special case

[toufik7]

Guys/Gals,

I thought I'd post my experience as it may give hope to people in the same situation.

I've been in the UK for about 6 years as a dependant. I applied under HSMP and got approval. Now the prob I had overstayed by 1 year and wasnt in a category to switch in-country. Only option was to go back home to get EC which I knew carried a high risk of refusal.

I emailed 50+ immigration solicitors for advice: some said there was no chance of getting EC, most wanted money, and only ONE guy said i'll definitely get it. That one guy gave me hope.
I still booked an appointment with a OISC registered 10yrs-experience solicitor. He charged me £60 per hour (i made sure we talked fast). At the end, I was red: £850 for initial HSMP application (excl the £400 fee) and £1200 for the EC forms.
It's amazing how all these cowboys are after the cheddar. well i guess money makes the world go round. I was desperate yes, but not stupid.

So i googled for a bit and came across this forum. The information on here was very useful. Getting the initial approval was pretty straightforward, i knew EC would be tricky.
So I went back home and paid the British Embassy a visit. They were hesitant to accept my application initially but did so in the end; and asked me to come after 2 days. It's worth noting that most people i spoke to usually get their interview the following day. Am assuming they needed an extra day to run criminal and other checks.

At the interview, the chap was very nice. he asked me to explain what happened, and i told the truth. i got EC for 2 years and hope to apply for ILR if maybe i can use the 6 years to complete the 10 years.

My only advice to anyone else in similar situation: take the gamble and be prepared. Research is very important. And last but not least, don't believe these solicitors. Using them is no guarantee so just save yourself the money.

Good luck

T

[sham111]

Well Done !! Congrates.

[Constant]

I agree with you 100%. Its human nature to fear the unknown and since we don't know what goes on behind those Home Office or BHC walls, we naturally tend to assume the worst. But as FDR said, we have nothing to fear but fear itself. Dispute the complications or situation, this forum + personal research is all one needs and not solicitors/lawyers. Due repect to the professionals but the info from all members (from newbies to sages) is better because it is shared by like minded people with no profit motive and at no cost.

Thumbs up to this forum