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Apply for naturalisation from outside the uk
Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2023 7:15 pm
by honestguy2020
Hi,
I have been on ILR for almost 12 months now (12 months competing on 8th Dec).
I'm currently outside the UK since the last 3 days and will be back soon.
Question - Can I apply for naturalisation from outside the country and get biometrics done when I return?
Please let me know.
Kind Regards
Re: Apply for naturalisation from outside the uk
Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2023 7:32 pm
by contorted_svy
No, wait until you return to the UK. It wouldn't be seen favourably.
Review the guidance here to check you respect all requirements
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... n-guidance
Re: Apply for naturalisation from outside the uk
Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2023 5:37 pm
by honestguy2020
Hi,
Not sure if there is any guidance in this regard.
Can you please share the description from the page here (not able to see it there on the link you have provided)
I only know of the first day of the qualifying period guideline which is you must be present in the UK exactly 5 years on the date home office receives your application.
Can you please put more light on it.
Re: Apply for naturalisation from outside the uk
Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2023 5:53 pm
by alterhase58
honestguy2020 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 03, 2023 7:15 pm
I'm currently outside the UK since the last 3 days and will be back soon.
Just from a practical point of view, why don't you wait til you are back in the UK, a few days or weeks won't make much of a difference.
It's an important application, pricey as well so personally I would take my time, get everything right, saves bother later on.
But it's your choice. The guidance doesn't have answers for all possible eventualities.
Re: Apply for naturalisation from outside the uk
Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2023 5:58 pm
by contorted_svy
I can't find a reference on the guidance, there are reports on this forum that people who applied for their first British passport after naturalisation from abroad got their intention to live in the UK longer term put into question. I don't know if this also happened or could happen for people who applied for naturalisation from abroad (except for overseas applicants who are applying under different sections of the BNA).
Unless other members of the forum report that this is permissible, if you are due to come back soon, it is perhaps the easiest option to apply from here.
Re: Apply for naturalisation from outside the uk
Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2023 6:03 pm
by honestguy2020
The reason I want to apply now is - I may need to go out again in February due to some family medical issues back home.
If I apply now, I can book biometrics for January and then travel freely later if need be.
May I please get the view point of the experts here please.
Kind Regards
Re: Apply for naturalisation from outside the uk
Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2023 6:07 pm
by contorted_svy
honestguy2020 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 04, 2023 6:03 pm
The reason I want to apply now is - I may need to go out again in February due to some family medical issues back home.
If I apply now, I can book biometrics for January and then travel freely later if need be.
May I please get the view point of the experts here please.
Kind Regards
When are you back? If you apply eg next week and can travel or go for a paid appointment, you can get one sorted very quickly, way ahead of February.
Re: Apply for naturalisation from outside the uk
Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2023 6:08 pm
by CR001
You are required to declare all absences in the form. You cannot do this if you are currently absent as you cannot put a future date in the form.
As others have said, wait till you return to apply.
You are free to travel after you jave applied within the uk
Please be aware that citizenship applications are at ukvi discretion and it is your responsibility to ensure your details and declarations are accurate and that you meet all the requirements.