₦airaland Forum

Happy New Year to you all.

Happy to report that I got ILR today. Onto the next one: Naturalisation!

Below is my timeline:

Applied for ILR Route : SET(M)
Date application sent : 18/12/2021 (26 days to 5 years)
Application type : Super Priority (£800)
Docs uploaded to UKVCAS portal: 28/12/2021
Date Biometrics Enrolled: 05/01/2022 7:30am Birmingham (£125)
Approval Received : 05/01/2022 11:10am
BRP Card: Pending

All the best to everyone yet to apply.

Congratulations. The end is near in sight. You don commit hand for visa application fees.

How long did your naturalisation application take?

Planning to submit straight after ILR in January.

newbie715:
Happy to update that my naturalisation application has been approved and I have now booked Citizenship ceremony for 1st week in January.

I have used these recently: moneyfex.com, Lemonade, Kyshi, mamatakwas (a Nairalander on this thread)

They each have their pros and cons. Please review them carefully.

Adamstom33:
Good evening everyone, please what is the best way to send money from Nigeria to the UK, please with good rates. Thanks �

If you can increase your budget considerably, I will suggest SecretLabs chairs.

It’s the best investment I have made in the last few years. I used to have back pains after using several budget chairs but the story changed the moment I decided I wasn’t going to neglect myself anymore whilst spending a lot more on frivolous things.

Irenenwaka:
Hello guys, please for individuals with a work station/home office.

I have been trying to purchase a good office chair, i have purchased some in the past that really hurts my back.

I have been doin research, just when i feel like i have found a chair i then stumble on negative reviews about the chair��

Please can anyone recommend a very good office desk(less than 100 pounds) that provides a great support to the back. I will be extremely grateful

I hope my budget is fair though

Abeg what app is this?

Lexusgs430:
About 3 days ago, I put £1000 on $SAVA........ On a money doubling gamble for 2 weeks .........

My investment is now .......... I hope people joined my 2 weeks challenge............

Thanks

newbie715:
Congratulations

Happy to report that I have finally passed the test at the 3rd attempt (shame dey catch me but we move!).

I tried it the first time just to see what the test was about and I unsurprisingly failed.

For the 2nd attempt, I downloaded this free app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bubblingiso.LifeintheUKTest. I did some of the practice tests, memorised the answers to some of the questions I was flagged at the 1st attempt and felt confident I could pass. I submitted and proceeded to be notified of the outcome only to be told I had failed again.

For the 3rd and final attempt, I was now tired of gambling and wasting £50 and my time for each attempt. So I began to properly study for it by reading all the 5 chapters using this website: https://lifeintheuktests.co.uk/study-guide/, did some practice tests here https://lifeintheuktestweb.co.uk/, paid for the official app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.tso.lituk and booked the test. Glory be to God, I passed after adequate preparation.

TLDR: Study all the 5 chapters, memorise historic dates and events, British inventions and inventors, government and court systems, the patron saints etc. All the best to everyone.

Demoore:
Hi Abubarakat, you know I'm following you right after as I'm due to apply for my ILR in Feb next year. Have you managed to sort out your LIUK test yet?

Yes boss. I attempted it last week but failed; I needed 2 more correct answers to pass. It was very painful but no shaking, we go again!

Demoore:
Hi Abubarakat, you know I'm following you right after as I'm due to apply for my ILR in Feb next year. Have you managed to sort out your LIUK test yet?

If i recall correctly, I think the reason was that we already have the FLR thread which has information that can be used for ILR.

In all fairness, this is true to an extent. However, i still prefer a new thread to keep things more distinct.

Thank you for creating the thread and congratulations on your successful ILR application.

newbie715:
Oh interesting, do you know why the thread you created was closed?

Thanks for creating this thread. I created one a while ago but it got deleted by the "admins".

Looking forward to my application in January. It's not any different from the FLR application with the exception of Life in the UK test. All the best to everyone.

Has anyone recently done a fencing work on a plot of land?

I have a plot of land in Ibadan that i want to do 5 coaches of fencing on.

Does anyone have an idea of how much it could cost?

Thanks in advance.

Before the end of today is fine. Thank you.

Is it possible to continue the transaction elsewhere? I have sent you the default email via NL, just so we don't pollute the thread.

Mamatukwas:
Instantly, no sir but before the end of today yes I can help.

I need to send £250 ASAP to a GTB account. Can you help?

Mamatukwas:
Naira value is turninoniown. Maybe they are trying to be careful.

I presently live in Birmingham.

These are some of the nice places I know in Birmingham: Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, Erdington, Edgbaston, Marston Green, Fiveways etc.

These are the places I would personally avoid: Aston, Alum rock, Newtown etc

It's quite big to be fair, so it will be difficult to have an exhaustive list.

marylandcakes:
Good morning everyone
This thread was set up. I believe to help others by giving a little bit about your first hand experience while living in the UK. Most times it’s better to hear things from the horse’s mouth than google.

I will ask my question again “Is there anyone who lives or has lived in Birmingham. What are the pros and cons and which are the nicest areas to live?
Many thanks.

I hail you all my people. I trust the weekend is going fine.

I have this burning question on my mind I would love to throw to the house: is there any rewarding investment in the UK anyone can recommend? Man is tired of having some change sitting idle in my bank account.

Abeg help a brother.

That would be great but unfortunately they don't really care about us.

Phenmeson:
I wish the government can give us free 2months rent so I can wire the money to 9ja. unfortunately my council tax and rent are knocking on the door on May 1st.

Chairman, I wish

Olalekank:
Chief, if you're tempted, some of us are still in Nigeria
And we have our Nigerian bank accounts up and running

You can be tempted to bless one of them

It looks surreal, to be honest. I'm tempted to send something to my Nigerian account!

Francois10:
app is 530 today just did a transaction

This guy is a comedian. I've never seen anyone wear cardboard.

There are thermal wears and winter jackets nah

It wouldn't hurt to add a cover letter but it's not a requirement. However, please be mindful of the content of the letter. You don't want to open any unnecessary can of worms.

The supporting guide clearly states that you are allowed to submit documents in each of your names, if you don't have documents in joint names.

You only need to submit one document each for each document you don't have in joint names. In other words, 12 documents (6 each) covering the last 2 years before the date of your application. PLEASE make sure the documents cover at least 2 years before the date of your application.

All the documents I submitted for my application were not in joint names; they were mixed (single and joint).

teejay231:
Thanks for this.

Also, we didn't have bills in our name but have correspondence and bank letters for about 3 years. Do I need to explain in a cover letter? Thanks.

In as much as we are trying to be careful, please let's also be mindful of the rules. It is clearly that stated NOT to apply earlier than 28days before your visa expires.

deept:
Trouble no good, if they want 21 days before expiry give them 42 unless you want to gamble with your application fees and start all over again.

Yes, the most recent payslip and bank statement MUST be less than 28 days old. This is IMPORTANTER!!!

As for online documents, try to export it as a PDF file and upload. You are uploading online anyways, so it doesn't make any difference.

If you bank statements are not the original copy sent through post by your bank, PLEASE make sure you to take them to your nearest and have them stamp every single page.

All the best.

teejay231:
Thanks a lot for your advice. Does the 28 day mean that the most recent payslip and bank statement must be less than 28 days old? Another issue I have is that some of the correspondence documents are online such as phone bills and so on. Also, can I have my bank stamp on my online copies before scanning? I don't think I can get my previous employers to stamp on my previous payslips. Also what is the total cost of the application including the NHS fee and super priority? Thanks a million.

The only date that matters is the day you submit your application ONLINE. Applicants usually get about 6 weeks or thereabout to book a biometric appointment. And if there are no available appointments for Super Priority closer to you, you can always try neighboring cities.

As long as you SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE before your visa expires, you will be fine.

All in all, do whatever gives you peace of mind.

richdopeboi:
So are you saying someone won’t be able to apply online get a date and apply 20days before expiring for priority which takes 5days.

You need at least 12 items of correspondence in your name and that of your partner spread over the last 2 years before you submit your application.

Yes, you need to submit payslips and bank statements for the last 12 months before you submit your application. Please remember the 28 day rule.

Please request for original bank statements from your bank. They usually don't accept online statements printed from home/elsewhere unless it is stamped by the bank.

As for payslips, the online copies should be fine but if you can get your HR to stamp them, that would be great. I recently applied for my FLR in September with payslips issued through Sage and I got the visa. Please remember to get a letter from your HR to confirm your employment details.

All the best

teejay231:
Seasons greetings my people �

I will be applying for the FLR and intend to pay for the priority service soon but have some concerns.
For one, I and my partner do not have joint bills but have separate bills at the same address. I also rented a room for Monday to Thursday to save on commuting costs as I have to travel for work.
Also, I have recently changed jobs twice in 2 months after staying at one role for almost 2 years. I intend to use my payslips and bank statements for the application, so do I need to provide 12 months payslip and bank statements? Also, my payslips and bank statements were sent electronically, do I need to request paper copies or can I just print? Also curious about all the fees including priority costs? I really need some clarity on how to proceed. Thanks my people.

Congratulations

tosine:
Compliments of the season everyone.

I went for my biometrics today and got an email of Visa granted today. Below is my timeline and documents submitted.

Application Type : FLR(M) - 1st Extension (Super priority)

Online application- 2nd December 2019
Biometrics- 30 December 2019
Decision Email- 30 December 2019

Documents for visa

[ ] My passport & BRP
[ ] Passport photograph
[ ] Wife & son passport 
[ ] My, wife, son birth certificate 
[ ] Letter from me and wife
[ ] Bsc certificate 
[ ] Masters certificate 
[ ] Marriage Certificate 
[ ] My letter of employment and salary confirmation
[ ] My 6 months payslip
[ ] Statement of Earnings
[ ] Wife letter from employer 
[ ] My 6 months bank statement 
[ ] P60
[ ] Tenancy agreement
[ ] Council tax bill
[ ] Random selection of bills and letters received for the past 2 years
[ ] Tickets to spain and picture
[ ] Pictures of naming and others

You can scan and upload all your documents online after you have submitted your application online and referred to Sopra Steria (UKVCAS) to book a biometric appointment.

Or you can choose to take your documents with you for biometric and pay about £45 for them to help scan and upload them.

All the best.

Minnienellie24:
Please can someone explain to me how this document scanning method works?

Is there a designated body or place where this has to be done or I can just do it on my own and submit? My hubby is due for his FLR renewal in February and everything just seems to be different from what I thought it would be when he first applied.

Hello Everyone,

Now that some of us have successfully applied for the FLR visa, I thought it would be great to have another dedicated page for ILR.

If you are interested, please see this page: https://www.nairaland.com/5521501/applying-uk-ilr-after-flr.

Just a quick update and timeline for anyone that recently applied for FLR after initial 33 months in the UK.

Application Type : FLR(M) - 1st Extension (Standard)
Application Submitted online on: 17 September 2019
Postal or In-Person Application: Online
Attended Sopra Steria Centre: 25 September 2019 £100 appointment slot
Biometrics Enrolled: 25 September 2019
Acknowledgement Received: None
Additional Documents Requested on (if any): None
Decision Email: None
Decision Letter Received on: 6th November (dated 1st of November)
BRP Card Received on: 8th November
Decision: Granted

7 weeks from application date

Good luck to everyone still waiting to hear from HO / getting ready to apply.

Congrats bro

Demoore:
Just received my FLR BRP today via the non-priority route!

Summary Timeline:
Application sent online: 12 Sept
Biometrics: 30 Sept
BRP card received: 1 Nov
Date of approval on card: 30 Oct

Seems it takes 1 month from biometrics to date of approval....

Good luck to all those seeking to extend!

Hi

Not sure about 1 so I'll let others chime in.

As for the others:
2. Yes. You have to send in 12 payslips along with 12 months bank statements highlight corresponding payments in your payslips. This is because you have not been at your current job for a minimum of 6 months to apply under category A.

3. There is no definite answer for this as there is no mention of this in the official guidelines by Home Office. However, as the burden of proof is with the applicant, it's best to get a letter from your previous employer, if you can.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

TunzAntman:
Good morning all,


Thank God for this platform, I wish I'd seen this straight after my initial spouse visa. I have a few questions I hope you guys can help with.

1) Although I moved in straight away with my partner when I arrived in the UK I didn't immediately change my bank details, HMRC etc. to her address as I was previously living in the UK before applying for the spouse visa, so I just used to have all my letters sent to my previous home address up until about a year ago. Although I did receive some correspondence there, they're not "offiicial documents". Is there anyway to circumvent this?

2) I changed jobs in the last 3 months from a previous job I'd been in for 2 years. Does this mean I'd have to send in 12 months worth of payslips?

3) Would I need a letter from my previous employer confirming how much I earned, or is the letter only required from my current employer?

Your responses will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you