Naturalisation - UK resident since childhood

[CrownServant]

Dear All,

I'm currently in the process of applying for UK citizenship via naturalisation. My situation is somewhat unusual in that I have been living in the UK since I was 11 and am only applying now, as an adult. I have been trying to navigate the intricacies of the process but am finding it rather puzzling considering the unusual scenario.

• Between 2007 and 2012, I was at a Secondary School.
• Between 2012-2014 I was enrolled full time at a Sixth Form College doing my A-levels.
• Between 2015-2016 I had a two year gap year, I still lived with my parents and was dependent on them. During this time I re-sat some A-level examinations privately (I have certificates to proves this) and took up employment part-time, though with several gaps in-between the jobs.
• Since November 2016 I have been employed full time by the Civil Service.

As I understand it, the crucial part of my application are providing right of residence under EEA regulations over the last 5 years. This will be very straightforward for the period between now and November 2016 as I have been continuously employed by HMG, however I only held a part time job between April and November 2016, and prior to that I had a gap as my seasonal part time job in 2015 finished in December.

I understand that for "students" the usual CSI requirement applies, though Home Office caseworkers can apply discretion. I don't actually understand whether I would be classified as a student in the period preceding my employment though - I was fully dependent on my parents and enrolled at sixth form, and then sitting A level privately (2015-2016) whilst still dependent on my parents and taking up part time employment (with gaps).

I'd be very grateful for your advice on this, particularly as to which rules would apply to me and what evidence you would suggest I provide with the application (aside from an explanatory statement!).

Many thanks.

[alterhase58]

CSI was a requirement under EU regulations as implemented by the UK - this affected EU citizens exercising EU Treaty Rights as "Student" or "Self-Sufficient" persons. On the face of it you wouldn't count as a student as you attended "normal" school and were dependent on your parents. You will certainly be asked whether you had CSI which you have to answer. On the basis of your information it doesn't appear that CSI would have applied to your circumstances. As you point out you have been working throughout the residency period so that is not an issue (whether part- or full-time). Note you will be asked about employment over the past 10 years, and you can declare your school time as "unemployed". Being employed is not a requirement for naturalisation.

Note that we haven't seen any reports of applicants being refused solely due to CSI issues - again it appears you are not in scope for this.

[CrownServant]

Thanks alterhase58. Out of curiosity, do you know which EEA category being a dependant is covered under? I've had a look at the relevant legislation but not sure I understand where that would slot in. Also, would I need to somehow evidence I was dependent on my parents at the time or would that be covered by the virtue of having been at that address for a period of time and being under 21?

[alterhase58]

As a school student you are normally dependent on your parents or guardians.