13 years lawful residency and no right for BC!
Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 8:55 pm
I have been a resident in the UK since January'99 and I am a citizen of Bulgaria.
I have resided in the country for 13 years, the first 4 ½ as a student, following 3 ½ as a work permit and HSMP holder (3 work permits 1 HSMP permit) and the last 5 as an EEA Citizen exercising Treaty rights.
My partner's nationality is Indian and since 27 March 2007 he has had the status of a family member of an EEA National who is exercising Treaty rights in the UK.
Because of Bulgaria ascending to the EU and EEA on 1st January 2007 I had to register as an EEA Citizen exercising Treaty rights which (according to the UK Border Agency) means they start counting the qualifying period from scratch and aren't considering the 3 1/2 years I have been on a work permit status.
I would like to understand whether I am eligible to apply for naturalisation as a UK citizen at present.
Thanks for the help in advance!
Elena
I have resided in the country for 13 years, the first 4 ½ as a student, following 3 ½ as a work permit and HSMP holder (3 work permits 1 HSMP permit) and the last 5 as an EEA Citizen exercising Treaty rights.
My partner's nationality is Indian and since 27 March 2007 he has had the status of a family member of an EEA National who is exercising Treaty rights in the UK.
Because of Bulgaria ascending to the EU and EEA on 1st January 2007 I had to register as an EEA Citizen exercising Treaty rights which (according to the UK Border Agency) means they start counting the qualifying period from scratch and aren't considering the 3 1/2 years I have been on a work permit status.
I would like to understand whether I am eligible to apply for naturalisation as a UK citizen at present.
Thanks for the help in advance!
Elena