Tier 4 to FLR approved (Solihull PEO)

[equitydealer]

I thought I would share my experience considering all the useful info I've found on this site.

My partner was on Tier 4, she applied for FLR(M) after we got married recently. We booked our appointment at Solihull.

We parked at Lode Lane car park which is very close by and useful if you have an early PEO appointment (the John Lewis car park opens at 8:30) and arrived at the UKBA office 40 mins early. We were asked to wait until there was 30 mins to go, so waited outside.

Once in, we went through an airport style security check, and one of the UKBA staff had a quick check of our form to make sure it was ok.

We waited for a short time in a fairly small waiting area until our ticket number was announced, we then proceeded to the payment desk. The officer checked our docs briefly before leaving us to to process the payment (open wallet surgery...but worth it). We handed over the A4 ring binder with all the docs, plus another file with a photocopy of all the docs (the officer was happy with this, after all who likes photocopying!)

We were then sent back to the waiting area for a short time, then the biometrics were taken. Then we were asked to leave and come back in 2 hours. We went to John Lewis and had a late breakfast and did some shopping.

When we returned after 2 hours none of the cases had been decided. We waited for around 30 mins in the waiting area before our ticket number was called and were told that the application was successful and that the BRP should arrive in 7-10 days. They returned all the original docs and most of the photocopies.

A very efficient and friendly service from the Solihull PEO, I can't recommend them highly enough.

Documents provided:

Marriage certificate
6 months of bank statements and paylips (internet print outs, but stamped and signed by HR)
2012-2013 P60
Employment contract
Employer's letter confirming by job, pay
Property inspection report (local estate agent)
Land Registry title deed (internet print out)
Council Tax
Water bill
Letters addressed to my wife and I (all original)
University mid-term results (stamped, signed and dated by the Uni)
University letter confirming student status, attendance record and end date of the course (stamped, signed and dated by the Uni)
English language test certificate (B2)
Letter explaining previous UK entry refusal (missing document in a Tier 4 application)
Wedding pics
Honeymoon details + pics
Day trip pics

I hope this helps someone!