Few questions regarding British citizenship application

[mr_londoner]

Hi,

I have few questions regarding British citizenship application. I am a non-EU and have a EU- settled status in UK since 2019.
1) I was working until December 2021 then started to claim Universal credit due to change of career. Currently, I am enrolled in a training course which will help to get a job in desired field. I want to know if Universal credit claim and having no job at present will have any effect on my citizenship application ?

2) In February 2021 I made an application for a replacement biometric card as I have Permanent residence (BRP) card under pre Brexit rule. But then I could not follow up with the application process (Biometric etc.) as I had to fly outside UK due to family medical emergency for months. Later I also found out that it is not necessary to replace card. In short last year in November 2021 my application was rejected as invalid. Do I need to give any explanation about this in citizenship application ?

3) Like I mentioned above that I went outside UK for around 4 months (March-April-May-June) last year due to medical emergency in my family. I came back on 12th July 2021. As per application requirement a person should not have been outside UK for more 90 days in last 12 months and 450 days in last 5 years at the time of application. So adding 9 months after I returned to UK means I can apply for citizenship after 12 April 2022?

Sorry for the long post. I would really appreciate your response on the above questions.

Thank you

[alterhase58]

Hi,

I have few questions regarding British citizenship application. I am a non-EU and have a EU- settled status in UK since 2019.
1) I was working until December 2021 then started to claim Universal credit due to change of career. Currently, I am enrolled in a training course which will help to get a job in desired field. I want to know if Universal credit claim and having no job at present will have any effect on my citizenship application ? No - employment is not a requirement for naturalisation and claiming benefits you are entitled to is not an issue . Declare the period not working as unemployed.

2) In February 2021 I made an application for a replacement biometric card as I have Permanent residence (BRP) card under pre Brexit rule. But then I could not follow up with the application process (Biometric etc.) as I had to fly outside UK due to family medical emergency for months. Later I also found out that it is not necessary to replace card. In short last year in November 2021 my application was rejected as invalid. Do I need to give any explanation about this in citizenship application ? Applying for a card is not an immigration application so I believe it's not necessarry to explain. You have settled status and should provide the ref number and letter/email.

3) Like I mentioned above that I went outside UK for around 4 months (March-April-May-June) last year due to medical emergency in my family. I came back on 12th July 2021. As per application requirement a person should not have been outside UK for more 90 days in last 12 months and 450 days in last 5 years at the time of application. So adding 9 months after I returned to UK means I can apply for citizenship after 12 April 2022? The calculation should be simple - just deduct the nine months fromy your totals and compare to the allowances per guidance.

Sorry for the long post. I would really appreciate your response on the above questions.

Thank you

[mr_londoner]

Hi,

I have few questions regarding British citizenship application. I am a non-EU and have a EU- settled status in UK since 2019.
1) I was working until December 2021 then started to claim Universal credit due to change of career. Currently, I am enrolled in a training course which will help to get a job in desired field. I want to know if Universal credit claim and having no job at present will have any effect on my citizenship application ? No - employment is not a requirement for naturalisation and claiming benefits you are entitled to is not an issue . Declare the period not working as unemployed.

2) In February 2021 I made an application for a replacement biometric card as I have Permanent residence (BRP) card under pre Brexit rule. But then I could not follow up with the application process (Biometric etc.) as I had to fly outside UK due to family medical emergency for months. Later I also found out that it is not necessary to replace card. In short last year in November 2021 my application was rejected as invalid. Do I need to give any explanation about this in citizenship application ? Applying for a card is not an immigration application so I believe it's not necessarry to explain. You have settled status and should provide the ref number and letter/email.

3) Like I mentioned above that I went outside UK for around 4 months (March-April-May-June) last year due to medical emergency in my family. I came back on 12th July 2021. As per application requirement a person should not have been outside UK for more 90 days in last 12 months and 450 days in last 5 years at the time of application. So adding 9 months after I returned to UK means I can apply for citizenship after 12 April 2022? The calculation should be simple - just deduct the nine months fromy your totals and compare to the allowances per guidance.

Sorry for the long post. I would really appreciate your response on the above questions.

Thank you

Hi,
Thank you for your reply. Since I'm on universal credit for the last 4 months therefore, I have no proof of residence (eg. letter from employer, payslips and P60s etc.). I also don't have council bills as it is included in my rent. Please could you suggest what are the possible documents that can be uploaded for prood of residence in this period?
Can I get a letter from DWP showing that I'm on universal credit for the last 4 months?

Thank you

[alterhase58]

Not familiar with UC but do you get regular statements what your payments will be?
Any letter from NHS/GP/Hospital?

[mr_londoner]

Not familiar with UC but do you get regular statements what your payments will be?
Any letter from NHS/GP/Hospital?

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I get my monthly statement from Universal credit but they are online(It has my name, address on it and assessment period eg. 30 January to 28 February 2022). Statement Clear looks that it is an online statement.
Unfortunately, I have no letter from NHS/GP/Hospital. However, I do have Postal poll card. I'm currently doing job training so I have requested a general letter from my institution. Do you think any of these documents will help ?

Thank you

[alterhase58]

Take screen shots of the UC online statements - if there's an option to print print them irrespective of whether they are online. I cannot guarantee that all those documents will be accepted but you need to provide something. If they need further information they might contact you. Not providing anything may lead to a rejection of the application.

[mr_londoner]

Take screen shots of the UC online statements - if there's an option to print print them irrespective of whether they are online. I cannot guarantee that all those documents will be accepted but you need to provide something. If they need further information they might contact you. Not providing anything may lead to a rejection of the application.

Thank you for your reply. Yes I will provide the maximum documents that I have. I have few more questions if you can answer then it will be a great help.

Q) Please could you guide me that how documents should be uploaded ? Should I upload a document for each month in the last 5 years ?

Q) Can there be more than one document for certain months ? The reason I asked this because I will upload UC statements for last 4 months so I may also upload few bank statements which will show my spendings against UC payment (though bank statements are not considered as proof of residency but here I think it may support my case).

Q) I was self employed back in 2014/2015. How can I mentioned this in my employment history ?

Many thanks

[alterhase58]

Q) Please could you guide me that how documents should be uploaded ? Should I upload a document for each month in the last 5 years ?

Normally one would submit one document per year - however as your documentation seem to be patchy best to load per month.

Q) Can there be more than one document for certain months ? The reason I asked this because I will upload UC statements for last 4 months so I may also upload few bank statements which will show my spendings against UC payment (though bank statements are not considered as proof of residency but here I think it may support my case).

You are free to upload as many documents as you wish.

Q) I was self employed back in 2014/2015. How can I mentioned this in my employment history ?

There should be an option to select self-employed, but you can also write a covering note explaining this.

[mr_londoner]

Q) Please could you guide me that how documents should be uploaded ? Should I upload a document for each month in the last 5 years ?

Normally one would submit one document per year - however as your documentation seem to be patchy best to load per month.

Q) Can there be more than one document for certain months ? The reason I asked this because I will upload UC statements for last 4 months so I may also upload few bank statements which will show my spendings against UC payment (though bank statements are not considered as proof of residency but here I think it may support my case).

You are free to upload as many documents as you wish.

Q) I was self employed back in 2014/2015. How can I mentioned this in my employment history ?

There should be an option to select self-employed, but you can also write a covering note explaining this.

Thank you so much. You have been so kind. Just last two questions then I am all set.

Q) I will be using my UK university degree as a proof of English language. Do I need to upload my official transcripts or certificate that we receive at convocation ? Or should I upload both of them ?

Q) As I acquire EU settled status so do I just need to upload my BRP card (Permanent residence card issued under EEA regulations) or also EU settled status cover letter(pdf) which was issued later when I applied for EUSS ?

Once again thank you so much for your help.

[alterhase58]

Q) I will be using my UK university degree as a proof of English language. Do I need to upload my official transcripts or certificate that we receive at convocation ? Or should I upload both of them ?

Degree Certificate is sufficient.

Q) As I acquire EU settled status so do I just need to upload my BRP card (Permanent residence card issued under EEA regulations) or also EU settled status cover letter(pdf) which was issued later when I applied for EUSS ?

Upload both - You are applying on the basis of EU SS though.

[mr_londoner]

Q) I will be using my UK university degree as a proof of English language. Do I need to upload my official transcripts or certificate that we receive at convocation ? Or should I upload both of them ?

Degree Certificate is sufficient.

Q) As I acquire EU settled status so do I just need to upload my BRP card (Permanent residence card issued under EEA regulations) or also EU settled status cover letter(pdf) which was issued later when I applied for EUSS ?

Upload both - You are applying on the basis of EU SS though.

Thanks a lot

[mr_londoner]

Q) I will be using my UK university degree as a proof of English language. Do I need to upload my official transcripts or certificate that we receive at convocation ? Or should I upload both of them ?

Degree Certificate is sufficient.

Q) As I acquire EU settled status so do I just need to upload my BRP card (Permanent residence card issued under EEA regulations) or also EU settled status cover letter(pdf) which was issued later when I applied for EUSS ?

Upload both - You are applying on the basis of EU SS though.

Thanks a lot

Hi,

Just a couple of more questions as I am just about to submit my application. In form there is a question where it says:

Q) Did you meet the knowledge of English requirement as a part of an indefinite leave application made on or after 28 October 2013?
Should I say "No" because in my settled status application there was no such requirement.


Q) Since I will be using my University degree as a proof of English language. Will it make any issue in regards to CSI ? Because I didn't have it.

Thank you

[mr_londoner]

Q) I will be using my UK university degree as a proof of English language. Do I need to upload my official transcripts or certificate that we receive at convocation ? Or should I upload both of them ?

Degree Certificate is sufficient.

Q) As I acquire EU settled status so do I just need to upload my BRP card (Permanent residence card issued under EEA regulations) or also EU settled status cover letter(pdf) which was issued later when I applied for EUSS ?

Upload both - You are applying on the basis of EU SS though.

Thanks a lot

Hi,

Just a couple of more questions as I am just about to submit my application. In form there is a question where it says:

Q) Did you meet the knowledge of English requirement as a part of an indefinite leave application made on or after 28 October 2013?
Should I say "No" because in my settled status application there was no such requirement.


Q) Since I will be using my University degree as a proof of English language. Will it make any issue in regards to CSI ? Because I didn't have it.

Thank you

Just to add here that my partner was self employed while I was in University.

[alterhase58]

Q1: "No" is the answer as not needed for EUSS
Q2: If you were a student as family member of of an EU citizen you were expected to have CSI, though not many did ... you need to explain why you didn't have it. Mention any private medical arrangements you may have had during that period. Note we have not seen any refusals based purely on CSI issues.
Q3: your partner's employment status is not relevant in this context.

[mr_londoner]

Q1: "No" is the answer as not needed for EUSS
Q2: If you were a student as family member of of an EU citizen you were expected to have CSI, though not many did ... you need to explain why you didn't have it. Mention any private medical arrangements you may have had during that period. Note we have not seen any refusals based purely on CSI issues.
Q3: your partner's employment status is not relevant in this context.

Thank you for your reply.
Actually I was not aware of CSI at that time. I only came to know about it when I was applying for PR but then I was advised that since my EEA partner was exercising treaty rights as self employed therefore, I wasn't required.
Now I don't know how to address this issue in my application.

[mr_londoner]

Q1: "No" is the answer as not needed for EUSS
Q2: If you were a student as family member of of an EU citizen you were expected to have CSI, though not many did ... you need to explain why you didn't have it. Mention any private medical arrangements you may have had during that period. Note we have not seen any refusals based purely on CSI issues.
Q3: your partner's employment status is not relevant in this context.

Thank you for your reply.
Actually I was not aware of CSI at that time. I only came to know about it when I was applying for PR but then I was advised that since my EEA partner was exercising treaty rights as self employed therefore, I wasn't required.
Now I don't know how to address this issue in my application.


Mention any private medical arrangements you may have had during that period
I thought I was covered under NHS.

[mr_londoner]

To be honest I have found this CSI requirement quite unfair. Because during my educational period I was not told by my University to have CSI. My GP also never asked me to provide it. Otherwise I would have done this.

[mr_londoner]

Q1: "No" is the answer as not needed for EUSS
Q2: If you were a student as family member of of an EU citizen you were expected to have CSI, though not many did ... you need to explain why you didn't have it. Mention any private medical arrangements you may have had during that period. Note we have not seen any refusals based purely on CSI issues.
Q3: your partner's employment status is not relevant in this context.

I thought I was dependent on her during that period.

[alterhase58]

NHS was not accepted as CSI - though it would have been sensible as NHS is universal based on residency.
I believe because you were under EU regulations exercising EU Treaty Rights it would have applied.

[mr_londoner]

NHS was not accepted as CSI - though it would have been sensible as NHS is universal based on residency.
I believe because you were under EU regulations exercising EU Treaty Rights it would have applied.

Thank you for your reply. Please could you guide me that what should be the best way to address this issue ?
In the form there are few sections where it says:

(1) Are there any reasons why you cannot meet the requirements to become a British citizen (for example, you have had too many absences from Uk)?

(2) If you do not meet the statutory requirements to become a British citizen, are there any special circumstances why you think the Home secretary should still grant your application?

(3) Do you have any other details that you would like to be considered regarding this applicant and their application to be registered as a British citizen ?

Should I say No to (1), and Yes to (2) and (3) . And then explain CSI issue in covering letter ?

Or say No to (1) and (2) and Yes to (3) and attach cover letter?

Thank you

[mr_londoner]

In the cover letter I will write genuine reasons which I mentioned in my previous post.

1) I was not aware about CSI as there was no clear guidance whether it is mandatory for all non-EEA partner of an EEA national who is exercising treaty rights as worker or self employed etc.

2) I was also not told by my university regarding CSI condition.

3) My GP also never asked me to provide CSI.

Can I also mention this point that:
4) Since my eea partner was exercising her treaty rights as self employed therefore, even at the time of PR application I was told by a solicitor that I don't required to have CSI for that period.

Note: Just to add here that this CSI issue was in between 2013 to 2016 as I was student during this period, (prior to the issuance of PR).

- I was employed between July 2013 to January 2014.
- I was self employed between 2015 - 2016 but since my earning was way below the threshold because I was earning just for my pocket money therefore, my tax was £0.00. I submitted my returns by myself.
From September 2016 onward I was in full time employment until December 2021.

So the only period which looks challenging is from 2014 to mid 2015.
Don't know how much the above facts will help in support of my application. I will be very thankful to you and anyone who can shed some light on this.

Sorry for the long post. I wanted to address this issue before submitting my application so at least from my end whatever I can do to support my application.

Many Thanks

[alterhase58]

I think your suggested cover note explains the situation from all angles - perhaps other members with CSI issues might want to comment.
You have probably seen this long-running thread? british-citizenship/csi-and-settle-stat ... l#p2044823
Your selections "Or say No to (1) and (2) and Yes to (3) and attach cover letter?" seems sensible.

[mr_londoner]

I think your suggested cover note explains the situation from all angles - perhaps other members with CSI issues might want to comment.
You have probably seen this long-running thread? british-citizenship/csi-and-settle-stat ... l#p2044823
Your selections "Or say No to (1) and (2) and Yes to (3) and attach cover letter?" seems sensible.

Thank you so much for your help. I have gone through this thread and have also posted my query. Hopefully someone with the similar experience would shed some light on this matter.

Thank you!

[CR001]

As a non EU family member, you did NOT require CSI if your EU family member was exercising treaty rights.

[mr_londoner]

As a non EU family member, you did NOT require CSI if your EU family member was exercising treaty rights.

Thank you so much. This is a big relief. That is exactly what I was advised when I was making my PR application followed by Settled status.

Now I am all set to apply.
Do you recommend me to say "yes" to this question in case if home office require any further information?
Do you have any other details that you would like to be considered regarding this applicant and their application to be registered as a British citizen ?

Many thanks