ILR SET P - Refugee status route query

[harry1987]

Dear All,

I have refugee status expiring Januray 2018 and I believe i have to apply by Dec 2017. I have looked at the ILR Set P application form which looks pretty straight forward. But I have a few queries and hoping to get answers from your valuable experience:

1- what is the impact of the new regulation which says that refugees will not have an automatic entitlement to the Settlement anymore?
2- do i need to send the original documents to the home office, i.e. biometric card and other supporting documents.
3- what is the rough time scale for the decision?
4- as the application form is straight forward and I do not have any criminal convictions, can I skip seeking advice from an immigration lawyer?

Looking forward to your kind reply.

Thanks.