Croydon Service & Support Centre - Croydon

M O.

These places are always going to divide opinion. You pay a huge additional amount to (hopefully) cut the dreadful application wait times (currently 6 months!). Better government service for those who can afford it, and some who probably can’t. Not a nice thought.

That said, we found the centre itself to be clean, fairly efficient, and set up to handle long wait times and frustrated applicants.

First things first, they won’t let you into the building more than 15 minutes in advance of your appointment, so don’t get there early in the hope. You then go through airport style security (water, food etc is allowed), and go to your floor. For our ILR application we went to the third floor, and whilst the lifts were roped off, we were told they were available for those who needed them.

You sign in and take a ticket and wait for your number. First time it’s called you submit your paperwork (40 min wait for us). We had ours organised in a small binder with all the supporting documentation, but were asked to take it out and put it into their plastic wallets. Second time your number is called to take your biometrics (almost immediately after the first call), and finally they call you when your application has been reviewed. It was a sunny day and we were relieved when the biometrics worker said we could leave the building for 2 hours and come back (although on that hot day we didn’t find the building too hot or too cold). We left for the full two hours and about 15 minutes after we got back our number was called. I believe they will call your mobile if there are any problems or you are not in the building when they call your number. Everyone was polite, but understandably not too friendly.

In terms of facilities the toilets were clean and there were baby changing facilities and a kids’ area in the waiting lounge (with a tv with cartoons and some toys). There was a small cafe for drinks, sandwiches and snacks. There is also a passport photo machine in case you need it. Like other reviewers I’d advise taking plenty of food and drink with you, and something to keep you entertained. I was glad for headphones because the waiting area was a little noisy once it got busy (around 10.30).

Plenty of people seemed to have personal representatives/lawyers with them, but most did not. Partners/family seemed welcome at the counters with the applicants, you don’t have to go on your own. Some people were dressed smartly, others more casually, it didn’t seem to matter.

Hope that’s helpful to someone, good luck with it.

Nicolas T.

Hello, below you can find my appointment details. I would appreciate if I could have a response of how to find and get in touch with Mr Romaio and Mrs Dona as i need your assistnace.

Croydon - Service and Support Centre
Lunar House
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon
London
CR9 2BY
United Kingdom

Date/Time

Wednesday 20 November 2024 14:30

Gerard C.

Am a heavy set person and walking 3 flights of stairs is a problem for me my heart was racing by the time I got to the 3rd floor where my appointment was.. smooth transition to getting biometrics then got a staffer who was kinda pensive.. he would not let me ask a question.. to say he was obtuse is an understatement. He disqualified my paperwork albeit I had paperwork he purported I didn't have..and he made no sense on some of his assertions.. I tend to think he just didn't like me for some reason.. its was my second experience at Croydon the first was lovely.. warm welcoming helpful lady second time round was a far cry

Vittal N.

Very well maintained big buildings. Many people comes all across UK for different purpouses. Very big queue will be observed here, but fast moving as there are many counters. The staff got immense experience. They have the entire database of the applicants, universities what not. They find out the intention for the application and will approve or reject it. I have been here for couple of times and my VISA was always got approved with a nice way of conhratulations and with perfect UK style of response. My suggestion is be yourself and true. What i am saying about the staff and there maintainance is very less.

K. G.

I was in asylum application unit a few months ago and I couldn't not leave a review. I was scared to death to come there, my circumstances are not simple at all, it's a very hard time in my life and I would never imagine that during my lifetime I'll be forced to seek such protection, because of a high possibility to lose my life in a horrible way. The only person who knows those things about me, which I would never be able to share with anybody, because of great fear and shame, is my one and only relative. But in order to explain my situation I needed to tell about everything during the interviews. It was terribly hard, I still can't recover from stress caused by telling the story that I don't want to have in my life, but I want to say a big THANK YOU for every asylum unit worker for being so warm, understanding and supporting! I never believed that people can be like this, through my experiences it was always other way around, especially with authorities, I feared that I'll be yelled at, that nobody will listen to me or take me seriously, but people there - they did. And it gave me so much strength, it was a life changing experience. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Whatever will happen - you already gave me hope and support I had never had before when interacting with other people. Special thank you to the officer who conducted my last interview - Mr. Jim Shaw, I will never forget how kind you were even though I was so stressed out and I was crying so much. I wish you all the best in your life. After talking to you, I, for the first time, felt that my life has some value.

Ana M.

Very bad, water finished so we couldn’t drink anymore water being thirsty, the staff is very rude not even a bit polite. And we waited from 9:30 till closing time.
Not good at all being with 2 kids.

E G.

There are many negative views about the Home Office. So, we came with low expectation for their services & building until we are proven wrong!
I was pleasantly surprised with the positive experience we had while visited the premium service for my spousal visa application.

The staff are efficient yet friendly including security, reception and the counter staff. We got the decision for my application with 3 hours, the case workers know what they are doing & handled our paperwork efficiently.
The waiting area is clean, spacious and bright. I'd highly recommend to bring phone charger, books or anything to keep you entertain during the long wait.

Overall, it was a pleasant experience, but I'd give 5 stars if only securing the appointment for Premium Service is easier! So, please increase the availability of your staff, we paid a fortune to get this premium service.

Irene B.

Please teach your staff to be respectful. I was there for an appointment with my family and one lady spoke rudely. To top it all up, everyone was acting like they are doing us a favor. Very unwelcoming environment!

We pay for these services and I believe your staff do not work for free either so let everyone do there part.