SAR and gap concern

[ci07jjs]

Hello,

Two questions:

First, I was wondering if anyone has made a SAR request recently. Does homeoffice keep immigration records since 1999 (initial visa was given at the airport september 1999)?

Second, During 2003 my previous university sent my passport as part of the student batch scheme to assist with my visa extention. My visa at the time was due to expire on 31st oct 2003 and I submitted my passport 28 days in advance to the university to send it through. However, my renewed visa was stamped on 5 november! I am just worried this might be seen as a 'gap' although it was submitted to the university well before the expiry date. I got a copy of the university declaration form that I signed when I gave my passport to the university. Do you think HO will accept this as a proof that I submitted my passport before the expiry date? I don't think the university has copy of postal receipts sent that long ago.

Many thanks

[paulp]

ci07jjs, it is very important that you find out what the HO considers as the application date for your student visa. I very much doubt that it would be the date that you gave your passport to your university, as the university is in no way an agent of or affiliated to the Home Office.

[ci07jjs]

I assume that would be done by the SAR request, right?

On the worst case sceario, what options do I have if the university sent the passport in late or the home office received the passport (possibly a processing delays to register the delivery date or postal delays!!!!) late. All I have is the declaration form to prove that I gave the passport in early. I am very worried.

[paulp]

I assume that would be done by the SAR request, right?

On the worst case sceario, what options do I have if the university sent the passport in late or the home office received the passport (possibly a processing delays to register the delivery date or postal delays!!!!) late. All I have is the declaration form to prove that I gave the passport in early. I am very worried.

The SAR may contain the date that they received the application. I think that the date of application is still the date of posting by the university but I'm not that familiar with the batch scheme. Get confirmation from others.

Does the international office at your university keep records? It might be worth enquiring.

[ci07jjs]

Thanks.
Just in the process getting a SAR request and also trying to see if the university still have my records.

[paulp]

Let's wait for the SAR/university records before assuming that there is a gap.

If there is indeed a gap, you may contact an immigration consultant to see if there is any scope for putting the blame on the university and pleading mitigating circumstances.

[ci07jjs]

Thanks again.

I will keep this post updated as I get more news.