a big THANKYOU to everyone on this forum past and present. it's really been an invaluable resource for me!!!
in all, i was really surprised at how straightforward the process was. i guess it changes from person to person, and maybe i just concentrated on the more harrowing experiences i've read on these boards. And wow the process was really quick. in and out in 2 hours.
DOCUMENTS
* 6 months bank statements (she only really looked at the front page of the most recent month's statement)
* 6 months payslips (she looked briefly at first one, then flicked through a couple of others)
* record of time outside uk (barely looked at it - i was under 180 days so probably not that important)
* life in UK letter (she made a copy of this even though i had a copy)
* original WP visa letter (she used this quite a lot. it wasnt in the required documents list but seemed quite useful to her)
* WP stamp in passport (looked over)
* Letter from Employer Confirming Wages (brief look over this)
* P60s and HMRC P60 Tax summary letter (very brief look.. not really bothered about these)
* passport
* photocopies of everything
AS IT HAPPENED
Appointment was set for 10am, but i arrived at 9, expecting to be asked to wait outside for 30mins (as happened to somebody else on this forum) but was waived right through. security check, then to the first counter where a guy checked my payment details and assigned me my number (10mins). Upstairs to the first floor where i waited about 5mins for a vacant spot at the payments window. Payment took about 15mins as i had some issues verifying the transaction with my bank. The minute i finished at the payments window, my number was called over the loudspeaker so i went to another window on the same floor. Served by a really lovely lady who checked the payment reciepts, and then told me to go upstairs for Biometrics (10mins). Up to second floor and waited maybe 10mins. Went to Biometrics at the end of the room - completed all that in approx 10mins. Longer wait this time of about 30mins before my number was called. Again another really lovely lady, went through all my documents (as per above). She didnt talk much, and only asked one question i can remember - regarding my SOC code but only because she hadnt read my "employer letter" completely, so i didnt really have to answer that anyway. She cracked a joke about half-way through as well! After about 30mins, she said it was successful and that i'd get the Biometric card in 7 days. (30mins).
SUMMARY
to be honest i was quite surprised that this whole process was "just a formality". was expecting a thorough questioning of all my documents etc - especially with regard to SOC code wages, but that wasnt the case. found the staff all really helpful and cheerful.
That's about all that i can think of that was useful. Oh one more thing - if you get into Croydon PEO and you realise you dont have passport photos (hope that doesnt happen to anyone), there's a passport photo machine on the first floor.
good luck to all!
- FAQ
- Login
- Register
- Call Workpermit.com for a paid service +44 (0)344-991-9222