Tier 1 (General) extension applications - PEO Experiences

[ajay.jethani]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1 (G)
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 21-Jan-2013
3. Number of dependants: 1
4. Employment: Salaried
5. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 1st March 2013
6. Date of expiry of the new visa : 1st March 2016
7. Payment mode : Debit Card
8. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon
9: Approval letter: Given on the same day after 3.5 hours
10. BRP Received on: 28-Jan-2013

Over all experience was good. As we got the approval letter

Just experience that they were running fast may be bad weather in last few days there were many appointments on that day

My Appointment was at 9 am . we finished security,payment, by 8:50
then we were called by token number. This lady took more time and she confirmed also 2 times regarding my correspondence address and i explicity mentioned to deliver my documents and BRP to office address. Looks she got confused. But anyway apart from that there was no hickupss or any issues

then we submitted the documents when our token called at Customer Service Desk at 10:00 am. After 2 hours we got the documents back and approval letter.

Thanks to all senior members, Standing members on this forum
Salim , Sanjay,Ash and all others members replied my queries however silly may be

All the best to others new/members for their applications

This forum people are great and much appreciated your help.

you guys Rock!

Thanks
Regards,
Ajay

[riteshgaur]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1 (G)
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 23-Jan-2013
3. Number of dependants: 2
4. Employment: Self Employed
5. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 04-Feb-2013
6. Date of expiry of the new visa : 04-Feb-2016
7. Payment mode : Debit Card
8. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon
9: Approval letter: Given on the same day
10. BRP Received on: yet to receive

Thanks for all your support

[Notiers]

1. Current vignette: Tier 1 (General)
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 25-Jan-2013
3. Number of dependants: 1
4. Employment: Employed
5. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 15-Feb-2013
6. Date of expiry of the new visa : 15-Feb-2016
7. Payment mode : Debit Card
8. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon
9: Approval letter: Given on the same day
10. BRP Received on: Received on Jan 29th 2013

The process was smooth. After the security checks and bio metrics, we were waiting for the case worker. Need to mention this here that in the waiting hall some people get their representatives. Few of these representatives, were talking and enjoying making it difficult to recognise the number called by the case workers. Just because it is an everyday affair for them, but not for us, they should maintain decorum.

In mycase, the case worker was soft spoken. She did not ask anything in specific but mentioned the passports and the application forms. We provided with the point based calculator summary ,bank statements, payslips,and maintenance fund letter, marriage certificate and degree certificates . She did mention she needed photocopies of all and was pleased when we submitted one. So please carry photocopies.

After 45 mins, we were called and everything was approved. letters were provided and brps would arrive in 5 to 7 working days.

[ukguyinlondon]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1 (G) (applied 5 Feb 2010)
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 22-Jan-2013
3. Number of dependants: 0
4. Employment: Salaried
5. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 5-Feb-2013
6. Date of expiry of the new visa : 5-Feb-2015
7. Payment mode : Debit Card
8. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon
9: Approval letter: Given on the same day
10. BRP Received on: 30 Jan, 2013 (Was sent to my home address even though I specified office address in form! One of my friends picked it up on my behalf and he had to show his ID)

Reached Croydon at 745 am and was out by 930am.

I claimed salary for 12 months - 1 employer.

Case worker asked me to provide only those bank statements which had the salary entry (only 9 sheets) + 3 months for maintenance.

He also asked if I could highlight the salary entries on bank statement and number the entries as 1,2,3,...12 and their corresponding entries in the payslip.

This forum is a great service - probably a virtual solicitor provided you know how to search and are able to recognize authentic authors!

A big thanks to the moderators.

Kind regards,

[tereliye01]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1 (G)
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 25-Jan-2013
3. Number of dependants: 1
4. Employment: Employed
5. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 09-Feb-2013
6. Date of expiry of the new visa : 09-Feb-2015
7. Payment mode : Credit Card (Barclaycard)
8. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon
9: Approval letter: Given on the same day
10. BRP Received on: 29-Jan-2013

Notes:
- Same experience overall as everyone else. Quick processsing, went in at 9:45 and out by 13:30
- We had an infant with us (baby boy born just 5 days before the appointment). They allowed the child in without appointment (offcourse, we did not apply for our child's visa given he was just 5 days old and did not even have a passport yet).
- I called Barclaycard a day before my appointment and they put a note on my account to clear any transaction not more than £3000 for the next 48 hours
- There is a car park right across the street (next to NCP park) who charge £5 for whole day parking
- Food on 2nd floor cafe is okay, not the best (specially if you are vegetarian). I would suggest, you take something with you to eat, they allow food and drinks inside.

Overall, nice speedy experience. Good Luck friends and thanks everyone on this forum for your help and assistance..!!

Thanks for all your support
Bob

[a4asif1]

Hi

Can someone please share Cardiff experience?

Regards
aj

[SamratJha]

Aweful experience..

PEO : Glasgow
Intial Expiry Date: 23/03/2013
Application Date: 05/02/2013
New Expiry Date : 05/02/2015

The caseworker said she has followed policy document to decide on the expiry date and it is to be 2 years from the date of aplication. I said no where it is mentioned and I told her I would struggle for IL just for a month. She said she cant help. The caseworker was kind of rude.

I dont know what to do now? is there any way I can get rid of the 2nd extension..?

[phanidhar6039]

Hi,

UKBA clearly states that you should only apply with in 28 days of expiry but in most cases even thoough you apply early you get your visa from expiry rather than the date of appointment. It entirly depends on the caseworker in this case.


For ILR i presume you need 4 yrs 11 months alone (not sure) taking 28 days off .If below is the only time thats short then i belive you could be slightly short in line for ILR.

Any inputs from other members?

Thanks,
Phani

Aweful experience..

PEO : Glasgow
Intial Expiry Date: 23/03/2013
Application Date: 05/02/2013
New Expiry Date : 05/02/2013

The caseworker said she has followed policy document to decide on the expiry date and it is to be 2 years from the date of aplication. I said no where it is mentioned and I told her I would struggle for IL just for a month. She said she cant help. The caseworker was kind of rude.

I dont know what to do now? is there any way I can get rid of the 2nd extension..?

[Saslam8290]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1 (G)
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 6th-February-2013
3. Number of dependents: 0
4. Employment: Employed
5. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 26-Feb-2013
6. Date of expiry of the new visa : 26-Feb-2015
7. Payment mode : Credit Card (Helifax)
8. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon
9: Approval letter: Given on the same day
10. BRP Received on: 11th February 2013

Notes:
- Same experience overall as everyone else. Quick processing, went in at 9.00 and out by 12.00.
- I took photocopy of the whole case with me as if they need, they asked for and kept it so make sure you keep copy with you.
- I called Helifax a day before my appointment and they put a note on my account to clear any transaction of £1800 for the next 48 hours

Overall, nice speedy experience. Good Luck friends and thanks everyone on this forum for your help and assistance..!!

Thanks for all your support

[mulderpf]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1 (G)
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 6 February 2013
3. Number of dependents: 1
4. Employment: Employed
5. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 1 March 2013
6. Date of expiry of the new visa : 1 March 2016
7. Payment mode : Credit Card (HSBC Mastercard)
8. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon
9: Approval letter: 6 February 2013
10. BRP Received on: 8 February 2013 (dependant) / 21 February 2013 (main applicant)

Was fairly quick and painless. Biometrics took a while. Caseworker had my documents for 25 minutes and called me back to acknowledge that case was approved. He also thanked me for being quite organised and giving him exactly what he needs. (I had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in my pack that wasn't asked for - passports, photos, payslips, bank statements for earnings, bank statements for maintenance and the two application forms and copies of everything other than the app forms). No covering letter, no explanations, no long stories - just what they need.

Both myself and my partner were made to sign forms detailing exactly what will be printed on the BRP. He asked us to check names, dates of birth and other details and this also contained the expiry date of the new visa, which he re-iterated.

Appointment was for 10:20 - arrived at 09:50 and was out of there by 13:00. With all the different queues, there wasn't really too much time waiting and I mostly just amused myself by people-watching.

[netbee]

Hello,

My visa is expiring at mid of March and as we all know that it's night mare to get PEO appointment, Is it worth for me to try to get for myself and then send my two depends application separately via post?

What are complication/ negative points in apply their visa separately?

Regards,

[koolyaar]

Hello,

My visa is expiring at mid of March and as we all know that it's night mare to get PEO appointment, Is it worth for me to try to get for myself and then send my two depends application separately via post?

What are complication/ negative points in apply their visa separately?

Regards,

I don't think there is any complication but you need to make sure that you send their visa before it's expired. and also i think the fee is different please check UK BA web site

Thanks,
koolyaar

[bubin123]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1 (G)
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 6th-February-2013
3. Number of dependents: 0
4. Employment: Employed (Ltd Company Director)
5. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 16-mar-2013
6. Date of expiry of the new visa : 16-Mar-2016
7. Payment mode : Credit Card (Barclaycard)
8. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon
9: Approval letter: Given on the same day
10. BRP Received on: 8th Feb...

[paribus]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1 (G)
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 04-Feb-2013
3. Number of dependants: 3
4. Employment: Employed through own limited company 75% shareholding
5. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 12-Mar-2013
6. Date of expiry of the new visa : 12-Mar-2015
7. Payment mode : Debit Card
8. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon
9: Approval letter: not given on same day - read below.
10. BRP Received on: received today 07-Feb-2013


Appointment was at 10am and got there by 9.15am. Completed usual check-in, made payment and did Biometrics around 11.00. Waited for about 2 hours in anticipation and there were several announcements around 1.00pm about ongoing system delay and that they are working to a 3-hour delay.

Someone made this observation previously and I'll repeat to emphasise. There were a number of men-in-suit around on the 2nd floor and engaged in quite loud conversations either over the phone or with their accompanied applicants - loud to the extent that it made hearing the token number annoucements quite difficult to catch sometimes. I guess for these agents, it is just another day at the office, not quite so for other self-accompanied applicants eagerly waiting in anticipation.

Got called around 2 to submit documents (yes, some 4 hours later!) and after about another 1.5 hrs wait, the case worker called back and said all ok but biometrics results still being awaited and will likely be till next day. I was given the option for ukba to call so I can come and pick up my documents once ready or to send by post. I chose the latter as I don't contemplate another drive back to Croydon up from where I reside. Was given a standard generic letter stating that my case could not be decided on that day as further checks need to be made (quite contrary to what the case said verbally and got a bit worried on the wording but took it in good faith).

Case worker actually called the next day which is good to let me know that the biometric results are now out and all still ok. Gave a royal mail tracking number for return of documents and mentioned that BRP will be sent seperately. BRP was delivered early morning today on the way out and came back in the evening to find out that RM delivered the other docs and passports. It's all good. Cheers everyone and all the best to those still waiting.

[shahmir]

Regarding PEO experiences, some people say there is a lot of questioning and interviewing at PEO Sheffield and sometime at Liverpool as well. To avoid this, I am making an appointment at PEO Solihull. Do you think it's a wise decision though I'll travel extra 120 miles. My application is for Tier 1 (G) extension Salaried + Self Employment (Sole trader).

[springfield]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1 (G)
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 11 Feb, 2013
3. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 30 Mar, 2013
4. Date of expiry of the new visa : awaiting Bio-metric card
5. Payment mode : Debit Card
6. PEO: Solihull
7. income: Employed through own limited company (Salary+Dividends)

Case worker was good overall, However, experienced difficult questions.
Questions asked: Company corporation tax certificate
What sort of business I was doing?
How people make contact to me for business?
company website which I didn't have
Invoices were asked.
Photo copy of all documents were asked which I had.
15 minutes interview then Given good news, approved.

Try to take photo copies of all documents apart from application form.

[adityaisukapalli]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1 (G)
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 12-02-2013
3. Number of dependants: 1
4. Employment: LTD Company (Salary + Dividends)
5. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 25-02-2013
6. Date of expiry of the new visa : 25-02-2016
7. Payment mode : Debit Card (Santander)
8. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon
9. Approval letter: Given on the same day
10. BRP Received on: 18-02-2013


Appointment @ 10am. Reached @ 9am. Went in @ 9am. Biometric Done @ 9:30am. Caseworker called @ 11:30am. Case Approved & Letter given @ 12:15pm.

Documents Submitted:
Dividend Vouchers, Payslips, Accountant Letter & Personal Bank Statements.

Caseworker asked me if i included Invoices. I said NO.
Caseworker asked me if i am paying tax to HMRC. I said YES.

[swpn009]

Thanks to everyone in this forum for their support.

1.Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : TIER1 General
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 12/02/2013
3. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 10/03/2013
4. Date of expiry of the new visa : 10/03/2015
5. Payment mode : Debit Card
6. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon
7. BRP Received on: 18/02/2012

More details @

http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewto ... 560#783560

[ukvisagirl]

Hi all,

My experience with PEO was rather straightforward, altho this was last year when I was trying to rush my application ahead of my trip home so I can receive my Biometric Permit in time.

My tip is to make sure you have got everything, including backup documents in case they will ask for it. And try to bring cash/check as sometimes they mentioned the credit card payment system may reject large sums going through (£1300 for my PEO appointment application)

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1 (G)
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 22-01-2012
3. Number of dependants: 0
4. Employment: Salary only
5. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 15-02-2012
6. Date of expiry of the new visa : 15-04-2014 (gave me two more month on top of the application date as my original visa approval date)
7. Payment mode : HSBC Credit Card
8. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon
9. Approval letter: Given on the same day
10. BRP Received on: Yes - but took 10 days, very close to my flight home!

[sandvika_dude]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 15/02/2013
3. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : Early March 2013
4. Date of expiry of the new visa : awaiting
5. Payment mode :Amex
6. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon

Appointment at 9 - fairly quick and efficient process. Decision taken in 3 hours. Age, qualifications and Language points required no additional documentation. For earnings submitted company letter and bank statements only. Not a single document other than was absolutely essential. Great forum.

[Thiruv]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1 (G)
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 13-02-2013
3. Number of dependants: 2
4. Employment: Limited Company Director drawing Salary and Dividend
5. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 15-04-2013
6. Date of expiry of the new visa : 15-04-2015
7. Payment mode : Bank of Scotland Debit Card
8. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon
9. Approval letter: Given on the same day
10. BRP Received on: No, yet to receive
11. Went through Agency - Yes. Imperial Visas
12. Base Location: Edinburgh

First of all, thanks to the forum, its Admin and the members. This forum was really useful when i was preparing my documents and did not know what to submit and what not to.. ofcourse the ukba site is very comprehensive and the information provided there will be enough by itself but getting to know other members experience really helps. Particularly their experience on the same day appointment. mine was pretty stressful as i had to travel from Edinburgh with my family that includes my 1 year old daughter. We took a BA flight at 6.20am from Edinburgh to Gatwick and then took train from gatwick to east croydon. Our appointment was at 9.15am but we reached half hour before (it was snowing that day and luckily there were no delays or cancellations).

As i said, i pretty much prepared all the documentation on my own, thanks to the forum. Since this extension was crucial for me, i did not bother to shell out that additional £1194 on solicitor's fees, believe me, it was worth it. I contacted imperial visas and requested for an appointment as early as possible. they were able to find me one which was in two weeks time. meanwhile I sent a copy of all my documents to the agent by email. The rep prepared our applications and kept the copies ready. We went to their office in croydon which was on the next street from croydon office and gave the originals and signed the application.

We then went to the PEO for the appointment. As described by our members, there were airport style security checks. We then went in to get the ticket no and that is when the problem started for us. There were technical issues which prevented us from getting a computer generated token. after that everything was manually done and my rep has to go and chase up each and every counter.. there were totally 5 different counters where our case moves.

counter 1 -where you get the ticket.
Counter 2 - Pay the money (call your bank well in advance to let them know that there will be a big transactions and give the details. in my case it was £3600.
Counter 3 - Case registration.
Counter 4 - Bio Metric
Counter 5 - Review your case/file. you may be called many times at this counter for clarification, if required.

After finishing all the formalities and biometric, our file was looked at by a case worker. He checked the file thoroughly and had lots of questions.

following are the questions that he asked me after looking at my file:

1. why was mthe address in my business bank statement different from the company registered address. I had my business bank statement sent to my home address. so i explained him and he was ok.

2. Though i submitted the invoice summary statement which was signed by my accountant, he asked for invoices. though i had the invoices, i thought it wil create confusion so i asked him to refer to the invoice summary. He was okwith that.

3. He said he could not find my accountanting firm and the accountant on the ACCA website. He took some time to get but managed to get the information. in the meantime i collected the auditors membership certificate, acca helpline no etc but did not give it to him. I was worried that too much of information will confuse him.

4. He asked for the contracts i signed with the banks i work for. I had the contracts downloaded from the contractor website and also got a letter from them saying that these are the true copies of the original.

and when he called us to say that my case was approved, it was almost 4pm and there were not very many people around at that time.

Ultimately, the approval letters he gave us was worth all the pain and money spent.

Advice to the members - From my experience, Croydon is the best PEO and the staffs are very kind. i had a good experiece at croydon and felt good vibe around that place. i somehow felt that the staff understand the pain you go thorough and they really appreciate it. I did not feel the same in glasgow PEO.

sorry for the lengthy post. if you have any questions, please ping me and i have loads to share. enjoy and gud luck!!

[Alish60]

Thanks to everyone in this forum for their support.

1.Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : TIER1 General
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 12/02/2013
3. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 10/03/2013
4. Date of expiry of the new visa : Awaiting
5. Payment mode : Debit Card
6. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon


More details @

http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewto ... 560#783560

Congratulations mate

[Alish60]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 15/02/2013
3. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : Early March 2013
4. Date of expiry of the new visa : awaiting
5. Payment mode :Amex
6. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon

Appointment at 9 - fairly quick and efficient process. Decision taken in 3 hours. Age, qualifications and Language points required no additional documentation. For earnings submitted company letter and bank statements only. Not a single document other than was absolutely essential. Great forum.

Congratulations mate

[netbee]

Congratulations on Your extension

[chary]

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 : Tier 1 (G)
2. Date of PEO Appointment : 13-02-2013
3. Number of dependants: 2
4. Employment: Limited Company, Director drawing Salary and Dividend
(Good that in the latest extension form, the question 'Employed / Self Employed' is
removed which was creating lot of conflicts in which a Director of a limited company is
treated by HMRC and HO)
5. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) : 23-02-2013
6. Date of expiry of the new visa : 23-02-2015
7. Payment mode : Debit Card
8. Name of PEO Applied : Croydon
9. Approval letter: Given on the same day
10. BRP Received on: 22-feb-2013
11. Went through Agency ? - No, but utilized the services of OISC reg solicitor for getting the PEO appointment
(I could not get appointments in the midnights and not lucky enough to get cancelled appointments
during daytime and hence impatiently decided to utilise the OISC reg solicitor service for availing appointment)

My PEO experience is normal as mentioned by most of the folks in the forum. The only question case worker
asked me was my nature of job.

Documents Submitted :

1.Personal and Business Bank statements ( last 8 months)
2.Accountant letter listing/confirming my net and gross income (salary
and Dividends) - Points were awarded based on the gross dividends
3.Accountant letter about my invoice summary, provisional P&L account
4. Invoices generated during the period

(The case worker did not ask the incorporation certificate, other additional documents)