I thought it was best making a new topic to make it easier for people to find. If not - I apologize!
My husband and I were originally going to send in my application but we were able to put together the funds to have a same day appointment (although we only realized this AFTER the fee increase!). We decided that we didn't want to wait approximately two months for me to be able to start work. Plus, I wanted the comfort of being able to speak to someone if need be. It didn't come to that though, thankfully!
I booked the day the previous Saturday and saw they actually had appointments as soon as the next Monday (which I didn't expect), but due to hubby's work commitments, we chose the following Saturday morning and to pay the extra £63. I am only mentioning this in case anyone wanted a "quick" appointment. I thought the wait for next available appointment would at least be a few days but that wasn't the case.
We actually had a hard time finding it at first, haha! But got there in the end. There is a Q-Park opposite the building, which is quite pricey, but it was convenient.
We entered to the side of the building, went through security, and were immediately seen to hand in my documents. The only thing they asked me was how many passports and BRP cards was I submitting, and when we got our passport photos taken. I got a ticket with a number, went to another desk to pay the extra £63, and was told biometrics would call me shortly, which they did about 10 minutes later and the process took about 2 minutes. I was told we could leave the building, but there were only a couple applications before us. There are a few TV screens showing where you are up to in the process, however, this seemed to stop at biometrics and it wasn't updated for the rest of my time there. Although people were getting called to get their decision, their number would still be stuck on "awaiting biometrics" or "Under consideration", so we didn't risk leaving because we didn't know how much longer it would be. Actually someone who came after us got called first for their decision and it threw me into a panic! But it really shouldn't have, since we were called a couple minutes after and was told to make sure my details were correct because we were APPROVED and to expect my BRP card in about 7 days although most people get them in 2.
They kept: The actual FLR(M) application, my husband's letter from work stating employment details, and copy of his pay slips, as well as the copy of our marriage certificate.
They gave back: His bank statements, P60 and job contract, all of our examples of proof of residence, copy of his son's birth certificate (and the original of course, as well as our original marriage certificate). They also kept my BRP card from when I was a student but this was expected.
We were there for about an hour and 15 minutes only. Every staff member we came across, from security to the staff member who told us our decision, was so incredibly nice. I had read before on other accounts how nice the staff were at Sheffield, and it is definitely true. There was a lady who was more nervous than me (surprisingly!) and a member of staff assured her that they were there to help so try not to worry. I also liked how everything is in one area, and there's no need to go from floor to floor or room to room in each step of the process. If there was anything wrong or you wanted to speak to a case worker privately, then you would go somewhere else more private apparently.
Although we were fine with our photos/documents, there were others who came in who's passport photos were too old (someone had their's done 4 months ago and this was too long, so definitely make sure you get it within the last month). There is a photobooth there though that was convenient for those who needed updated pics!
I hope this helps others who may choose to do the premium service. I am glad we did, but I think next time we will just go through the post since we had no problems this time.
