Permanent Residence after EEA Settled Status

[OLIOLIOLI]

Hi,

I`ve recently acquired Settled status after having been in the UK just over 6 years as an EU Citizen

My question is, I`d like to apply for british citizenship as soon as possible and understand that I can apply for a permanent residence card which can be backdated to the time where I would have been legally in the UK for 5 years, which will then make me eligible to apply for British citizenship.

Is this true?

If this is the case, what are the processing times for these permanent residence applications?

Thank you

[alterhase58]

Note - these cards (issued under EU regulations) will expire 31. December 2020 - as I understand it.
I also understand the application for a PR card is quite complex, needing lots of documents, etc.
We haven't had a PR timeline report lately so difficult to say. Are you in a time constraint because of your country's rules regarding dual citizenship?
Otherwise I would just wait out the 12 months after acquiring settled status. There won't be any changes to the British Nationality Act (not subject to brexit).

Other members may have more insight or experience of this.

[kamoe]

I`ve recently acquired Settled status after having been in the UK just over 6 years as an EU Citizen

My question is, I`d like to apply for british citizenship as soon as possible and understand that I can apply for a permanent residence card which can be backdated to the time where I would have been legally in the UK for 5 years, which will then make me eligible to apply for British citizenship.

Is this true?

It depends. Having Settled Status does not automatically mean you would be eligible for Permanent Residence. Permanent residence requires more conditions to be met.

Did you exercise treaty rights (were you a worker, student, self-employed, job seeker) in the UK during the 5 continuous years, prior to last year? If the answer is yes, then likely you answer is yes. If no, then no.

If this is the case, what are the processing times for these permanent residence applications?

Not really sure there is a timeline thread for that. You could probably apply online, which I presume is much faster.

If you were to apply on paper form, then timelines for all EEA processes are here. A couple of months ago the projected processing time was 6-7 months, although this has considerably improved to only 1-2 months in recent reports.

[kamoe]

I also understand the application for a PR card is quite complex, needing lots of documents, etc.

Depending on the OPs situation it could be more or less straightforward. If whey were a full time worker, for example, then selected payslips and a work certificate/letter from their employer(s) during the 5 years might do the trick. Of course, if the OP does not have these, or if this is difficult to get, then it becomes more complex.