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Freedom from Immigration Time Restrictions & Evidence for EU citizens
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2022 9:56 am
by tomarx_123
Hi,
I'm going to apply for naturalisation in the next few days and I am unclear on the following:
Date of Application
The booklet states that the applicant needs to "Be free from immigration time restrictions on the date of application and have been for at least 12 months"
My question: I was granted settled status on 29th December 2021. Can I apply on 29th December 2022, or should I apply from 30th December 2022 to be safe?
Evidence for EU citizens
The Documents section in the application states that "If you are an EEA National, you need to include letters from employers, educational establishments or other government departments, indicating your presence in the UK during the relevant 3- or 5-year period."
My question: Is it sufficient to provide P60 and council tax bills for the 5-year period? With regard to P60 I was reading here (
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... -in-the-uk) that "the caseworker may request additional evidence to confirm that the person has been resident in the UK for at least six months of that period"
Also, I was thinking to provide bank statements, but the same section in the application states: "Bank statements or household bills are not suitable proof you have been living in the UK."
Thanks in advance!
Re: Freedom from Immigration Time Restrictions & Evidence for EU citizens
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2022 10:22 am
by alterhase58
tomarx_123 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 28, 2022 9:56 am
Hi,
I'm going to apply for naturalisation in the next few days and I am unclear on the following:
Date of Application
The booklet states that the applicant needs to "Be free from immigration time restrictions on the date of application and have been for at least 12 months"
My question: I was granted settled status on 29th December 2021. Can I apply on 29th December 2022, or should I apply from 30th December 2022 to be safe?
Best not to go with "exact" dates, take your time, get everything right, 30.12. or later.
Evidence for EU citizens
The Documents section in the application states that "If you are an EEA National, you need to include letters from employers, educational establishments or other government departments, indicating your presence in the UK during the relevant 3- or 5-year period."
My question: Is it sufficient to provide P60 and council tax bills for the 5-year period? With regard to P60 I was reading here (
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... -in-the-uk) that "the caseworker may request additional evidence to confirm that the person has been resident in the UK for at least six months of that period"
A minimum of documents is required. P60s or council tax bills are sufficient. UKVI can always ask for further documents or clarification if they deem it necessary. NOTE: The document you are quoting relates to EU SETTLED STATUS applications. Note naturalisation is not an immigration application and has it's own specific requirements.
Also, I was thinking to provide bank statements, but the same section in the application states: "Bank statements or household bills are not suitable proof you have been living in the UK."
As mentioned, only a minimum of documents is required (even just one employer letter has been used as evidence). Clearly bank statements or other bills are not acceptable.
Thanks in advance!
Re: Freedom from Immigration Time Restrictions & Evidence for EU citizens
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2022 10:36 am
by tomarx_123
Thank you for the prompt reply, alterhase58!
I was hoping to be able to apply earlier (tomorrow) to allow a bit more leeway to potentially attend a paid biometrics appointment, as I will have to return to work in the new year. Do you definitely advise applying after the 30th then? Why do you think it's best not to go with "exact dates"?
Sorry another one on the biometrics if you happen to know - do I need to book an appointment after the application? How long does it usually take?
Thanks!
Re: Freedom from Immigration Time Restrictions & Evidence for EU citizens
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2022 10:46 am
by alterhase58
tomarx_123 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 28, 2022 10:36 am
I was hoping to be able to apply earlier (tomorrow) to allow a bit more leeway to potentially attend a paid biometrics appointment, as I will have to return to work in the new year. Do you definitely advise applying after the 30th then? Why do you think it's best not to go with "exact dates"?
We regularly see posts from applicants who applied on the "due date" and then find they've made mistakes. After the online application has been submitted it cannot be re-opened meaning that applicant needs to write a cover note to explain, or if too late for document upload send emails instead. But it's up to you if you wish to to apply tomorrow. Generally there's not much gained by applying on the "due date", I certainly wouldn't make plans on the basis of this application, it could take two to six months for processing, or sometimes even longer.
Sorry another one on the biometrics if you happen to know - do I need to book an appointment after the application? How long does it usually take?
When you have submitted/paid for the application you should then get the option to book an appointment. The biometrics appointment is short - note that UKVCAS is a company collecting biometrics on behalf of the Home Office:
https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/
Re: Freedom from Immigration Time Restrictions & Evidence for EU citizens
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2022 11:32 am
by tomarx_123
Thank you for the clear explanation.
One last question sorry - I have filled the application online a few days ago, but I haven't submitted and only gotten to the documents section. I suppose the actual application date will be when I officially submit and pay? Thanks!
Re: Freedom from Immigration Time Restrictions & Evidence for EU citizens
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2022 11:34 am
by CR001
tomarx_123 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 28, 2022 11:32 am
Thank you for the clear explanation.
One last question sorry - I have filled the application online a few days ago, but I haven't submitted and only gotten to the documents section. I suppose the actual application date will be when I officially submit and pay? Thanks!
Yes, I when you submit and pay only.
Re: Freedom from Immigration Time Restrictions & Evidence for EU citizens
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2022 11:39 am
by tomarx_123
great, thank you!