Dear Friends,
Long time but I'm back to update you guys and ladies as I promised.
After receiving good advice from @billyhyatt and
@superspecial90 I went ahead and put together my application (took almist 4 months to get evetything ready) and it's with great joy that I type this response from the land of absolute peace of mind - faraway Canada.
I had no request for additional information
I had no request to be interviewed
My application took exactly 5 months and was processed in London Visa Office.
My GOD is definitely alive and kicking it for Me!
This is what I can tell anyone in similar shoes like mine or anyone who is caught up between the courts and Home office and would like to try for canada;
- Make sure you tell the truth but Keep it short and sweet. Very important. I did not write an epistle but I made it clear that I had lived legally in England with proof since 08 and was refused permanent residence - NOT A VISA.
The truth is if you write your life history because the space provided is called 'letter' of explanation, you run the risk of sending unnecessary sniffer dogs after yourself which will lengthen the process. ( in my opinion)
So give your explanation in the most clear terms, keep it concise and straight to the point and make SURE it is the TRUTH - DO NOT SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT BY giving excess unwanted information.
Myself and my family have been here 3 months now. Our lives are back to normal. I'm back in work at a better level than I was in England. My wife is happy again and my kids future is secure. I will certainly die a happy man.
One thing I must say to anyone going through hell like I did with my family for 2 plus years in limbo after living legally for 10years is - DON'T GIVE UP. Explore as many options as possible - Canada, Australia, etc.
If you have immediate family, let that be your motivation to keep going. If you're from a NON - EU country, it's evident from the political climate that we are at the bottom of the food chain and no one will fight for us so no matter how hard you feel beaten, no matter how many scary letters the Home office writes you, no matter how many times you've had to go and sign at the police station, no matter how many times you've probably been detained, pick yourself back up and keep going. Don't let this experience define you.
Finally and most importantly, hold on to your faith ( whatever it is you believe in) - I spent a lot of time praying endlessly day and night - how I went from being a team manager to almost destitute shocked my entire being and I believe GOD of Abraham Isaac and Jacob - of Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego heard my prayers and lifted me.
I will check in from time to time to answer any questions you may have. Till then be kind to one another. Show love and trust your GOD.
DO I miss England - No - it leaves a bad taste in my mouth each time I remember the hell myself and my family faced.
I'm embracing my new life here and expectant of what the future holds for me and my family.
I pray everyone going through a rubble like I did finds hope and the strength to finish strong. Amen
God bless you.