Immigrationboards.com

Hi everyone,

I’m seeking some advice regarding my UK citizenship application, specifically about my travel absences and the impact of a partial presence on the start day of my qualifying period.

A quick rundown of my situation:

Nationality & Residency:
I'm a French national who has lived in the UK since 2013. I obtained permanent residency in 2018 and settled status in 2020.

Education & Career:
I completed my MSc at a London university in 2014 and have since worked in multiple financial services roles.

Local Ties:
I've been living in the same apartment block in London since 2017 and have maintained UK bank accounts since 2013.

Application Issue:
As part of my citizenship application, I currently have 115 days of absence from the UK in the past year and 560 days over the past 5 years.
Most of these trips were largely for personal reasons. Travels and also heading to France to visit my ageing grandparents—facilitated by remote work. With only a small minority being work-related.

Additional Concern:
I was only partially in the UK on the start day of my qualifying period. I plan to submit my application before going on a two-week leave, hoping to avoid these extra days being counted against me.

The July 2024 Guide AN Naturalisation booklet mentions that absences are normally disregarded only if an applicant meets all other requirements and has established their home, family, and a substantial part of their estate in the UK. Given my strong ties here, do you think my explanation and supporting evidence (education, employment, long-term residence, banking, etc.) would be sufficient for the Home Office to exercise discretion on my behalf?

Has anyone encountered a similar situation, or can offer any insight? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

You can't ask for discretion for both absences requirements. The absences you have go way over the limits. Try to limit your trips in the next year, bring that total under 90 days, and you will be eligible to apply then.

My hopes were on the July 2024 Guide AN Naturalisation booklet's mention that "absences are normally disregarded only if an applicant meets all other requirements and has established their home, family, and a substantial part of their estate in the UK". You think it won't fly?

frjb wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 10, 2025 3:49 pm

My hopes were on the July 2024 Guide AN Naturalisation booklet's mention that "absences are normally disregarded only if an applicant meets all other requirements and has established their home, family, and a substantial part of their estate in the UK". You think it won't fly?

If it doesn't fly, £1,630 is a lot of money to gamble with.

frjb wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 10, 2025 3:49 pm

My hopes were on the July 2024 Guide AN Naturalisation booklet's mention that "absences are normally disregarded only if an applicant meets all other requirements and has established their home, family, and a substantial part of their estate in the UK". You think it won't fly?

The guidance also states you can only ask for discretion on one absence requirement, not both. At the end of the day it is up to you what you want to do.