Success story at PEO Croydon- SET (O) + FLR (M)

[send2archan]

I got my ILR on 30 Aug 2012. It went all smooth and fine at the PEO. Had my appointment at 10:20 AM so was there 30 min early. Went through the security check and joined a small queue where my form was quickly checked. I still dont think this initial check adds any value at all. Was then directed to go to the 1st floor for payment. After payment was made, I was advised to sit in the waiting area where I was called in 15 min. The person took registered my details for Biometrics. Soon after that I was asked to go to the 2nd floor where my Biometrics will be done followed by my case analysis. From here started the LONG wait. Had to wait for almost an hour to get a call for my Biometrics which took just 5 min. After that I was asked to again sit in the waiting area unless called by a caseworker. After 1.5 hours my number was called. The caseworker simply asked for the form and ALL the documents. I handed over the originals and all the photocopies of the originals. Then there was another long wait for another 1.5 hour. The case worker then called me and returned me all the originals along with a letter saying that my Biometrics cared will reach me in 7 working days. I got my card in 3 days time. It was a good experience and even though it took a lot of time (10Am to 4PM), I think it was worth it. Saves all the worries!

Soon after my wife applied for her FLR (M) on 25 Sept. Her appointment was at 11AM and she entered the PEO around 10-15 min earlier. Her case took much less time probably because it was well supported by my Biometrics card and all my paperwork like salary, employment etc which have already been checked before. One thing to NOTE here was that the caseworker specifically ASKED for her University degree and marksheet. My wife is from India and completed her Uni degree from India. In order to prove her English language requirement, I did the following:

1. UK NARIC letter stating that her Indian Masters degree is UK equivalent
2. Degree certificate and mark sheet showing ENGLISH as a subject
3. A screen print from the PBC calculator showing that her University is in the APPROVED LIST of Universities and recognised for claiming points (35 for Masters and 30 for Bachelors) Here is the link: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator

The caseworker called her at 2:30 PM and handed over the originals along with the letter. Since her initial entry clearance was pre 9 July therefore, she got a 2 years visa till the time she qualifies for ILR.

Hope this helps!

Archan

[ap007]

Hi,

Thanks for the detailed description!

Similar situation here. My wife will be applying for extension using FLR(M) soon and I was hoping if you could answer few questions I had please:

1) for the PEO appointment, is only the applicant is allowed inside or spouse can accompany too?

2) did you have to show proof that you've been living together since you're wife joined you in the UK - such as common bills, council tax, joint bank accounts etc? Is this important?

3) good to know about the 2 year extension your wife got. I was thinking it will be 5! My wife entered the uk in dec 2011 as a tier 2 dependent. So maybe my wife will get a 2 year extension as well as it was pre July 2012?

Thanks!
AP