Citizenship Application by Post via AN

[BC2024]

Dear members,

I am applying for my wife citizenship application (via post) and have got some questions. If you can help and advice then I would really appreciate. (could apply via online and still considering).

1. My wife came to the UK in 2013 as a spouse of a ILR holder (she was in the UK prev under PSW dep)
2. I acquired the BC in 2014.
3. She was given the 30+ months visa as an entry clearance.
4. We then applied for an extension of stay in 2016 and she was given another 30 months.
5. The letter from the HO states that she has been given extension under Appendix FM immigration rules.
6. The letter also states that she can apply for settlement after completing at least 5 years under this route.
7. The HO heading for the letter is " FIVE YEAR PARTNER ROUTE".
8. She completed 5 years in 2018 and we applied ILR and she received it without any issues.
9. I knew that I cud apply BC after 1 year but we just did not.

Partner 3/5 years route

Now when I read the AN form and guidance and by searching the forum where some people say can apply under 3 years or 5 years but as per my understanding and the HO letters it states at least completing 5years for settlement. I am not sure if she did not have ILR and still on spouse visa with extension, was she eligible to apply without ILR under 3 years route for BC (confused as hell on this one an not sure if rules were different at that time).


Applying BC in 2024

Based on that we now going to apply for BC in 2024 and I have some QS if you guys can help.

1. AN form personal information 1.5 and after stating your full name, it says you must provide evidence of this name such as a marriage certificate and some other documents but does not state anything else. (We have always used our marriage certificate but it has her previous surname from her father). We always used the same one for entry clearance, extension and ILR and no issues. At 1.7 it does ask her name at birth where I will write her previous surname. Every other document is as per the new surname. Q, do I need to provide this certificate?

2. 1.16 for your present address and 1.17 for previous address for 5 years. We have been more than 5 years at this address and again by searching this forum some ppl suggested to use "Date of Application" in the "TO" boxes and some said write "To Date". DO not know but will just write Date of Application unless someone say something different.

3. Life in the UK SAECTION - she passed years ago when she was here on a different visa and AN guidance says must submit the letter so I will do so and no issues here.

4. English Language - she has BI and was used for her ILR and again no issues as the guidance says if it was used to get ILR then can be used and do not need another one. Ask to supply the ref number only so again no issues here.

5. Details of your partner - again we will fill the section accordingly.

6. Employment - she never worked and we will write Housewife.

7. Residence requirements - so as per my understanding and after reading the guidance, I can only say that it asks for her arrival as spouse on 5 year route. It can also be confirmed via the Nationality forms guidance where it states "enter the day you first arrived in the UK with a view to stay on long term basis". However, I have seen mixed messages about it? Overall absences for 5 years and in the last year, all within the limit so no issues here and qualifying period as well.

8. Q2.6 " Free from restrictions" I would guess N/A so will just leave it blank.


9. Biometric enrolment - so we will fill the section and enclose the BRP and will also select HO to retain it.

10. Declaration - 7.8 refers to spouse passport copy, I am not sure about it but again no harm submitting but would like some clarification.

11. Supporting documents - it says provide documents relevant to you and says TICK to indicate type of evidence you have enclosed.

a - evidence of identity - no issues BRP and all the passports included. I will physically put a tick on
b - Evidence of language and life in the UK - it only talks about the language here and not the Life in the UK test. It also says if you have not passed the test at B1. Do I tick that box or not?
c - Evidence you were physically present - under 5 year route all passports will be supplied.
d- evidence of freedom from immigration - BRP showing ILR
e - evidence of marriage - so that was mentioned as above under personal information and now here. I believe it is applicable and I need to supply both, marriage certificate and my passport copy.

12. In regards to Biometric enrolment, AN guidance states that "We may be able to re-use
biometrics previously provided with earlier immigration applications". However, it says HO can still request and shud be supplied. Again no issue but was wondering if that have ever happended to anyone.

I do apologise for a long post but hoping that ppl who wants to apply via POST will find it helpful once dealt with.

[CR001]

You need to apply online. The paper form is for thise outside the uk.

[BC2024]

You need to apply online. The paper form is for thise outside the uk.

Thank you for the reply but GOV.UK website clearly states that you can apply by post. It also states that people living in Channel islands, The Isle of Man and British Overseas Territory have to apply by post.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-in ... w-to-apply

1. It states you can apply by post but encourages to apply online.
2. I also include another link

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... on-form-an

and it states that

"Use this paper form if you live in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or a British Overseas Territory, and want to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation.

You can also use this paper form if you live elsewhere and want to apply by post. You will need to submit your documents with your application.

Most people who live in the UK and apply online are able to keep their documents while their application is processed"

3. I also include another link where for the payment slip it includes 4 options for application.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... april-2018

"The fees shown below are for applications submitted to the Secretary of State at the Home Office. Applications submitted to a different receiving authority must be sent, or handed in to that authority. The appropriate receiving authorities are:

1. The Home Secretary if, on the date of receipt, the applicant is in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
2. The Lieutenant-Governor if, on the date of receipt, the applicant is in any of the Islands (for example, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man).
3. The appropriate Governor if, on the date of receipt, the applicant is in a British overseas territory.
4. The Home Secretary if, on the date of receipt, the applicant is elsewhere (including in a Commonwealth country)"

The point 1 does include if the applicant is in GB and AN can be used for postal applications.

Thank you.

[CR001]

Postal applications take longer and she wont have her original documents while she waits, including passport and brp.

Members have posted more than 2 to 3 months wait just for payment to be processed and to get notification for Biometrics using paper application (the absolute minority of applicants)

What if she needs to travel urgently or prove her identity? She will be stuck.

It is far simpler to apply online. Why would you not utitlise the online service?

[BC2024]

Postal applications take longer and she wont have her original documents while she waits, including passport and brp.

Members have posted more than 2 to 3 months wait just for payment to be processed and to get notification for Biometrics using paper application (the absolute minority of applicants)

What if she needs to travel urgently or prove her identity? She will be stuck.

It is far simpler to apply online. Why would you not utitlise the online service?

Thank you for the reply. I am fully aware off all the points you mentioned. The reason I explained when you said AN is for people living abroad only and my point was that AN can be used for people in the UK as well along with online option. As per my initial post, I did say I am still thinking about online as well. Now that we have established, that you can apply via post, are you able to provide advice for the points I raised. Thnx

[contorted_svy]

Dear members,

I am applying for my wife citizenship application (via post) and have got some questions. If you can help and advice then I would really appreciate. (could apply via online and still considering).

1. My wife came to the UK in 2013 as a spouse of a ILR holder (she was in the UK prev under PSW dep)
2. I acquired the BC in 2014.
3. She was given the 30+ months visa as an entry clearance.
4. We then applied for an extension of stay in 2016 and she was given another 30 months.
5. The letter from the HO states that she has been given extension under Appendix FM immigration rules.
6. The letter also states that she can apply for settlement after completing at least 5 years under this route.
7. The HO heading for the letter is " FIVE YEAR PARTNER ROUTE".
8. She completed 5 years in 2018 and we applied ILR and she received it without any issues.
9. I knew that I cud apply BC after 1 year but we just did not.

Partner 3/5 years route

Now when I read the AN form and guidance and by searching the forum where some people say can apply under 3 years or 5 years but as per my understanding and the HO letters it states at least completing 5years for settlement. I am not sure if she did not have ILR and still on spouse visa with extension, was she eligible to apply without ILR under 3 years route for BC (confused as hell on this one an not sure if rules were different at that time). If by the date she obtained ILR you were already married and you were a BC she became eligible on that day and needs to supply 3 years evidence of residence.


Applying BC in 2024

Based on that we now going to apply for BC in 2024 and I have some QS if you guys can help.

1. AN form personal information 1.5 and after stating your full name, it says you must provide evidence of this name such as a marriage certificate and some other documents but does not state anything else. (We have always used our marriage certificate but it has her previous surname from her father). We always used the same one for entry clearance, extension and ILR and no issues. At 1.7 it does ask her name at birth where I will write her previous surname. Every other document is as per the new surname. Q, do I need to provide this certificate? Provide passport and marriage certificate.

2. 1.16 for your present address and 1.17 for previous address for 5 years. We have been more than 5 years at this address and again by searching this forum some ppl suggested to use "Date of Application" in the "TO" boxes and some said write "To Date". DO not know but will just write Date of Application unless someone say something different. You are correct

3. Life in the UK SAECTION - she passed years ago when she was here on a different visa and AN guidance says must submit the letter so I will do so and no issues here.

4. English Language - she has BI and was used for her ILR and again no issues as the guidance says if it was used to get ILR then can be used and do not need another one. Ask to supply the ref number only so again no issues here.

5. Details of your partner - again we will fill the section accordingly.

6. Employment - she never worked and we will write Housewife.

7. Residence requirements - so as per my understanding and after reading the guidance, I can only say that it asks for her arrival as spouse on 5 year route. It can also be confirmed via the Nationality forms guidance where it states "enter the day you first arrived in the UK with a view to stay on long term basis". However, I have seen mixed messages about it? Overall absences for 5 years and in the last year, all within the limit so no issues here and qualifying period as well. Write the date she arrived as spouse.

8. Q2.6 " Free from restrictions" I would guess N/A so will just leave it blank. This refers to her ILR details. Enter as instructed.


9. Biometric enrolment - so we will fill the section and enclose the BRP and will also select HO to retain it.

10. Declaration - 7.8 refers to spouse passport copy, I am not sure about it but again no harm submitting but would like some clarification. When people submit online, for a spouse application the details of the British passport of the partner are required. I don't know if applying by post means you have to send your original passport or if a colour photocopy would do.

11. Supporting documents - it says provide documents relevant to you and says TICK to indicate type of evidence you have enclosed.

a - evidence of identity - no issues BRP and all the passports included. I will physically put a tick on
b - Evidence of language and life in the UK - it only talks about the language here and not the Life in the UK test. It also says if you have not passed the test at B1. Do I tick that box or not? She has passed it and you are providing the ref number for both LITUK and B1 for ILR right? so tick yes and provide reference numbers/certificates
c - Evidence you were physically present - under 5 year route all passports will be supplied.
d- evidence of freedom from immigration - BRP showing ILR
e - evidence of marriage - so that was mentioned as above under personal information and now here. I believe it is applicable and I need to supply both, marriage certificate and my passport copy. Yes

12. In regards to Biometric enrolment, AN guidance states that "We may be able to re-use
biometrics previously provided with earlier immigration applications". However, it says HO can still request and shud be supplied. Again no issue but was wondering if that have ever happended to anyone. If they request it she will have to book a biometrics appointment with UKVCAS. You will receive communication if this is necessary

I do apologise for a long post but hoping that ppl who wants to apply via POST will find it helpful once dealt with.

[BC2024]

Hi contorted_svy,

Than you for the reply. In regards to section " Free from restrictions on residing in the UK".

Q2.6 - says if you do not have ILR and you believe you are free from restrictions on the period you can reside in the UK on any other basis.

My Q is that 2.6 start by saying "if you do not have ILR" and the options available YES or NO. So how can I select YES as she holds ILR. As per my understanding the YES option is where if you do not hold ILR and believe that you were free from restrictions and then YES option is to provide the evidence of that statement. I hope I have explained it clearly.

Thnx

[alterhase58]

Personally I would just say N/A, it’s on paper! It’s not something that applies to you as ILR holder, caseworkers do know what they are looking at.

[PM74Juve]

Just to add... evidently the advantage of online application is it is far simpler to complete and avoids many irrelevant questions. I think a lot of these queries arise purely based on the format of the application (e.g. Q2 raised would not exist for electronic application as you'd online specify when you moved in) and also the online application specifies the relevant evidence which a paper application cannot tailor.

Aside from also never being parted from important documents the thread is a great reminder that online application offers many advantages.

I think all queries have been covered and good luck.

[PM74Juve]

Oh.. on Q2.6 of form I'd write N/A or leave blank as it is irrelevant in this case.. again a reminder that a paper form cannot respond intelligently as input is given... she has ILR so the question doesn't need to be asked.

[contorted_svy]

Hi contorted_svy,

Than you for the reply. In regards to section " Free from restrictions on residing in the UK".

Q2.6 - says if you do not have ILR and you believe you are free from restrictions on the period you can reside in the UK on any other basis.

My Q is that 2.6 start by saying "if you do not have ILR" and the options available YES or NO. So how can I select YES as she holds ILR. As per my understanding the YES option is where if you do not hold ILR and believe that you were free from restrictions and then YES option is to provide the evidence of that statement. I hope I have explained it clearly.

Thnx

I haven't used the paper form and the question wasn't stated. No question then, answer No.

[BC2024]

Thank you all who contributed and I really appreciate it.