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EU citizen - applying for UK citizenship after PR

Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 11:42 am
by Dante_A
Hello,
I have a PR card and soon the additional year will pass (I will have been in the UK for 5+1 year exercising the EU rights).

I would appreciate confirmation what exactly I need to provide with the naturalisation application (AN) - the guide is a bit unclear:
(1) passport/identity card - that is clear;
(2) Life in the UK + language qualification - that is clear;
(3) residency confirmation - should I include only the PR card, or also evidence of the last year (utility bills etc.), or the evidence of the last 5 years (even though they have already seen most of it?)
(4) they talk about "biometric residence permit" - how do I know if my PR card is biometric? It just says that it is "Document Certifying Permanent Residence".

Thank you for your kind help.

Re: EU citizen - applying for UK citizenship after PR

Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 12:04 pm
by bitter_sweet
(3) residency confirmation - should I include only the PR card, or also evidence of the last year (utility bills etc.), or the evidence of the last 5 years (even though they have already seen most of it?)

Better to include evidence for the previous 5 years together with the PR card. Utility bills are generally not accepted for Naturalisations. You should send letters from employers, P60s and/or P45s.

(4) they talk about "biometric residence permit" - how do I know if my PR card is biometric? It just says that it is "Document Certifying Permanent Residence".

The PR card for EU citizens is not Biometric. Unless you have given your fingerprints at a Post Office and you had your picture digitally taken, your card is not Biometric.

Re: EU citizen - applying for UK citizenship after PR

Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 12:30 pm
by Dante_A
Thank you. Can somebody else comment on Point 3? I would prefer to send the bare minimum, if possible.

Also, I was self-sufficient for a period, so I cannot send employment letters for it...

Re: EU citizen - applying for UK citizenship after PR

Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 1:40 pm
by alterhase58
The advice received from "bitter_sweet" is ok.
If you were not working / unemployed for a period state this. Employment is not a requirement for AN application. You could support that period of time with a council tax bill for example.

Re: EU citizen - applying for UK citizenship after PR

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2018 11:07 am
by twgal
@alterhase58 I read somewhere that council tax bills and bank statements are not good/preferred evidence for residency, in the case of naturalisation applications.

Re: EU citizen - applying for UK citizenship after PR

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2018 11:35 am
by alterhase58
twgal wrote:
Fri Mar 16, 2018 11:07 am
@alterhase58 I read somewhere that council tax bills and bank statements are not good/preferred evidence for residency, in the case of naturalisation applications.
Would agree bank statements not as you can have a uK account without being in the country. Council Tax is from local government, would consider official, though someone else might have experience. HMRC letter would be good..

From the AN form:
SECTION 3 Evidence of lawful residence during the 5 (or, if the applicant is married or in
civil partnership to a British citizen, 3) years before the date of the application: required for
applications made on the basis of residence in the United Kingdom: required for all applicants,
either:
• your passports
• letters from employers, educational establishments or other Government Departments
indicating presence in UK

Re: EU citizen - applying for UK citizenship after PR

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2018 11:39 am
by bitter_sweet
twgal wrote:
Fri Mar 16, 2018 11:07 am
@alterhase58 I read somewhere that council tax bills and bank statements are not good/preferred evidence for residency, in the case of naturalisation applications.
This is what the people at the HO's helpline told me when I called about my application. However, if someone was self-sufficient and not working during the previous 5 years they might be acceptable. If I was Dante, I'd call 03001232253 and ask.

Re: EU citizen - applying for UK citizenship after PR

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2018 11:41 am
by twgal
http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/info/20051 ... vice_ncs/3

Passport or travel documents to cover the last 5 years - if your passport does not cover the last five years or there are gaps between your passports, you must provide other evidence of living in the UK, such as: benefit letters, college/school letters, P60s, wage slips. Bills, bank statements, council tax letters are not acceptable.
No idea why, it doesn't make sense to me but this is what it says...