OK folks, I am very pleased to let you know that my application for discretionary leave (extension) has been approved and I have been granted a Visa to remain in the UK for another 3 years before I could be eligible to apply for an indefinite leave in 2016, after which I could apply for a UK passport in 2017.
I came to Britain more than 18 years ago, as a child in 1994, now I am 33. I had initially been given discretionary leave in April 2010 for three years which expired in April 2013. Here’s my timeline.
Application submitted: 28 March 2013 – Set FLR (O)
Payment taken: 05 April
Application Acknowledgement received: 09 April
Letter received for biometrics: 12 April
Biometrics taken: 15 April
UKBA wrote to my solicitor: 13 May
Letter received from my solicitor: 21 May – application successful
Documents received from solicitor: 21 May
Everything went nice and smoothly without having to wait for months
I wish a very good luck to all those who have been waiting for many months and as a result of that, you are unable to find work or travel back home to meet your loved ones, I can understand your anxieties.
Just a piece of advice to all new applicants before you apply, please make sure you apply through a solicitor if you can afford, even if it’s only for an extension, I know it costs you more to apply through a solicitor but it’s worth it in the end. Both times, in 2010 and in 2013, I applied through my solicitor, just for a peace of mind… and on both occasions my application was processed successfully and I didn’t have to wait too long.
Anyways good luck everybody. I hope you hear from the UKBA very shortly.