Nervous about my application :(

What kind words of encouragement from you folks!  Yeah, this place is special to me too 

So there's no turning back because I told them I am going to do it, and start taking on some Level 3 advocacy casework once it's in place - and they hold you to it once you commit or else you are stuffed.

If anybody's interested in seeing some of the Level 1 qualifier questions, let me know.  I downloaded a few.  They are throwing a lot more monkeys into the wrench on these tests then they did several years ago.  Tricky business.   

Thanks again to all!!!!   

Fingers and toes crossed for you Garry!

The first round of assessments is done   It was concerned mostly with applications for entry clearance and applications for leave to remain.  Not really the most difficult material, but crikey wouldn't it be humiliating to fail round 1?  So I'm glad to see the back of that one.  A few EU and MM areas were covered also, but I don't really care about those.  And I told them that afterwards

Now it's time to hunker down for the next round, which covers overstayers, illegal entrants, removal orders, and deportation.  Again, I am pretty confident that I know my stuff, but that doesn't stop me from being nervous about it.  Also worried about getting knocked sideways by a trick question.  And sure, while overstayers and illegal entrants are plentiful enough to get lots of casework experience, how much practical experience can you get with deportees without being a specialist in that area and being able to speak Farsi or whatever?  I haven't had a deportee since May   And that one had already lost his 3 appeals before I even got him.  So I don't think that's fair at all.   

Very nerve wracking!  I'll keep ya posted....

Good luck Garry.  I'm eternally grateful for the advice you gave me this last week.  I'm sure you'll do just fine! 
 

Fingers still crossed.

Garry, without you and your helpers here, I would have long ago committed myself to an institution!  I still have a way to go, but I know what to do because of you, and my fiance and I are much more positive.  My candles are lit, fingers are crossed, and I know you will do well!!

Gary I know you can do this.  The nerves help keep you focused on your goal. 

Good luck, Garry! 

I have the candles lighted to the fairy folk, chocolate set out for the qualification gremlins, and all possible fingers and toes crossed for you. 

Good luck.  I sat my exams in July and was absolutely terrified before hand.  When I got into the exams, I just treated it like a consultation, and the only problem I found was that I didn't have enough time.  They only give the level 3 people half an hour more than the level 2 people, and we are supposed to draft appeal documents in that time, which is impossible.

Victoria

Good luck.  I sat my exams in July and was absolutely terrified before hand.  When I got into the exams, I just treated it like a consultation, and the only problem I found was that I didn't have enough time.  They only give the level 3 people half an hour more than the level 2 people, and we are supposed to draft appeal documents in that time, which is impossible.

Victoria

Which references did you find to be most helpful?   

I brought with me the JCWI, but it's out of date so not massively helpful.  I referred to the IDI's a bit, but everything in mine was really quite straight forward.  To be fair, I wasn't doing asylum or deportation on this occassion, so if you are yours will be quite different.

Victoria

Good luck Garry,,

I brought with me the JCWI, but it's out of date so not massively helpful.  I referred to the IDI's a bit, but everything in mine was really quite straight forward.  To be fair, I wasn't doing asylum or deportation on this occassion, so if you are yours will be quite different.

Victoria

I don't do Asylum either, or MM - reduces the liability insurance premium massively, and I am mainly up just for requalification, *but* the new stuff for me includes illegal entrants and release from detainment, and the current JCWI handbook doesn't have the new TOC rules that kicked-in earlier this year.  And the only stuff that does deal with it that I've found is on the criminal law side.  And of course, the next edition of JCWI is being delayed and delayed, now scheduled for late October.  Which is cutting it too close for comfort.  Hence my concern....

So I'm on the lookout for a reference.  If you come across such, I'd love to hear about it.

My advice would be to look at the original legislation then.  Get hold of a copy of the relevant Acts along with the explanatory notes, and go from there.  I really don't know of any up to date text book out yet. 

The JCWI or ILPA might have summary documents which would help.

Incidentally, I called the JCWI yesterday - publishing of the new book is 'some time between now and December'.  Hopeless!  There will be new legislation by then which will render it obsolete before it's in the shops!

Victoria

Hello Garry,

I'm new to the board but it seems from the messages of support from other board members that you know your stuff so you should be ok.

As you do appear to be the Delphic Oracle on all things Visa, would you mind advising me of the best course of action re: my wife's visa and a few problems. If you say ok, I'll fill you in with the details.

Thanks again, and I will wish you good luck even though I am sure you will fly through.