banker's draft, no issues here.
Went to the second floor and waited for my number to be called by a case worker for initial checks. She just took my passports and application forms. Finished the check in 5 minutes and waited for biometric enrolment.
My number was called around 10:10 and all over by 10:30 and that's when the wait started. It took good couple of hours for my token number to be called again.
Went to the counter, and looked like the caseworker was pre-occupied with another case. There was some confusion here, but CW asked for my applications forms anyway. Then CW swiftly apologised and said she had to look at another case- and bunch of people appeared behind me. Looked like she was a senior case worker and that particular case had some issues.
CW apologised again and we waited for our number to be called again.
After about 15 minutes, we were called by another case worker, who was very polite and professional at the same time.
CW: Application form and passports please.
Me: Sure, and handed over them.
CW: Flipped to the last page of the application and started looking at the points claimed.
CW: Payslips and bank statements please?
Me: handed over the payslips and personal bank statements and mentioned that the folder had originals and copies.
CW: Just took the copies and put the originals aside.
CW: Flipped to the earnings page and looked at the amount claimed, which was quite high. When flipping to the earnings page, saw the traffic offence mentioned, just had quick read through and then carried on, no questions asked.
CW: looked at the payslips and asked whether the amount claimed are all in the payslips?
Me: no, then gave him the dividend vouchers and explained the break down of salary and dividends. Handed over the accountant letter as well.
CW just took only the copies and put the originals aside.
CW: Are you self employed?
Me: No, I am employed - working through my limited company.
Me: Do you need the business bank statements as well?
CW: well, I can see the money coming into the personal account - but give it anyway if you have copies.
That's it, no more questions.
CW: five more minutes and started typing.
CW: I am granting leave for 2 years from the expiry of my current leave to remain which will take you to 5 years( my current leave expires in 3 months)
Me: Quite happy with this (but I am eligible for ILR in October this year anyway.)
CW: handed over the Biometric application forms to us to double check all the details in them.
Me: All is well
and handed them backCW: Handed over the documents to us, and told us that BRP will arrive in 7-10 working days. He said to my wife that she can work and jokingly said - even our 18 month little one can 'work'
Me: Thanked him, and filled in the feedback form.
Overall a very good experience and staff were very polite and helpful.
Just received a call from my wife saying our BRPs have arrived by courier.
Thanks a lot to everyone, especially the moderators and all who replied to my previous posts.
This forum and few others have definitely saved me a few hundred pounds for engaging an agent. Personally, I think its better to represent the case ourselves if you are confident enough. We are there to answer questions related to us, explaining our documents. Again, this is my personal opinion - no offence to anyone who go through an agent.
Please feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions - otherwise wish you all the very best and see you in the ILR forum.
Thanks for reading.
Cheers,
Jay
