Previous UK immigration applications - what qualifies

I might have an unusual situation regarding my application. I hope somebody could shed some light on it.

In short: I'm about to submit my naturalization application online. Just need to pay. However, in 1-2 months I will become a dad for the very first time (yay!). In my application I didn't put any dependents as it states 'at this time'.

Normally, I would just apply, but because of COVID-19, it might get more complicated. After I hit 'pay' I'll have to make an appointment with UKVCAS to complete my application. Since it can't be done now, I'll be in a limbo where I can't edit my answers anymore, but can't send the documents too. And before it's resolved I'll be a dad. The number of dependents = 1.

I don't want this to be an issue on the application, but I also don't want to wait 2 months since the waiting time is already long. Is the application considered to be submitted before the successful appointment with UKVCAS?

The application date is the day you submit/pay online - the appointment is for biometrics only and I understand that until then you may still edit the application. However, declaring a dependent is not part of the requirements you have to fulfil for naturalisation.

I guess I want to be sure that everything is OK in the application, and that it won't be rejected because of something like that.

Also, on the 'pay' stage, my application says: "You should only move to the next page if you have checked your answers and you are ready to submit your application. Once you select ‘Continue to Worldpay’ you will not be able to return and edit your application."

So it seems that's the point when I can't edit anything anymore.

At the date of application (submit & pay) your statement would be correct, i.e. nil dependents. And having a child after that is not a material change for the purposes of your application, which is individual to you.
If you are still not comfortable with this particular aspect you could write an explanatory note and upload that with your other documents.

Thank you, I might attach a note.

I'm going through the naturalization form again, and I find this questions very confusing:

"Did you meet the knowledge of English requirement as part of an indefinite leave application made on or after 28 October 2013? (yes/no)"

I'm a EEA citizen, and I have ILR obtained last year via the settled scheme. But I can't answer 'yes' because there was no knowledge of English requirement in that application. So I put 'no'. But I'm feeling like I'm saying 'no' to one of the key requirements of the application. Yet putting 'yes' wouldn't be exactly true.

Just to make it clear, I answered "yes" to "Have you passed an approved English language" and "no" to "Do you have a previous visa, entry clearance or leave to remain where you had to prove your knowledge of English? "

Did you meet the knowledge of English requirement as part of an indefinite leave application made on or after 28 October 2013? (yes/no)"

You answer no to the question. The question is relevant only to those who got ilr through the visa held under the UK immigration rules.

Thank you, "no" seemed right to me too. Thank you for your reassurance.

What qualifies as a "immigration application" within the "Have you made any previous UK immigration applications in the UK or abroad" question?

I'm assuming that ILR does, even if granted via the settled scheme. Is that correct? I'm in doubt, because they ask about the ILR later on anyway.

Also, would WRS be treated as immigration application? I'm assuming that no, since it was about the right to work, not right to live in the UK.

All topics merged. Please keep all your questions in one thread please.

ChetBaker wrote: ↑

Sat May 02, 2020 5:24 pm

What qualifies as a "immigration application" within the "Have you made any previous UK immigration applications in the UK or abroad" question?

I'm assuming that ILR does, even if granted via the settled scheme. Is that correct? I'm in doubt, because they ask about the ILR later on anyway.

Also, would WRS be treated as immigration application? I'm assuming that no, since it was about the right to work, not right to live in the UK.

All immigration or residence applications you have made to ukvi.

Not wrs.

Sorry, have another question. I've already applied for the naturalisation and I'll have my UKVCAS appointment in a few days. My wife wants to apply for UK citizenship too. She's eligible, but if she applies now she will state that I'm not a UK citizen. However, I could be one by the time she gets the UKVCAS appointment and her application reaches Home Office.

Should she wait for the outcome of my application (but might take months...), or add a note to the application explaining that I wasn't a citizen yet when her application was submitted?

ChetBaker wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 10, 2020 2:03 am

Sorry, have another question. I've already applied for the naturalisation and I'll have my UKVCAS appointment in a few days. My wife wants to apply for UK citizenship too. She's eligible, but if she applies now she will state that I'm not a UK citizen. However, I could be one by the time she gets the UKVCAS appointment and her application reaches Home Office.

Should she wait for the outcome of my application (but might take months...), or add a note to the application explaining that I wasn't a citizen yet when her application was submitted?

If she has held ilr/settled status for 12 months, she applies in her own right and must meet all the requirements individually. There is no "dependent" concept for citizenship. Your status is therefore irrelevant.

Highly unlikely you will already be British by the time her biomterics appointment is scheduled. You are only British once you have attended your ceremony, which are currently still suspended and delayed. Citizenship applications can take many months.

If she doesn't have 12 months in ILR, she doesn't qualify to apply yet.

That's great, thank you very much for your answer.

It seems I still have one more doubt. I have the referee form with a signed date before my application was sent. It was signed in March while I've sent the application in May. Will it matter? I made sure that the referee form is the same as you can download it from the website before submitting the application.

ChetBaker wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 10, 2020 12:38 pm

I have the referee form with a signed date before my application was sent. It was signed in March while I've sent the application in May. Will it matter?

No.