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Moving abroad after naturalising
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2023 11:09 am
by xsdffd
Hi all - need some advice here.
I am currently on ILR and about to apply for naturalisation soon. My employer wants to make my role redundant in the UK, and is offering either redundancy or a move to the US. However, I do not want to move to the US before I become British citizen as the UK has become my home, and even if I move abroad I would like to return here at some point in the future.
What would you recommend that I do in this instance?
There is a possibility that the employer might be able to wait as I complete the naturalisation process, allowing me to continue my work from the UK for a period of time, but they would probably want me to start preparing for the transfer process (signing a new contract, preparing documents for a work visa for the US etc.). I however will not proceed with the actual move or applying for any US work visas until I become British citizen, as all of the move for me is dependent on me becoming a UK citizen and the UK becoming my main home.
In case this plan works, how long do you think it might take for the naturalisation process to finish? Trying to weigh up whether it makes sense to continue with delaying the transfer process, or better to look for other employment straight away altogether.
Re: Moving abroad after naturalising
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2023 11:49 am
by Ticktack
xsdffd wrote: ↑Wed Sep 06, 2023 11:09 am
Hi all - need some advice here.
I am currently on ILR and about to apply for naturalisation soon. My employer wants to make my role redundant in the UK, and is offering either redundancy or a move to the US. However, I do not want to move to the US before I become British citizen as the UK has become my home, and even if I move abroad I would like to return here at some point in the future.
What would you recommend that I do in this instance?
There is a possibility that the employer might be able to wait as I complete the naturalisation process, allowing me to continue my work from the UK for a period of time, but they would probably want me to start preparing for the transfer process (signing a new contract, preparing documents for a work visa for the US etc.). I however will not proceed with the actual move or applying for any US work visas until I become British citizen, as all of the move for me is dependent on me becoming a UK citizen and the UK becoming my main home.
In case this plan works, how long do you think it might take for the naturalisation process to finish? Trying to weigh up whether it makes sense to continue with delaying the transfer process, or better to look for other employment straight away altogether.
Naturalisation process takes as long as it takes. There's no fast tracking it. Best case, 6 months for approval, maybe another month to get the ceremony done. 6-8 weeks to get the passport.
These are just ball park figures. It could be faster or much later. Every case is different.
Re: Moving abroad after naturalising
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2023 3:05 pm
by xsdffd
Got it - is my understanding correct then that it is only possible / allowed to move to live abroad once the ceremony has taken place and the passport has been successfully received?
Re: Moving abroad after naturalising
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2023 3:16 pm
by Ticktack
xsdffd wrote: ↑Wed Sep 06, 2023 3:05 pm
Got it - is my understanding correct then that it is only possible / allowed to move to live abroad once the ceremony has taken place and the passport has been successfully received?
You're allowed to move at anytime. But YES, I get what you mean. It's preferable at that point, no one can stop you from coming in anymore, and only friendly questions asked if you have to talk to IO.
Re: Moving abroad after naturalising
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2023 4:05 pm
by xsdffd
Perfect, thank you very much.
Re: Moving abroad after naturalising
Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2023 4:49 pm
by xsdffd
Apologies, one more follow-up question on the matter.
In case I am currently considering the move / my employer makes me sign some a contract and/or commit in any other way to the move (e.g. confirming by email etc.), but I do not actually move / start any relocation visa processes before naturalisation takes place and I receive the British passport, does that jeopardise the naturalisation in regards to the future intention requirement?
I.e. the fact that I am actively considering the move and taking steps with my employer towards it (along with other actions I am doing separately, i.e. looking for other employment within the company and/or externally), cast doubt on my application? Is this something I should be consulting with an immigration solicitor on?
Re: Moving abroad after naturalising
Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2023 3:36 pm
by Ticktack
xsdffd wrote: ↑Sat Sep 16, 2023 4:49 pm
Apologies, one more follow-up question on the matter.
In case I am currently considering the move / my employer makes me sign some a contract and/or commit in any other way to the move (e.g. confirming by email etc.), but I do not actually move / start any relocation visa processes before naturalisation takes place and I receive the British passport, does that jeopardise the naturalisation in regards to the future intention requirement?
I.e. the fact that I am actively considering the move and taking steps with my employer towards it (along with other actions I am doing separately, i.e. looking for other employment within the company and/or externally), cast doubt on my application? Is this something I should be consulting with an immigration solicitor on?
The HO aren't exactly mind readers, neither soothsayers. They would deal with whatever information you offer them.
So the question is, are you planning to tell them that you've signed up to move out of the UK for the next XX years?
They don't have that magical crystal ball, and you're not in prison. Stop overthinking it.
Re: Moving abroad after naturalising
Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2023 10:32 pm
by xsdffd
Ticktack wrote: ↑Mon Sep 18, 2023 3:36 pm
xsdffd wrote: ↑Sat Sep 16, 2023 4:49 pm
Apologies, one more follow-up question on the matter.
In case I am currently considering the move / my employer makes me sign some a contract and/or commit in any other way to the move (e.g. confirming by email etc.), but I do not actually move / start any relocation visa processes before naturalisation takes place and I receive the British passport, does that jeopardise the naturalisation in regards to the future intention requirement?
I.e. the fact that I am actively considering the move and taking steps with my employer towards it (along with other actions I am doing separately, i.e. looking for other employment within the company and/or externally), cast doubt on my application? Is this something I should be consulting with an immigration solicitor on?
The HO aren't exactly mind readers, neither soothsayers. They would deal with whatever information you offer them.
So the question is, are you planning to tell them that you've signed up to move out of the UK for the next XX years?
They don't have that magical crystal ball, and you're not in prison. Stop overthinking it.
Thank you, this is really helpful.