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UK Citizenship application query - previous visas.
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2021 5:59 pm
by NeshyK
Hello,
I'm currently completing my online application for UK Citizenship, after having ILR since August 2015.
I have been in the UK with a combination of student and work visas since September 2004, and obtained ILR via the 10 years long residency route.
In the Citizenship application section which asks "Have you made any previous UK immigration applications in the UK or abroad?" do I have to provide details of all the visas I have had since 2004? Or is it irrelevant as I have had ILR for more than 5 years already? I should also mention that I married a UK citizen after obtaining ILR.
I do have the reference numbers and application dates of the two visas I had before ILR, but I can't remember the application dates of any visas prior to 2012. I do have copies of all obtained visas and my old passports as well.
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Nesh.
Re: UK Citizenship application query - previous visas.
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2021 6:34 pm
by alterhase58
The question asks for "any" applications, meaning all .... ILR was just the final immigration application and length of ILR status is not relevant.
List as many as you can remember and for peace of mind attach a covering note explaining the difficulties you have with the question. You don't need to provide documents for the various application made.
Re: UK Citizenship application query - previous visas.
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2021 7:02 pm
by NeshyK
Okay, thank you for clarifying that.
UK Citizenship application query - expiry date of current passport.
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2021 7:08 pm
by NeshyK
Hello,
When applying for UK citizenship is there a minimum amount of time that needs to be left on your current passport, before it expires?
I have just under 6 months left on my current passport, will that be an issue? Do I have to renew my current passport before I apply for UK citizenship?
Thank you, Nesh.
Re: UK Citizenship application query - expiry date of current passport.
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2021 7:12 pm
by CR001
NeshyK wrote: ↑Tue Dec 28, 2021 7:08 pm
When applying for UK citizenship is there a minimum amount of time that needs to be left on your current passport, before it expires?
I have just under 6 months left on my current passport, will that be an issue? Do I have to renew my current passport before I apply for UK citizenship?
No. You can even apply if your passport has expired.
Please can you also keep all questions in one topic, this ine now merged with previous topic.
Re: UK Citizenship application queries.
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2021 9:23 pm
by NeshyK
Hello, okay I have collated further queries regarding the UK citizenship application as follows.
- If there are gaps between my visas (i.e. due to new visas being granted after the expiration of the former visas), do I need to explain these somehow? I already did so in a cover letter when I applied for ILR in 2015, but the UK Citizenship application is online, so I'm not sure how to do so.
- When they ask, “Do you have a previous visa, entry clearance or leave to remain where you had to prove your knowledge of English?” do they mean the visa I had prior to getting ILR? I had to show my English proficiency for both, ILR and my previous work visa.
- Do I need to count the trips made outside the UK in the past 5 years or 3 years, since I got married to a UK citizen after obtaining ILR?
Thank you, Nesh.
Re: UK Citizenship application query - expiry date of current passport.
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2021 9:44 pm
by NeshyK
Hello, apologies but I have three more queries. These are as follows.
• What do I need to present as “Proof of living in the UK for 5 years, or 3 years if applying as the spouse of a British Citizen” ? Would my employment contract or council Tax bills be sufficient? Or should I photocopy and highlight stamps in my passport? The application guidelines say that household utility bills and bank statements are not acceptable.
• When they say, “You can send a photocopy of your spouse or partner’s UK passport - you must photocopy every page of the passport.” Do they mean that I need to photocopy every page of the passport, including the blank pages?!
• When they ask for “Two referee declarations …” do I have to get a character statement or something similar written or signed by my referees, in addition to including their details in my application?
Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks, Nesh.
Re: UK Citizenship application query - expiry date of current passport.
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2021 10:56 pm
by alterhase58
NeshyK wrote: ↑Tue Dec 28, 2021 9:44 pm
Hello, apologies but I have three more queries. These are as follows.
• What do I need to present as “Proof of living in the UK for 5 years, or 3 years if applying as the spouse of a British Citizen” ? Would my employment contract or council Tax bills be sufficient? Or should I photocopy and highlight stamps in my passport? The application guidelines say that household utility bills and bank statements are not acceptable.
Just your passport(s) covering the residency period. No other documents.
• When they say, “You can send a photocopy of your spouse or partner’s UK passport - you must photocopy every page of the passport.” Do they mean that I need to photocopy every page of the passport, including the blank pages?!
Yes - it does say "every page" .... note you need to scan and upload, not photocopy.
• When they ask for “Two referee declarations …” do I have to get a character statement or something similar written or signed by my referees, in addition to including their details in my application?
No - when you submit your application you can print the referee forms which need to be completed by your referees and then uploaded with your other documents. No character statement ....
Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks, Nesh.
Re: UK Citizenship application query
Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2021 6:51 pm
by NeshyK
Hello,
Many thanks for your responses.
If there are gaps between my visas prior to getting ILR (i.e. due to new visas being granted after the expiration of the former visas), do I need to explain these somehow? I already did so in a cover letter when I applied for ILR in 2015, but the UK Citizenship application is online so I'm not sure how to do this unless there is a way to upload a statement as a supporting document?
Thanks again, Nesh.
Re: UK Citizenship application query
Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2021 7:31 pm
by CR001
NeshyK wrote: ↑Wed Dec 29, 2021 6:51 pm
Hello,
Many thanks for your responses.
If there are gaps between my visas prior to getting ILR (i.e. due to new visas being granted after the expiration of the former visas), do I need to explain these somehow? I already did so in a cover letter when I applied for ILR in 2015, but the UK Citizenship application is online so I'm not sure how to do this unless there is a way to upload a statement as a supporting document?
Thanks again, Nesh.
No need for an explanation and it wasn't required for ilr either anyway. UKVI obviously has your full history.