Chances of getting ILR - worried - please help

[bychancelucky]

Hello,

A bit long post please bear with me.

I was initially here in the UK on my partner’s dependant Visa valid for four years, I got a job and was working on my dependant visa but personal circumstances forced us to return home in 2003, Both had to resign our job in the UK and go back home. I was expecting my child as well, so had to go home. we were not happy with the circumstances back home and soon thought of returning to the UK.

I spoke to my employer in the UK, who was very much willing to have me back, but wanted me to start immediately and said that he would apply for my WP once I am here.

He knew that my dependant visa was still valid, so in May 2004 I took a chance and came to the UK using my dependant visa (It was one of those desperate measures). Was let through by the immigration officer, not much questions asked, one question was why I was away from UK for so long, and I did mention for Childbirth.

My employer also was not aware of WP rules as I was the first employee for whom they applied for a WP, we went through a solicitor who got us an in country 5 years WP and got my FLR stamped at a later date in country. Later got my partner and child as dependant and since then have been living in the UK legally, paying my taxes, working for the same employer till date.

I am close to applying for my ILR, what is worrying me is the means I used to get into UK.

Can this pose a threat to my ILR application?
What are my chance of getting ILR?
Should I use the service of a Solicitor?

Me and my lovely family have a lot to lose if I do not get my ILR, please, please advice guys what should be the approach I take, Solicitor or apply in person on my own?

Thanks in advance

[Mr Rusty]

Seems to me that if there had been any suspicion of irregularity, this would have been raised when you applied for FLR before, so it's unlikely to be a problem now.
But for the sake of a few hundred pounds to consult a professional to guide you through the process, why not just pay up and have the assurance that it's been done properly.

[iyanu]

I agree with Mr rusty 100%!

For the sake of any avoidance of doubts, I will suggest you use a solicitor. All though, coming from your explanation there seems to be no issue in my view.

I wish you best of luck in your ILR application.

[bychancelucky]

Thanks Mr. Rusty and iyanu,

I was really worried that this could effect our ILR Application, feeling much better now.

I have spoken to a solicitor who was referred to by a friend who had employed their service for obtaining his ILR. I plan to meet them later next month in person and hand over the required documents.

I shall explain to them what I have detailed in my posting when I meet them, hope and wish it all goes through fine for me and my family.

The five years has been a long wait to get through, last time around we missed the boat, but do not want to miss it this time.

Thanks and regards