ILR- Tier 1 Success at Croydon (26-09-13): Long absence <

[gre.bm691]

Hi Guys
Thanks for all your help. I have succeeded in my ILR application today! I was on my own, no dependents, no lawyers..

My appointment was for 1100. I arrived at 10:15 but was asked to wait outside till 10:30. Went through the security following which I proceeded to payment confirmation desk. Keep your form, booking confirmation email, payment sheet and passport handy for this.

Token number was issued after which you proceed to the 3rd floor. There you wait for your number to be displayed for case registration. I then went to the shown counter (after 15mins of wait). My case registration took a little longer because a trainee was being trained. By 11:30, my case was registered after which Biometric was done.

You are returned the token slip after which the wait starts. I went out to Subway to have a sandwich. Returned by 12:40 to find my number displayed under AWAITING COLLECTION! I was out before 1pm!

Here are my list of documents:
- Passports old and new
- 12 month bank statements: online printouts signed and stamped by Bank
- 12 month pay slips
- LIUK pass letter
- Absence evidence: Personal letter, employer letter.
- Current employer letter stating my role and salary.

A few things to note:
- Dont arrive too early! 30mins before appointment is what is expected. My appointment was at 11 and I reached at 1015. I was asked to wait for 15mins outside!
- I made the entire payment online. In this case, in your payment section, just fill up your name etc and tick the fee. Keep the online payment receipt handy as that will be asked on more than one occasion.
- I had a huge absence, but never exceeding the 180 day period. Had a 140 days and 152 days away periods. Though I had medical documents, I didnt submit them. Only a personal letter was submitted for this period.
- DONT SUBMIT MORE THAN THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. If you have them, great! But just keep them with you. Dont worry if you dont have them.
- Dont spend too much on a file! I had sectioned clear bags filed in a single file. They took the clear bags and returned the file as they file it in their own folder.

Any questions.. Ask..

[closer25]

Congrats and thanks for the very concise and to the point experience, it must be a relief all is over now

[gre.bm691]

Yes, its a relief.. I hope I can be of help to someone.. Good luck to all

[ILR2013VA]

Hi gre,
Can You please help me on my case? and if possible please share personal letter format, and your opinion on my case:

Here are my absences:

From To No Of Days Reason Visa Type
26.02.2009 21.03.2009 24 Personal -Brother's Marriage Tier 2 General
20.06.2009 27.06.2009 8 Personal Tier 2 General
07.01.2010 30.01.2010 23 Personal Tier 2 General
07.10.2010 23.10.2010 16 Personal Tier 1 General
29.11.2010 20.03.2011 112 Business Trip to BKK + Personal (Feb 26th to March 20th 2011 In India) Tier 1 General
24.08.2011 04.09.2011 12 Personal Tier 1 General
24.10.2011 20.11.2011 29 Personal -Marriage Tier 1 General
15.09.2012 13.10.2012 29 Personal -Cousin's marriage Tier 1 General
05.03.2013 14.03.2013 10 Business Trip Tier 1 General
22.03.2013 26.04.2013 36 Personal Tier 1 General
15.05.2013 22.05.2013 8 Business Trip Tier 1 General
25.05.2013 26.05.2013 2 Personal Tier 1 General


Maximum absences in a calender year is: 138

Thanks
Venky

[gre.bm691]

This is not the way you calculate your away days. Its not per calander year. Its the 12month conitious period from the day you apply.

Example, If you are applying on 27-09-2013, then the days away is calculated as follows:

27/09/2013 27/09/2012
26/09/2012 26/09/2011
26/09/2011 26/09/2010
26/09/2010 26/09/2009
26/09/2009 26/09/2008

Hope this helps. Here is my letter:

UK Border Agency Dated:

Croydon PEO
Subject: Personal letter explaining the absences
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, xxx, wish to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain visa under 'Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker' of the Points Based System (PBS). I received initial visa under Tier 1 (General) category on 25 September 2008. The following is my breakdown for the 12-consecutive month period.
From To Days
27/09/2013 27/09/2012 30
26/09/2012 26/09/2011 36
26/09/2011 26/09/2010 27
26/09/2010 26/09/2009 153
26/09/2009 26/09/2008 140
The actual dates and the reasons for the absence are listed in the following table.
Date Left the UK Date Returned to the UK Reason for Absence
12/08/2013 10/09/2013 Annual Holidays
12/08/2012 19/08/2012 NZL
23/05/2012 23/06/2012 Annual Holidays
28/05/2011 25/06/2011 Annual Holidays
21/07/2010 18/08/2010 Sister's wedding
21/09/2009 26/01/2010 Medical: Condition relapse, treatment for herniated disc condition
16/11/2008 06/04/2009 Medical emergency: Herniated disc condition

In relation to the medical emergency, I would like to point out that I had ruptured by discs in the lower back which made me practically immobile. I continued my work whilst in pain until I couldn't bear it further. My treatments were lengthy as I opted for non-invasive cures.

I trust this letter along with the letters from my present and past employers provided is satisfactory. Should you have any further queries in regards to the application, I have carried additional medical documents should you require them
Faithfully

xxx
Mobile: xx E-Mail: xx

[ISingh2008]

Hi Guys
Thanks for all your help. I have succeeded in my ILR application today! I was on my own, no dependents, no lawyers..

My appointment was for 1100. I arrived at 10:15 but was asked to wait outside till 10:30. Went through the security following which I proceeded to payment confirmation desk. Keep your form, booking confirmation email, payment sheet and passport handy for this.

Token number was issued after which you proceed to the 3rd floor. There you wait for your number to be displayed for case registration. I then went to the shown counter (after 15mins of wait). My case registration took a little longer because a trainee was being trained. By 11:30, my case was registered after which Biometric was done.

You are returned the token slip after which the wait starts. I went out to Subway to have a sandwich. Returned by 12:40 to find my number displayed under AWAITING COLLECTION! I was out before 1pm!

Here are my list of documents:
- Passports old and new
- 12 month bank statements: online printouts signed and stamped by Bank
- 12 month pay slips
- LIUK pass letter
- Absence evidence: Personal letter, employer letter.
- Current employer letter stating my role and salary.

A few things to note:
- Dont arrive too early! 30mins before appointment is what is expected. My appointment was at 11 and I reached at 1015. I was asked to wait for 15mins outside!
- I made the entire payment online. In this case, in your payment section, just fill up your name etc and tick the fee. Keep the online payment receipt handy as that will be asked on more than one occasion.
- I had a huge absence, but never exceeding the 180 day period. Had a 140 days and 152 days away periods. Though I had medical documents, I didnt submit them. Only a personal letter was submitted for this period.
- DONT SUBMIT MORE THAN THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. If you have them, great! But just keep them with you. Dont worry if you dont have them.
- Dont spend too much on a file! I had sectioned clear bags filed in a single file. They took the clear bags and returned the file as they file it in their own folder.

Any questions.. Ask..

Hi gre.bm691,
I am bit confused while filling SECTION 5 of the Set (o) form.
I am applying for ILR completing 5 years under HSMP+Tier 1 (G) in a few days time.

FYI: I have answered 5.1 to 5.5 as follows:

5.1 Is your home in the UK: YES

5.2 Do you or your partner, or both, pay any rent or mortgage for your home: YES

If so, how much do you pay each month: £ XXX

5.3 Are you working in the UK: YES

If so, what is your pay each month after income tax and other deductions: £ XXXX

5.4 Does a relative or friend of you or your partner, or both of you, regularly give you money: NO

5.5 Are you receiving any public funds: NO

After this Section 5.6 says:
Complete the following table indicating the sources and levels of income as indicated in 5.1 - 5.5 that you and your partner are relying on to adequately maintain you and any dependants.

Am I still required to fill section 5.6 for home and finances purpose when I filled 5.1 to 5.5 like above??

On Page 11 of the Set (o) form it says:
If you are unable to meet the appropriate rate of pay because you are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave you should answer questions 5.6, 5.7 and 5.8. If this does not apply to you, please go to section 6.

This is really confusing.
Kindly help me on this.

Many Thanks

[gre.bm691]

Sorry for the delayed reply. Yes, just put in your salary (net) and but the name of the company in the source section.

I hope u have got ur ILR by now.

[MK123]

Thanks for the absences letter and the documents list.

I have a long absence which can be split into 2 years based on the application date. What would you suggest to put in the reason column? I went to US for work which didn't work out so I was back after 10 months.

[gre.bm691]

I would be honest in the letter. However, job hunting as a reason would give them a reason to believe that you dont want to make UK your home.

If I was in your place, I would be honest in the letter. Perhaps the seniors can comment on it.

[MK123]

Thanks gre.bm691.

Can some seniors(Amber/Kevin/Vinny and others), Please advise.

[MK123]

Any views/help here please?