ILR Success: SET(O) Solihull PEO

[maILRoom]

Success at Solihull for myself & my 1 dependent. Although I haven't posted to the board before, I have been a lurker here for the last few months, and I have to say that the information, knowledge, and friendliness I found here helped me to prepare for the appointment and in the end, made me quite relaxed about it and what to expect on the day. So to all the mods and participants here, a heartfelt thank you!

I arrived for the appointment half an hour early, as requested, and in fact I had about an hour to kill walking around the shopping precinct since my train to Solihull pulled in even earlier.

Going through the security at the PEO was a breeze, and nothing questionable was found in my bag. They gave a quick look at my application and sent me through.

I was given a token number, and after less than 5 minutes I was sent around to speak with the officer. He asked for passports, application, and photos. Shortly thereafter he gave me the bad news that I had booked my appointment for only myself, and not for my wife. Although she did not attend with me, I needed to inform the online booking system that the application was for two people and apparently I had failed to do this.

Nonetheless, after conferring with his colleagues, he was able to make an exception and process the application as I had completed it, for myself and one dependent instead of just for me. I thanked him very much.

I had come prepared with P45s, P60s, payslips, bank statements, company accounts from my own business, airline tickets, council tax letters, previous Home Office documentation. Just about anything I could think of that would bolster my case.

He asked if I had a letter from my current employer, so I submitted that. He also asked for the two LIUK pass notifications as well as my last three payslips which I provided. I had made copies of the payslips, and although I offered them he said they were not necessary.

He silenced the speakers for a few minutes to make some checks, and then came back to confirm that he granting ILR for us both. What a relief! I was told that the passports would be ready after two or three hours, and that if I left the building I should switch my mobile back on in case they needed to get in touch with me for additional questions or clarification. I then made payment, and looked at the time as I left the building. Half an hour had passed since I walked in, so I was leaving at the same time my actual appointment was originally set to begin.

Knowing that they 'might' call to 'clarify' something, I didn't want to let myself believe that I had ILR until I had my passport back.

I went back into the shopping precinct, got something to eat, and did a bit of shopping, and exactly two hours later I returned to pick up the completed passports. Everything was fine, and I made sure to return my completed feedback form they had given me when I came in.

Work Permit > (Tier 1 General) > T1G extension > ILR
Less than 100 days out of the UK
Four different employers and my own company

Good luck to future applicants, and the extra cost for the PEO service was worth eliminating the wait of a postal application.

maILRoom x

[smaganti]

Congratulations....

You haven't been asked for any P60's..?

[kunald]

Congratulations ! !

...I had come prepared with P45s, P60s, payslips, bank statements, company accounts from my own business,....

Since you mentioned company accounts, were you Self employed at the time of application or was it a combination of employment + self employment? Or is it that you were previously self employed (and subsequently moved to a staff job) and took the accounts just in case they asked?

[maILRoom]

kuland:

I am the director of my (limited) company, which is an ongoing concern in addition to my employment, so my status is not as self-employed.

Although I had the company accounts and paperwork available for the appointment, they were not requested, and my employment itself was sufficient for the application.

smaganti:

I was not asked for any P60s.

maILRoom

[reachpras]

What other documents did you take apart from company accounts? I am also a company director but not sole director (there are 6 other directors) and all of us are employed by the company. So really not sure whether pay slips and P60s will suffice.

I am going this Wednesay so an urgent reply will be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance

[maILRoom]

reachpras

I would take everything you can think of, even though you may not need it.

Company accounts, payslips and P60s if you have them, dividend statements, even articles of incorporation if you have them. As I said, they didn't ask for any of this info from me, but better to be prepared. Chances are you won't have to use it.

What is your status, and which office are visiting?

maILRoom

[reachpras]

Thanks!

I am on Tier 1 (valid until Nov end 2011) and I am visiting Solihull PEO.

Was there a specific reason you asked?

[maILRoom]

No specific reason! Good luck.

maILRoom