Thanks Everybody..
Apologies for the delay in responding.. I am trying to reply all at one go.. Thus a long one..
I was on HSMP (non-JR) 2 years + Tier1(Gen) 3 years without any dependant. My spouse is on independant visa.
Btw, I am not uni lecturer..
that would be too serious kind of a job for me..
I applied for an extension in 2009 @ Glasgow PEO (I was based in London those days. My case was decided in 15 mins then) .. I had a very pleasant overall experience for the extension. I was very impressed by the officials there (right from security to caseworkers). I applied for ILR @ Glasgow PEO this time as well.
Initially at the counter, I was asked to submit application form +passport +whatever supporting documents I want them to consider. The docs listed in my first post on this thread are everything that I submitted (I took photocopy of the entire document set but was not taken). To claim overall 75 points, 6 payslips was good enough but I wanted to play safe and submitted 10 payslips. I mentioned to him that I have many more docs with me in case they need. He wanted clarification on something, I told him that this had been explained in the letter from the employer and explained in person as well.
Upon being surprised by the superfast decision, I was told that my case was straight forward and had strong points on past earnings section. I prefer not to discuss that further in a forum as I feel that can be on caseworker’s discretion.
Please note that I explained each section for PBS in separate covering note (with points claimed and the basis of doing so, documents enclosed in that section, etc). I heard it depends on the person at the sift whether to take those cover notes or not but I preferred to go prepared. If preparing for cover note or letter, I would suggest you to make one yourself (I did mine myself) as each case are different.
I was bit worried about the days away from UK as it had some weekly EU business trips too (wondered if they would demand any letter from employer) but just within 180 days limit (incl. vacations/holidays). I decided not to carry any letter from the client as those immigration stamps were on my schengen business visa and thus self-explanatory. It worked out fine. I filled days away from UK in the form and also gave a separate sheet with all travel details and total days away from UK.
Another bit of advice here for the biometric finger prints.. The lady found it difficult to capture my finger prints and asked if I had moisturiser on.. Yes, I had.. So, it’s better to wash your hand and get rid of any greasy stuff from your hand before being called for biometrics..
Before leaving, I was told that I should be expecting my BRP card in 7 working days by courier. If I don't receive it by 10 working days, I should contact back.
Hope this helps.
Cheers.