@REMsleep I called my potential PhD advisor (and had meetings with him) before I even applied for this job and he basically promised that I would start in a year. But I'd still have to fill in paperwork later this year like everyone else, even though he's already assured me that I'm going to be his student. To get an official letter stating that might be a hurdle for him, since it isn't technically official yet.

I sent an email asking him for a letter (or even a letter expressing strong intent to take me as his student). He hasn't responded yet. I'm worried that he'll say it isn't possible and then everything will fall apart