Hi all!
As a thank you for all the help I've received on this forum- I would like to share my experience - Let me know (via this thread) if any clarification is required
Arrival
We arrived exactly 30 minutes prior to appointment time. Had to show the appointment letter, my application form (simple 5 second check) and was asked how I was going to pay (answered "via credit card")
Was told to take a seat. One of the workers came to me after about 15 minutes with an appointment card and was told to wait until the number was called. My number was called out about 10 minutes later (about 5 minutes before my scheduled time)
At the caseworker counter
Was first asked who was main application and who was dependent. Was then asked to sit on the right so she could hear me better (?)
Caseworker asked what I was applying for (set o) and under which category (tier 1)
Was first asked to provide - application form, passports, life in uk tests and photos.
First questions asked were "when were photos taken". After flipping through my passports she remarked "you have many stamps, how many days were you away?" I said "+-170 days and most were weekend trips away".
After looking up something on her computer, she asked "are you still working for Employer X". I answered "no"
Was then asked for original bank statements and payslips. She then recalculated my earnings herself.
Then asked for cohabitation documents. This was my main surprise. They take this very seriously! A bit surprising since I have been married for over 10 years! They need more than 1 source, and don't accept UKBA documents as proof of co-habitation. Also, she checked as far back as two years ago, even though I extended Tier 1 in 2011.
Please make sure you are covered here and have enough evidence
Caseworker remarked that my very first entry to UK was on work permit and asked for the original WP letter and photocopy.
A few more checks and then caseworker said "she was satisfied and application was successful, subject to payment and biometrics"
Payment
Was told to take payment page to counter at the end. There is no chip and pin system. The lady at payment counter will carefully check you have written the name, card number, expiry date etc correctly. Don't worry -if you have a payment problem - they will tell you and allow you to try another card etc.
Was then told to go back to waiting area and await call for biometrics.
While waiting, I was informed my payment went though fine. After your biometrics, "please return after 1.5 hours to collect your confirmation letter and original documents"
Biometrics
Biometrics taken by lady. Simply put fingers and thumbs on system and had a photo taken. Also signed one page form asking for previous biometric test details (simply wrote "London 2011") and if your name has ever changed while in UK
Return to Office after 1.5 hours
Returned. Gave my ticket appointment card. A few minutes later, I was given the ILR approval letters and ALL the original docs. They did keep our current biometric cards (which will be destroyed). They also kept all the photocopies provided (passport and visa pages, but not the entry stamp pages, and also kept bank statements, payslips and the cohabitation proof copies.
Was again told to await delivery via courier of new Biometric cards in between 7 to 10 days
Overall, a very positive experience. Everything went by the book.
Again, a special thank you for all members who have assisted!
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Details - entered UK in 2007 on WP
Switched to HSMP in 2008
Extended Tier 1 in 2011 (was valid until 2013)
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