ILR (HSMP-JR) success at Cardiff PEO

[CalGuy]

Hi All,
This board has been very usefull when perparing to make an ILR application. It's my turn now to contribute something back.
I was recently granted ILR (waiting for passports) from Cardiff PEO.

My case:
Original HSMP approved in March 2006, came here and started working from May 2006. I got an in person appointment on 23rd this month @ 8:30am, for myself and my spouse.

Documents:
P60's for past 4 years
3 months salary slips
3 months bank statements, and savings account statements
Letter from employer confirming salary
Most recent council tax bill, water and electricity bills
I have 3 points on my driving licence for speeding (SP30). I had disclosed this on my application...but it did not raise any questions at all.
Throughout this period I have been in continous employment, and have spent roughly a month in a year out of the country. I had all entry and exit stamps on my passport to prove this.

We reached there at 8:00am, and the doors opened at 8:15am. There was an airport style security check. There was one person before us. After the check, we went into a waiting area. After 10mins, we were called to a counter where an nice gentleman checked our documents and directed us to a different counter to pay the fees. It was 9:00am by the time we paid the fees and came back to the waiting area. After 10 mins, a case worker called us and told that all our documents seem to be in order and he needs at least an hour to make a decision. And that, we are free to go out and come back later. We popped out for an about an hour and was back by 10:00am. We waited for 10 mins, before our case worker came back to us with a customer satisfaction survery to be filled out. After another 10mins, we were called to a counter and our case worker told us that he has granted us ILR, but they need to send the passports to Sheffield for stamping. He told us that we should get our passports back within 5 days by special delivery. We thanked him and left the buliding by 10:30am.

We have not yet got our passports back, will let you all know once we receive it. Overall, it was a pleasant experience and all the staff at Cardiff PEO were friendly and courteous.

[CalGuy]

Update: I got our passports back yesterday by special delivery. I would say that was quick, as it was only the 3rd day after we applied in person.