I applied PEO in Liverpool 10 August 2009 *unfortunately they have now scraped same day for Long residence applications*
When I went to Liverpool all I took was my payment, My passports covering the 10 years, My passport Photo and Life in the UK Test. I was so certain that I would get it on the day as I to my knowledge always applied all the time before expiry of my permits.
Well when I got there, an issue was raised and my heart sank and i almost kicked myself as i was told further enquires and access to my file would be required.
Here I was claiming over September 1999 - August 2009
Everything was Fine till my August 2007 Extension. My permit was Valid till 18th August 2007. I applied 8th August 2007 (i was in between moving and misplaced my passport, didn't find it till that day) so in haste I filed in the form and attached my supporting docs and sent it off.
Letter dated 5th September 2007 *received on the 9th though*, I got letter from UKBA that i didn't fill a section marked in Red. I was given 28days to respond or application will be void and all fees refunded. 10th September I sent off my application attached a cover letter explaining i was in a hurry and may have over looked the section and apologised for wasted resources.
Another Letter Dated 25th September 2007 again I was Given 28days Grace to respond (received at later date). This time They said that the University Letter I sent was not acceptable, so i went to my University got a new letter and sent it off to them by 5th October 2007
On 25th October 2007 new Student permit was Issued.
Now apparently all these correspondence was logged in the System as Rejected!! So the interviewing officer Told me that i was out of status from 18th August - 25th October 2007. That further Review was Required. I explained that they were not rejections, but more information request and i was given 28days Grace to respond and i responded immediately well within the 28 days.
Well I got home that day so depressed!! I was kicking myself as just a few months earlier I saw those Letters, if only i had known I would have taken them down with me. But i just didn't remember where i put them! I searched everywhere till i was exhausted.
Not till I visited this Site did I know there was Anything called a SARs File! if i had know I would have definitely requested it before applying again this would have saved the the hassle. cos from the outside all my Visas and Permits added up to the 10yrs.
Anyways On Friday 12th Feb 2010, I decided to turn the house upside down again and look for those letters. And Glory to God I found the Letters in the same state that they were back in 2007, Crisp clean and no blemishes and still as Legible!
I scanned the letters and I e-mailed the Signatory on my Liverpool Acknowledgment letter ( Firstname.Lastname@ukba.gsi.gov.uk ). To be honest I spilled my misery out in the letter... and attached the scanned copies of the letter as well.
On Wednesday 17th of Feb, I got an e-mail to confirm a decision was made and Document in the post to me that I will be happy with!
Tuesday 18th Feb 2010, 12 noon. Passport in my Hands. Sleeping with it under my Pillow!
1st thing Monday off to Town to go Find me a Job as a Settled Person in the UK!! Yes I can finally seek employment!! oh so Happy!!!
I personally If I am yet to apply now by post, I will request a copy of my SARs file, Attach it to my application as well as a cover note and all my Visa Extension letters I have ever had and Kept
To existing 10 year applicants wish you all the best and to Those yet to apply I hope my story helps you! and keeps you better prepared.
I don't know how you managed to stay sane all that time!!! Really how did you cope all that time? Is it safe to assume you weren't able to work that time? I'm curious as I have the same "journey" ahead of me and am unable to work until I get my decision. I've been unemployed for 3 months so far and am very much going insane. Running out of little projects to do at home.