Booking in-person appointment for Tier-1 ?

[MVaibhav]

I am currently in UK on a work-permit and want to switch to tier-1 due to a new employment offer.

I have been calling on the number 0870 606 7766 for past 4 days, but it always gives me the same automated message and advises me to call again. I have not been able to speak to anyone and arrange an appointment so far even after making several calls to the number.

Due to the delay in getting the payslips attested from my current employer, I have not been able to send my application so far by post. And it seems that the only option left with me is to get an in-person appointment.

I already hold a job offer and the prospective employer wants me to join them ASAP. If I don't get my tier-1 stamped, I may lose the opportunity . In the current economic situation, I can not afford it

Is there any other way I can register for an in-person appointment for tier-1 application. I am looking for an appointment at Croydon office, however, if an earlier appointment is available else where, I am ok wit that too.

Do you guys have any advise ?

[tech]

There are immigration firms who have slots avaiable with HO from 1 to 3 days every week who can make your application in person. They are charge additional fee £300 to £400. Apart from additional money, the toughtest bit to find the reliable one.
Please do research and take recommendation from your friends if possible and select a reliable one. If you do this properly, you can be smiling with your tier 1 visa in next few days.

[maheshnair]

There are immigration firms who have slots avaiable with HO from 1 to 3 days every week who can make your application in person. They are charge additional fee £300 to £400. Apart from additional money, the toughtest bit to find the reliable one.
Please do research and take recommendation from your friends if possible and select a reliable one. If you do this properly, you can be smiling with your tier 1 visa in next few days.

Guys ,

when you say in -person can you send a representative ?
I believe it should be the main applicant himself and not a representative .....


vaibhav,
"I have been calling on the number 0870 606 7766 for past 4 days, but it always gives me the same automated message"

when my application was under process(postel) , i also thought of booking an appointment in case it is refused and this is how i got the appointment .

first day , No luck ...

second day my friend suggested ..call first then cut the phone and call again , it goes in ....
So sharp 8.50 i was ready on phone ....tried continuosly and exactly at 9.00 or 1- 2 minutes from 9 ..got inside and a please wait message and after 10 minutes wait got a customer service lady ...She said all booked ...Try for next day ...
Dont know how it gets filled so fast ...

3rd day again , i tried but was bit late 9.30 and same answer , I thought how the hell will i get appointment ...

4th day , sharp 9 am and got a poilte customer service guy around 9.15 ...
Before even telling anything , i politely told him sir i am trying from 4 days give me anywhere in UK anywhere ......He told let him check and gave me liverpool

So what was this 2nd and 3rd day ..God knows ..

But my visa was approved , later and i called HO and cancelled the appointment ....

So you need to try hard ..Not just like sitting on a sea shore and getting breeze...

[ssvgopal]

I agree with maheshnair. Because its our work, it pays to be punctual. No excuses work when it becomes priority. I had called on 15th April, and got the line at 9:00 am. Some automated messages and then after selecting options, I was put into the general queue and got an operator in 4 mins. Luckily I got 2 appointment choices 9am or 10am. Looks like its lottery within the queue. The operator asked me some questions and then booked 10am slot, thank God.
So pls sit down by the phone by 8:55 in a proper frame of mind and keep calling just before 9am.
Personally, I won't advise going after brokers for appointments, because it might not work that way. As proof of appointment, Name, Contact number of the caller is recorded, and a unique password is provided back to the caller. I think your ID needs to match with the ones PEO has.

[MVaibhav]

thanks a lot guys for your suggestions. I tried again today several times, and finally got through the line at 09:50 AM. was on hold for around 10 minutes.. then someone pickeup the call and I was told that all 5 public enquiry offices are completly booked till 01-June. not even a single slot anywhere .

I was asked to call again tomorrow for booking 02-June, as they can only make bookings till 01-June today and that is all booked up.

02-June is some 6 weeks from now, so I think I will be sending my application by post tomorrow, and will keep my fingers crossed that I get my visa approved in time and I don't lose the new job due to the delay.

Thanks for your inputs.