ILR Application - Order in which to do things

[Rembrandt]

Hi All,
I'm just about to embark on an ILR application. I received my first Limited Leave to remain under the HSMP in October 2007 and then a further LLR under Tier 1 General in Oct 2009 which is due to expire 31st October this year.
I've recently been hearing horror stories about wait times and to be honest am terrified of not being successful. Reading through the documentation and using the Points based calculator I believe I am eligible to apply under SET(O) and that I understand I need to pass a Life in the UK test and also attain a Biometrics residence permit.

From what I've read on here applying by post although cheaper could mean I'm without my passport for the better part of a year which is not an option for me. So I will be looking at the in person option.

What would be my best move from here, should booking an appointment with a PEO be my priority or do I need to have the Life in the UK test passed first. I actually work in Croydon so getting an appointment there would be ideal but if I do see an appointment elsewhere should I just grab it as they're so scarce? Do you need to pay for your application prior to booking an appointment, and what happens if you just can't get an appointment before your visa runs out? Or to be safe should I just go through a visa company that does this all for you?

Sorry for the long post, any help with any of the above would be really appreciated.

Thanks,

[Mark 1100]

Well i note your visa is running out and must request you to use logic in priotising your workload. Here why i say so,
1. You need to understand that life in the UK test is a mandatory requirenment . so you must do this even before booking an appointment.
2. You need to atleast apply for a PEO appointment 42days in advance .
3. By law you can only apply 28 days prior to leave comming to an end.
4 . if you dont have urgent plans of travel you can apply by post but if you are seeing your self travel then Premium is the way forward. If you have lots of money to spend super premium is the best. For it they come to your home.
6. You need to start preparing as early as possible.
7. Appointments for October are now being considered my advice would be you book an appointment now for ocotber and book the test immediately after coz centres are so many and you can hardly fail the test if you prepare well. good luck