I've been in the UK 9.5 years on a student visa (I moved here at 13), and 6 months on a PSW. I'm getting ready to apply for the ILR but I have a few questions concerning the supporting documents needed:
1) I've only been working since September 2009, but my contract is indefinite (with a 2 year tie-in), will this be enough proof or should I ask for an additional letter from HR to confirm me as a full-time employee?
2) Since I just finished university, I'm basically living in my overdraft, and although I can support myself, my account only ever reaches zero (instead of minuses) just after my paycheck goes in. I can still support myself, but I'm worried about this.
3) Will my university diplomas (BA and Msc) and A level and GCSE results (the official papers) be enough to prove that I was here continuously or should I go back and contact my schools and universities to ask for a letter confirming that I was there? I mean I was on a student visa, so I had to show regular proof anyway (and I've kept all those letters), but I'm worried it won't be enough.
4) I'm currently renting privately from my landlord, but it's an informal agreement (so there is no documentation) - would a letter from him be enough to prove that I have my own place?
5) Do I really need a doctor's letter to prove I've been registered at my various addresses?
6) I have never paid council tax since I've been a student all this time, and at the moment it's included in my rent - so I can't send that document - would a letter from the landlord be enough?
7) I've had part-time jobs over the years, should I bring all of my payslips and P60s or just the ones from my current full-time position?
My birth certificate is in a foreign language, but I have a certified translation - however this is a little old now, so would it be safer to have it renewed?
If there are any documents you think I may need or do not need from the list above please let me know
And finally:
postal or face-to face? I'm keen to save those few hundred pounds, but I'm worried that the application may be rejected if I'm not there face to face (I was going to lug my bank statements from 2002 onwards to prove I was here, as well as all my bills and all the immigration documents I've kept over the last 10 years, just to be on the safe side!) to clarify points...Many many many thanks if you've read this far and you can answer me - I'm really confused at the lack of clear guidelines when it comes to documents for the ILR under 10 year long residency.