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Hey all,

Apologies in advance if these questions have been covered on the forum! I'm planning to apply for British citizenship but I need the permanent residence card first and some of the requirements are not clear to me.

I'm Hungarian, have been in the UK since September 2007- was a student 2007- 2010 (full time), was working part-time 2008- 2010 and full time 2010 - present. My questions about the documents are:

- For time spent as a student: I have all my university acceptance letters, registration forms, letters about a tuition fee loan and some scholarship that the uni provided. I did have funds while studying but I have records of that on my Hungarian bank account and there's no way I can get bank statements about 3 years. Is this essential if I have everything else?

As for the health insurance. It wasn't required when I was studying so I don't have that. However, I was registered with the NHS in 2007. Does that count? My European Health Insurance card expires in 2017 but got it only last year- do they accept it for covering the student years?

- Do you know if they have a 'Nationality Checking' type of service for the PR card too? If not, how long does it take to get this approved?

Thank you very much for your help!

I think the PR application that you're talking about should be quite straightforward, I don't think there is a checking service for this.

Just look at the EEA3 application form and related guidance notes. They should issue the PR (if you're qualified) within 6 months...but often faster than that for EEA nationals.

Sorry - I'm not sure about your other questions.

vk17 wrote:As for the health insurance. It wasn't required when I was studying so I don't have that

Yes it was. I wasn't enforced if you did apply for Registration Certificate but I suspect you didn't apply (as this is not mandatory).

However, I was registered with the NHS in 2007. Does that count?

No.

My European Health Insurance card expires in 2017 but got it only last year- do they accept it for covering the student years?

Is that a UK issued one or a Hungarian issued one? It can't be a UK issued one.

Do you know if they have a 'Nationality Checking' type of service for the PR card too? If not, how long does it take to get this approved?

No but it should not take more than 1-2 months. It needs to be issued as soon as possible for EEA nationals.

With regards to the health insurance, if you have worked (with WRS authorisation), then health insurance is not required for period under employment.

Thanks for your replies!

Jambo, as for the insurance, I'm pretty sure it wasn't necessary to have that since I completed my 3 year BA course without being asked about it once. The EU Health insurance card was issued in the UK, I got it last year.

Thanks for your help anyway.

vk17 wrote:Thanks for your replies!

Jambo, as for the insurance, I'm pretty sure it wasn't necessary to have that since I completed my 3 year BA course without being asked about it once. The EU Health insurance card was issued in the UK, I got it last year.

Thanks for your help anyway.

The insurance has nothing to do with the university or the NHS. It is a requirement by the HO so unless you had dealings with the HO during your studies no one would have asked you for it.

Thanks Jambo, that does make sense. A couple more questions.

1) I was a student between 2007 - 2010 but also started working in 2008 and has been doing so since then. Is there any point stating in my application that I was also a student or shall I just leave it out and send documents supporting the application on the basis of employment?

2) When you list your absences from the UK and have your supporting docs, you only need to document those 5 years that you're considering for permanent residence, right? Ie. 2008-2013, so no current payslips should be sent?

Thanks a lot for your help!!

1. Hungarian nationals need permission to work in the UK prior to May 2011 ( this is called WRS ) do you have that ? They stopped it in May 2011

More information:

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/ccmmanual/ccm20110.htm


2. Yes

Thanks askmeplz82! Yes, I have the WRS certificate and card.

don't mention student in the application form just apply with P60 and payslips and prove that you worked continuously for 5 years after WRS registration

Dear all,

Thanks again for all your comments and advice. Just to give an update to those who read this post in the future, I sent out my application on 28th March and got all my documents back, as well as my card certifying permanent residence, on 29th April! It was really quick!