Hi All!
I got my indefinate leave to remain this morning at the B'ham PEO and thought I'd share my experience with you all. I have been a 'silent' member for a little while now and now its my time to give some back!
Getting the Interview
I have been in the UK for 3yrs and 11 months on a work permit (initially 3yr permit extended by 2yrs-same employer throughout) Called on the 31 May 2005 to make a booking, they gave me 13 June 2005 at 9:00, the exact day and time I wanted! The B'ham PEO is really difficult to get through to, I called everyday for a whole week two weeks earlier and only got through once, only to be told I was calling too early. A quick tip, although they say the lines open at 9:00 in the morning start callling at 8:40 as they actually start taking calls before 9:00, there is a different message given when the lines are not open, so you will know when they are.
Preparing for the day
Downloaded the forms from the home office website, they are really straighforward to complete, I prepared a pack with the following:
-completed SET(O) form
-passport
-passport photos (with name written on back)
-letter from employer (this was on the company's letterhead, however it was literally a one liner, stating that I was in full time work permit employment with them and that my employment would be continuing, it did not show current position, start dates or current salary)
-last 6 months bank statements
-last 7 months printouts of payslips (the company i work for does not issue paper payslips anymore, they stopped a year ago, all our payslips are only available online, and if u want copies we have to print them off ourselves)
-apartment rental agreement
-latest council tax bill
The day itself!
I arrived at the B'ham PEO really early, its really easy to get to from Solihull station, about a 5 min walk. I actually got there at about 8:15, however there were already a few people waiting outside, so wasnt the first one!
The doors eventually opened at around 8:40-8:45, a security person called us in one by one, inside there was another security person ticking off our names against an appointment schedule, he asked for my application form (just to confirm I had one and had completed it) then he did a quick search of my rucksack, they then make u switch off your cell phone and hand it over, they give you a ticket so you can get it back when u leave. Then its through the metal detectors into the waiting room, they also give you another ticket with a number on it. (two tickets with the same number, one for your cell phone, one for you document inspection!)
The waiting room is very plain indeed, couple of posters about on how to contact the home office and thats it, white walls, floors and black metal seats. As far as facilities are concerned, there were toilets for men, ladies and disabled persons, there was a water fountain as well. Interestingly there were no vending machines and there was a poster up that said NO EATING!
At around 9ish, two officials came out to a table that was set up in one section in the room, and start calling out the numbers issued by the security people. When you go up (they were really nice, friendly ladies) they ask you what you're there for, they then pull out a checklist and tick off all the things you need to have, and stick it all in a plastic folder and hand it back to you, they also give you another number from an automated numbering machine and tell you to wait for your number to be called, and then to go through to the interview room. As soon as I was given my number I was called through-talk about efficiency!
Interesting to note though, it looked as though there were only about 15 appointments made and being dealt with on the day.
Right, now things get interesting. I went over to the booth and was asked to hand over the plastic folder. I did so, and the officer went through my things, he had a checklist as well, all that was put in the folder earlier was:
-completed SET(O) form
-passport
-passport photos (with name written on back)
-letter from employer
-last 3 months bank statements
However he then asked me for my work permits, now I didnt bring these as there is no reference in the guidance or the document checklist, anyway he spoke to his superior (who happened to be sitting in the next booth) and she came over, there was then a lot of umming and ahhinng, and checking things on the computer. Basically from what I could gather their systems are not able to tell them whether I had been working for the same company for the full period of time so they wanted to see work permits for this, my letter from my employee did not state when I had started (I basically drafted it and didnt think it was needed) and that did not help. They then asked if I had any payslips with me and I said yes and handed over the seven I had. Anyway they eventually agreed between themselves that all was okay and that they could issue the ILR, he then completed his checks and split up the application form between the payment form and the app itself, put it, plus passport back into folder and told me to go to the next counter for payment and instructions (phewwww!!!) I did mention to them there is no guidance anywhere that states you need to bring your work permits along, but they didnt really respond to my comment.
Anyway I paid my £500 (ouch) and was told to wait in the waiting room. It was now about 9:30 (I had to look at someones watch as, i didnt have mine, my cell phone had been taken away from me and there were NOOO clocks anywhere) There were two couples sitting next to me who were trading stories of getting married etc etc so I eavesdropped on their convo for a while, then got really bored and hungry and was thinking of taking off and getting a coffee as there was an LED sign on the wall which said it could take up to 3 hours to get the new style RP into the passport. Well I'm glad I waited, at 10:15, my number was called again. I went over to the booth, the person wasnt actually ready for me as the blinds were down, but she turned up after a little while, and lo and behold she had my passport with her. She passed it through, asked me to check my name and DOB on the RP, she then handed me a letter (photocopied) stating what getting ILR meant and what the next steps were, and that was that!
Went back to security to get my cell phone, switched it on, it was 10:30! A lot quicker than I though it would take! Apart from a small hiccup, a very pleasant morning!
I hope this helps anyone else who's planning to go to the B'ham PEO or any of the other PEO's as I'm sure it will be similar.
Before I sign off, I just want to thank everyone on here, it's a great site, it gives u a lot of confidence when getting your things together and for when u actually go on the day. There's loads of tips and gems in the forum (if you're willing to spend time and look for them)
Once again Thank you all!
