Page 1 of 1
Citizenship query - time spent outside the UK
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2024 6:48 pm
by hm7
Hi,
My wife has recently got her ILR via the 5-year Family settlement route, SET(M). We are now planning to apply for her citizenship, however, we realized that she was out of the UK for 112 days in the final 12 months, out of which 12 days she was traveling for office work (for which she can obtain a letter from her employer to justify this travel).
Now considering there is a requirement of 'no more than 90 days spent outside the UK in the last 12 months' - Will this be a problem, if so, what can be the remedies?
Just for your information, I and our two children are British Citizens. I and my wife jointly own a house (with a mortgage) and we both have been employed continuously in the UK for all of the 5 years spent here.
Thanks.
Re: Citizenship query - time spent outside the UK
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2024 7:00 pm
by hm7
hm7 wrote: ↑Mon Feb 05, 2024 6:48 pm
Hi,
My wife has recently got her ILR via the 5-year Family settlement route, SET(M). We are now planning to apply for her citizenship, however, we realized that she was out of the UK for 112 days in the final 12 months, out of which 12 days she was traveling for office work (for which she can obtain a letter from her employer to justify this travel).
Now considering there is a requirement of 'no more than 90 days spent outside the UK in the last 12 months' - Will this be a problem, if so, what can be the remedies?
Just for your information, I and our two children are British Citizens. I and my wife jointly own a house (with a mortgage) and we both have been employed continuously in the UK for all of the 5 years spent here. Also, in total, she has spent 326 days outside the UK in the last 5 years, against 450 days allowed.
Thanks.
Re: Citizenship query - time spent outside the UK
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2024 9:08 pm
by SupperDog
Absences in the final year 101 - 179 days:
Total number of absences normally disregarded only if all other requirements are met and
you have demonstrated links with the UK through presence of family, and established home and a substantial part of your estate.
Re: Citizenship query - time spent outside the UK
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2024 10:54 pm
by contorted_svy
Applicant must also show evidence of having lived in the UK for 4 years instead of just 3. Letter from employer wouldn't help, so no need to enclose it.
Re: Citizenship query - time spent outside the UK
Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2024 8:23 am
by SupperDog
contorted_svy wrote: ↑Mon Feb 05, 2024 10:54 pm
Applicant must also show evidence of having lived in the UK for 4 years instead of just 3. Letter from employer wouldn't help, so no need to enclose it.
I don't think this applies to his case.
Re: Citizenship query - time spent outside the UK
Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2024 10:15 am
by contorted_svy
Yes I was incorrect - that requirement applies to applicants who have exceeded the 3 year or 5 year absence limit.
Re: Citizenship query - time spent outside the UK
Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2024 7:13 pm
by hm7
Thanks for replying @contorted_svy and @SupperDog.
Can I also request any of the @Moderator, @Respected Guru, or @Diamond/Senior members to advise on this as well? Also what documents I use to show the links to make my case as strong as possible?
Thanks in advance.
Re: Citizenship query - time spent outside the UK
Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2024 7:29 pm
by alterhase58
Members provide their inputs based on their personal experience and knowledge of reviewing official published material. If there's no need to add or correct anything Moderators, etc won't get involved in every thread.
When it comes to "making your case as strong as possible" the main thing is to stick to the requirements laid down by UKVI, where things need additional explanation be concise and stick with the facts. You are not negotiating with the Home Office, they will tick their boxes based on the information you provide, not necessarily on who can write the best cover letter. And there's a minimum of documents required for naturalisation, no point adding loads of documents, just in case.
Re: Citizenship query - time spent outside the UK
Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2024 8:18 pm
by contorted_svy
hm7 wrote: ↑Mon Feb 12, 2024 7:13 pm
Thanks for replying @contorted_svy and @SupperDog.
Can I also request any of the @Moderator, @Respected Guru, or @Diamond/Senior members to advise on this as well? Also what documents I use to show the links to make my case as strong as possible?
Thanks in advance.
Employment letter and mortgage statement with her name should do, to show she works and lives here. She will also submit her marriage certificate to you, who also live here. Enclose these documents and explain in a cover letter that her employment, home and family are here.
Re: Citizenship query - time spent outside the UK
Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2024 10:17 pm
by hm7
Thanks much for your reply @contorted_svy and @alterhase58.