T1G to ILR Success at Croydon - 18/12/2013

[Natedogg]

I had my ILR granted today at Croydon PEO for myself only. My T1G was valid from 13/01/2009 and entered the UK on 16/01/2009 so qualify on 13/01/2014 as per 90 day concession rule.

I submitted the following essential documents:

- Set(O) form (December 2013 version)
- Covering letter
- Current and expired New Zealand passports
- BRP
- 2 x photos
- Life in the UK pass
- Spreadsheet setting out all absences from the UK (114 days total in five years. No more than 40 in one 12 month period)
- Letter from employers setting out work related absences over last five years
- 12 months payslips
- Letter from employer specifying gross and net salary, payment dates and amounts paid
- Current bank statements showing payments received
- Photocopies of the above

Although not absolutely necessary in my view, I also submitted the following:

- Savings bank statements demonstrating that I have money to support me, as per section 5 of the form
- Two recent payslips from my current employer. These were not necessary for point scoring but thought might help back up figures in section 5 of the form
- Original HSMP approval letter. Clarifies when application was first made and therefore higher age bracket for point scoring.

I submitted payslips and an employer letter as the payslips didn't have an 'official' stamp from employer, only one that said 'Payroll' and the address of my former employer. The employer letter itself only had the company crest pre-printed on it, rather than everything legally required for 'company headed paper' (e.g. address, company no etc).

The appointment itself ran very smoothly, as set out below:

- Arrived at 8.50 am for 9.30 am appointment.
- Went through security screening (took about 5 minutes).
- Walked up to 3rd floor.
- Had appointment and payment confirmed at desk on left then was given token and asked to sit in cafe (another five minutes).
- Was called to another desk where I was asked to put all documents in plastic folder they supplied while my passport, photos and BRP were checked. I am glad I didn't put everything in a ringbinder as there really isnt much point, given they want us to put it in plastic folder. Was asked to take seat with plastic folder of my docs in it until called for biometrics (approx. 5 minutes).
- Called up for biometrics at one of the booths in the far right section of the office. Had to sign form with fat marker pen to record my signature. Using this pen really made a mess o my signature so I dont think it will come out well on the BRP! (approx. 5-10 minutes)
- After biometrics were taken, I handed over my plastic folder of docs and was told I could come back to office in 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Came back in one hour, went through security then back to cafe on 3rd floor.
- After 10 minutes my token was called, went to counter and I was told my application was approved, here are my docs and your BRP will be with you within 7 days. I told the guy he'd made my day! I also asked about leaving the country on Xmas eve if I didnt have my BRP on Xmas eve and trying to reenter without it on the 30th. He seemed to think this was possible if I had the approval letter with me.
- All up, probably took about 2-2.5 hours.

Thanks everyone here for your help over the last few months. This board is a valuable resource that can take much of the stress and worry away from what can be a stressful process. Happy to answer any queries.

[MK123]

Congrats Natedogg.