So I would like to share my experience hoping it might help others applying in future.
Initial grant of Tier1 (G) : 23-10-2008
Date of first entry in UK under Tier1 : 23-12-2008 ( 2 months after the grant of visa ) if it is within 90 days need not worry
Extension of Tier1 visa : 19-10-2011
Visa valid till: 23-10-2013
Appointment date : 2nd October 14:10 @ Croydon PEO
Dependent : None ( yes I am one of very few at my age still at large)
Total number of absences from UK during 5 years : 72 Days
I live in London so I booked my appointment at Croydon . However there seems to be general consensus on this forum that Solihull is one of the better PEOs. I thought about changing my appointment to Solihull but I had paid full fee online so I didn't want to go through the hassle of cancellation and rescheduling. Anyways experience at Croydon was quite satisfactory and off course end result plays a big part how happy and satisfied you are!
I took me an hour to get to East Croydon (nearest train station ) from East London . From station it's about 10 minutes walk. I got there early and was only let in at 1:40 pm.After security check,a lady quickly checked my form and the payment sheet ( ones who have paid online make sure you take it with you ). I was given a token number and asked to make my way to 3rd floor. I tried to use lift ( yes I am bit lazy ) but a security lady by the lifts angrily pointed towards stairs I felt a bit embarrassed lol Somehow I got to 3rd floor and was asked to take a seat in the cafe and wait for my token number to be called. Once token number was called , I went to case registration counters where a gentleman asked for SET O form, passport, BRP and all the supporting documents. He spent roughly 10 minutes inputting details into computer and once it was done he handed me all my documents including passport and BRP and asked me tp go to the biometrics counters ( counters 27-45) . I had my biometrics done fairly quickly only took 5 minutes or so and handed all my document to the gent who took my finger prints and photo. Then I was again asked to wait in the cafe . There are monitors all around in the cafe showing you different stages of your token ( application ) . Once you have done your biometrics,different stages are as below
1) Biometric verification checks
2) Awaiting consideration
3) Under consideration
4) Ready for collection ( once your token is ready for collection wait for your token to be called and then make your way to the counter )
Documents Submitted
1) Old + New Passport
2) BRP
3) 10 bank statements
4) 10 Payslips
5) Absence letters from employer ( not necessary though I was just 72 days out of UK during 5 years )
6) HMRC 5 year employment history ( not required just for piece of mind)
7) Life in UK
photocopies of all visas and entry/exit stamp pages It took me around 90 minutes for the whole process and my application was processed slightly quicker as tokens before me were still doing rounds. The only thing that I could think of was that I provided photocopies of all the documents and also highlighted my salary transaction in my bank statements. So I would advise to make photocopies ( I know it costs money but it's worth it ) as it makes the process slightly quicker.
I only showed 10 months payslips and bank statements and didn't show 12 months as I qualified for the points I needed . so those of you loosing any sleep over not having 12 months payslips/ bank statements please don't panic as all you need is to fulfil the points you need whether you can do it in 3 months or 12 months does not make a difference ( off course this period has to be in the 15 month requirement bracket)
I also handed a cover letter which helps as well. There are plenty of good templates on this forum that you can use.
In the end I would like to thank everyone sharing their experiences on this forum and making each other's life easier . I wish you all the best for your applications and drop me a message if I can assist you with anything.
