Naturalisation with PR card dating 2008

[tictactoc]

UK national.
I hold a 2008 PR card with no expiry date.
I meet all other criteria.
Can I apply for naturalisation or has my PR card expired? Do I have to go for settled status instead?

[kamoe]

Can I apply for naturalisation or has my PR card expired?

Your PR card is only the confirmation of a status you have, and that status, as is name indicates, is permanent. Even if that card was damaged or lost, you do not lose your status (but you would need to replace it if lost & applying for naturalization, as the document is needed for that).

Since you still have the card, you have no issues.

Do I have to go for settled status instead?

All EU nationals wishing to stay in the EU after June 2021 need to apply for the settlement scheme before December 2020.

Having said that, the logic dictates that if you successfully apply for naturalization with your PR before December 2020, you will no longer be considered a EU national only (you'll either be a dual national, or a British national), and you will not need to apply for Settled Status at all, since you'll have the strength of your British nationality instead.

Now, If it was the case that you did not want to apply for naturalisation before December 2020 (or at all), then you would need to apply for settled status before December 2020, as by that date you would still be a EU national only, and the settlement scheme compulsory nature would apply to you.

[tictactoc]

Dear Kamoe,
I can only say thank you so very much for your extensive reply!
As mentioned, after 22 years in the UK, I want to acquire naturalisation rather than Settled Status (I understand perfectly well the details / deadlines / technical aspects of this route).
I will have to read your reply several times to fully understand your explanation but ... just once again thank you!

[kamoe]

As mentioned, after 22 years in the UK, I want to acquire naturalisation rather than Settled Status (I understand perfectly well the details / deadlines / technical aspects of this route).
I will have to read your reply several times to fully understand your explanation but ... just once again thank you!

If you still have your PR card, and it is in a reasonable legible condition, then you can use it for your application for naturalization. Go ahead and skip settled status, you won't need it.

Bottom line is, I really need to clarify for anyone reading this that saying "you can skip settled status", is only correct and safe to say if you, or anyone in a similar situation, do your naturalization before December 2020.