Biometric Resident Permit and ILR

[Hyskoa]

Hi all,

Back in June I had made a post requesting information regarding my wifes SET(M) application.

I would like to inform everyone that the application was successful and she was granted ILR this month.

The Home Office had returned her passport and documents to us this Thursday(09/10/14) with a covering letter stating that a BRP will be sent separately. However, the covering letter appears to be somewhat different to what friends and family had previously reported. The letter should indicate and confirm that the application was successful and ILR was granted. On ours, it did not. It only states that the BRP was being sent with no indication of type of application being made or granted. It did however include a 3 page info sheet that explains ILR but it clearly states that it is for information purposes only and does not covey the grant of ILR.

Today(10/10/14) we received the BRP. On it states that the type of permit as "settlement" and remarks as "ILR" It also comes with a 10yr valid until date. I understand that the 10yr valid until date is normal as it states this in the leaflet provided. I assume we will need to renew when time comes. However, the leaflet does provide any information on how and when to do this. The only information regarding expiry is for limited leave to enter and remain which states a new application is need if you wish to remain.

So why did the Home Office not send out a confirmation letter showing that ILR had been granted? How do we renew? And what happens if we do not renew the BRP when it expires? Will she loose her ILR?

I understand that to avoid the hassle of renewing, she can op for naturalisation in 1yrs time. Which brings me to ask some further questions. My wife is a British National Overseas. From what I am aware, if she is granted stay in the UK legally, she has the same rights as any normal British Citizen. If that is the case, is it still worth while becoming a full British Citizen? If so, which route should be taken, by naturalisation or registration?

I thank anyone in advance if you can shed any light to the above questions.

[CR001]

I applied ILR in 2012 and my letter said the same as yours. Mostly these days the letters don't specifically say 'you have been granted ILR', that is what the BRP is for.

The BRP will need to be renewed like a driving licence, passport etc. The current form for replacement BRPs is BRP(RC), but this might change in the next couple of years, who knows. There is a small fee involved in replacing BRPs.

Not sure about citizenship for a BNO, but that would be the best route to be honest, but that is my opinion.