PEO process - ILR SET(M)

[anniecc]

I am intending to apply for ILR shortly at the Croydon PEO. I have a couple of questions about the process:

1) How much time should I allow? e.g. if the appointment is at 9am should I plan on being there all day, or is it likely I'll be able to go back to work in the afternoon? I've seen posts which suggest that the process takes 2-3 hours but I'm not sure how typical this is.

2) The Home Office website says that if my partner (the sponsor) is unable to attend he should write a letter of support. Will his attendance in person increase the chances of the application succeeding, or is it unlikely to make much difference?

I believe mine is a straightforward application - my immigration history in the UK is three years Tier 1 (General) followed by two years on FLR(M) unmarried partner. I've been living with my partner, who is a UK citizen by birth, for the full five year period.