Immigrationboards.com

Hi,

I'm trying to apply for the Residence Card (as first step for citizenship).
My situation is quite simple:
- From EEA (Belgium)
- Lived in UK for the last 15 years uninterrupted
- In same job for the last 6 years
- In same house for the last 6 years (which I own).

Yet, I find the online EEA(PR) form a nightmare.
It asks questions like "Have you been a student or done vocational training since entering the UK?" The answer is yes. I did a Master and studied for a PhD, more than 10 years ago (before getting a job, without interruption in between).
However, if I answer that questions truthfully, it asks me to justify that in the documents I need to send. Now, I didn't complete the PhD, so don't really have any document to show for it. It's also been more than 10 years and I have no idea where those papers are. It would then also ask for evidence of private insurance covering that period, which I cannot provide (my EHIC card has long expired, and I have private medical insurance through work).

Am I right in thinking that *only* proof of eligibility *from the last 5 years* is required? Can I just "lie" to that questions about being a student then?

Wabiloo wrote:Can I just "lie" to that questions about being a student then?

You should never lie to the home office, especially if your goal is citizenship. If they find out it will affect the good character requirement of obtaining citizenship and prevent you from obtaining citizenship for the next ten years as you attempted to deceive the home office.

However, although they ask for all this information so long as you have five years as a QP you will have acquired PR and other periods won't be relevant

Wabiloo wrote:Hi,
Am I right in thinking that *only* proof of eligibility *from the last 5 years* is required?

More or less. Any 5 continuous years would do, and they don't have to be the last 5. In your case, seems those are the easiest ones, though.

Can I just "lie" to that questions about being a student then?

As suggested above, no. But you can answer truthfully, then only supply documentary evidence of your chosen 5 years.