Questions about evidence for Entry Clearance (already have work permit)

Greetings.

I have accepted a job offer in England and have recieved my work permit (for 60 months).  I am trying to gather the required documentation to submit my application for entry clearance in the UK.  My wife, child and I are all US citizens and currently reside in the US.  We are planning on getting a short-term let for the first month while we search for suitable long-term housing.   I am reading the VAF1 form and have the following specific questions that I hope somebody who has been through this before can help answer:

     1. need to specify intended duration of stay on form (this is a full-time position with an indefinite duration)

     2. need to specify intended date of arrival on form (am still planning my move and don't have specific dates yet --sometime in mid-December)

     3. need to specify full address and telephone number of all the places where we will be staying during our visit, including hotels (do I need to reserve short-term let prior to submitting application?)

     4. need to specify present employment details on form (but I just resigned to take the new job!)
 
     5. need to specify whether I own assets/property (I am in the process of selling my house/cars/etc in preparation for relocation)

     6. do we all go together on appointment? (the security measures leads me to believe otherwise)

     7. need to provide evidence of accommodation? Will bank statement or offer letter with salary be enough to show financial security to forego this requirement?

     8. should we use a courier service to make sure we are submitting sufficient documentation and are filling in the forms correctly?

     9. qualifications? (resume/new offer letter/previous employers offer letter to establish years of industry experience)


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For the record, I wasn't too worried about any of this until I read the following bits online...

newcomer link: http://www.britainusa.com/visas/other_show.asp?SarticleType=25&Other_ID=345 [nonactive]

ADVICE FOR APPLICANTS

It is your responsibility to satisfy the Entry Clearance Officer that you meet all the criteria of the category under which you are applying. Therefore, it is in your interest to ensure that you are fully prepared before submitting an application. An Entry Clearance officer will base their decision to issue or refuse on the documents you submit.

newcomer link: http://www.iasuk.org/C2B/document_tree/ViewADocument.asp?ID=80&CatID=1 [nonactive]

If I have a work permit, am I automatically entitled to enter the UK?
A work permit is not the same as entry clearance. Once a work permit has been issued, the bearer must apply for entry clearance or, if already in the UK, leave to remain. Usually it is routine for entry clearance or leave to remain to be granted, but in some cases the Entry Clearance Officer or Home Office will refuse. For example, if an overstayer or illegal entrant acquires a work permit in the UK, the Home Office can refuse to regularise their status by granting leave to remain. Applications for leave to enter or remain for those work permit holders whose immigration status is irregular (e.g. asylum seekers), should seek specialist legal help.  Entry Clearance Officers are also refusing visas for those who have been granted work permits where they think that the work permit holder may not have the skills or experience necessary for the job, even though Work Permits UK has already agreed that the employee is suitable by having granted a work permit. An applicant may appeal against refusal of entry clearance as a work permit holder.

Hi raytracer,

I am currently in the same process as you. Here is my understanding...


1. need to specify intended duration of stay on form (this is a full-time position with an indefinite duration)

I plan on using the same duration that my WP is valid.


2. need to specify intended date of arrival on form (am still planning my move and don't have specific dates yet --sometime in mid-December)

This is so they know when to make your entry clearance valid. It doesn't need to be exact but you may not travel before the date you select, is my understanding.

 3. need to specify full address and telephone number of all the places where we will be staying during our visit, including hotels (do I need to reserve short-term let prior to submitting application?)

I think your initial accommodation is sufficient i.e., B&B, hotel, etc. They want to know you have a plan.

4. need to specify present employment details on form (but I just resigned to take the new job!)

Sorry, I forgot what I was told to put here... I THINK my recruiter said to put the job offer. I will let you know when I confirm this.
 
5. need to specify whether I own assets/property (I am in the process of selling my house/cars/etc in preparation for relocation)

This demonstrates financial security but since you won't actually be retaining these I am not sure if it is accurate to claim them.

6. do we all go together on appointment? (the security measures leads me to believe otherwise)

You may submit the applications on their behalf, but from what I've heard on this site it is up to the discretion of the security officer and hasn't been a problem for most people. You don't have to go in person.

7. need to provide evidence of accommodation? Will bank statement or offer letter with salary be enough to show financial security to forego this requirement?

see #3 I think the point of this is to prove that you have a plan once you arrive and won't need to depend on public funds.

8. should we use a courier service to make sure we are submitting sufficient documentation and are filling in the forms correctly?

Up to you, but costly. I think these services will even submit the application for you.

9. qualifications? (resume/new offer letter/previous employers offer letter to establish years of industry experience)

This is your CV/resume and offer letter.

Bank statements are recommended too.

This is the whole point of going through the entry clearance process with the appropriate documentation. I don't know your situation, but for the most part people who can demonstrate their qualifications, plan for relocation, etc have no problems. You and your family will be just fine. 

I just got my entry clearance for my work permit.  Basically, all they asked for was the original letter from the WP office saying my WP was approved, my application, picture, passport and fee.  I had several supporting documents with me.

I brought bank statements, my lease, my teaching credentials.  None of them were necessary. 

The hard work is done; getting your wp approved.  There won't be a problem getting your visas.