Leaving UK while Naturalisation is processing

[fridgeroom]

Hi All - I am looking to apply for Naturalisation, before joining my partner in Australia for around 9 months while she completes a Masters degree, before moving back to the UK. I don't expect to move abroad permanently but unsure if this would fall foul of the intention to live in the UK provision? I own a house and have strong ties to the UK but would be leaving my job and unsure how that would look.

The plan would be to stay in the UK for a couple of weeks after application (NCS) rather than have to wait around for 4 months.

I have seen a few posts on various forums but majority dating to 2012 so looking to see if anyone had any recent experience. If I were to be declined on this basis, would that prejudice my ILR or latter applications?

[fwd079]

Hi All - I am looking to apply for Naturalisation, before joining my partner in Australia for around 9 months while she completes a Masters degree, before moving back to the UK. I don't expect to move abroad permanently but unsure if this would fall foul of the intention to live in the UK provision? I own a house and have strong ties to the UK but would be leaving my job and unsure how that would look.

The plan would be to stay in the UK for a couple of weeks after application (NCS) rather than have to wait around for 4 months.

I have seen a few posts on various forums but majority dating to 2012 so looking to see if anyone had any recent experience. If I were to be declined on this basis, would that prejudice my ILR or latter applications?

Experts can tell you better but the idea is the period before your application is what counts, not after you have applied, if you meet all requirements you can apply and are free to travel.

But if succeeded you need to attend ceremony within a time period and for that you need to be in UK/come back to UK and attend ceremony, apply for passport etc.

[milan69]

From the moment you apply for naturalization you can travel without restrictions.

[CR001]

The issue you would have if living abroad for 9 months is that who will be looking at your post/mail?? If you receive approval and get the letter and invitation to the ceremony, you have a limited period within which you have to do the necessary steps.

You have to book your ceremony within 2 weeks and you have to attend the ceremony within 3 months. Failing all of that, you will then have to reapply and pay the fee again.

[fridgeroom]

Thanks all. I have no issues with checking mail and arranging an interview as I am keeping my house and have friends who are renting in the interim, and had planned on being back for a period in the summer.

The issue really is just how long term is the definition of Question 2.3, but I clearly intend on my main home being in the UK in the medium term so doesn't read like there would be any issues. Only question mark would be as it is being processed, through my passport details it is obvious I have left the country and been gone through the whole application process.

Thanks,
Ben