Up to 730 Absences

[skydove]

Hello everyone.

Can anyone confirm that the following are the referee declarations we need to submit with our naturalisation application? I found them via Google:

https://visas-immigration.service.gov.u ... on_MN1.pdf
https://visas-immigration.service.gov.u ... on_MN1.pdf

I'd just like to double-check these are the correct ones. I understand we can also download them from the HO document platform after submitting the application, but I'll rather get this done now.

Thanks so much!

[contorted_svy]

Yes, they are the correct form. You can fil them in digitally as far as the referee signature is consistent with what appears on their passport (ie not a typed signature).

[skydove]

Thanks very much!

[skydove]

Also, two more questions that just came to mind:

-Is it necessary for the photo to be different from the one in my ID, or can it be the same? I'm thinking of using the same one I recently sent to the HO to update my profile at https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status (which is different -more recent- from the photo in the passport I'll be submitting with my application).

-Are the referees themselves the ones who have to write the name and DOB on the back (though not sign it)? Or us, applicants?

Just to make sure I get it right!

Yes, they are the correct form. You can fil them in digitally as far as the referee signature is consistent with what appears on their passport (ie not a typed signature).

[alterhase58]

Also, two more questions that just came to mind:

-Is it necessary for the photo to be different from the one in my ID, or can it be the same? I'm thinking of using the same one I recently sent to the HO to update my profile at https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status (which is different -more recent- from the photo in the passport I'll be submitting with my application). Yes no issue, it's only purpose is for the referee form.

-Are the referees themselves the ones who have to write the name and DOB on the back (though not sign it)? Or us, applicants? No - and not required - this goes back to the paper form days.

Just to make sure I get it right!

Yes, they are the correct form. You can fil them in digitally as far as the referee signature is consistent with what appears on their passport (ie not a typed signature).

[skydove]

Many thanks! Just to clarify, when you answer "Yes, no issue, it's only for the referee form," do you mean it'll be fine when the photos I provide are more recent from the ones in my passport?

Thanks very much again!

[contorted_svy]

Yes of course, you can provide different pictures than what you have in your passport (arguably more recent is better).

[skydove]

Yes of course, you can provide different pictures than what you have in your passport (arguably more recent is better).

Thank you so much!

[skydove]

Hello!

I have been reading the AN naturalisation booklet, I have noted that it says that, for the five-year qualifying period, it states that:

"if your absences are up to 730 days we would expect you to have been resident in the UK for the last 7
years."
(see https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... t_2023.pdf)

The citizenship application form says:

"If you are the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen, provide details about trips from the last 3 years, otherwise provide details from the last 5 years."

My concern is that I'm not sure whether to include all the absences from year 5 to 7, as the form is only asking for up to 5 years.

If I need to, do I also need to gather evidence for those 2 extra years and present it with the rest of documents?

I was granted pre-settled (September 2020) and settled (October 2020) status.

Once again, thanks very much.

[alterhase58]

Only absences for 5/3 years are requested - if you are over then you are expected to have been resident for 7 years, it doesn't ask for 7 years worth of absences.

[skydove]

Only absences for 5/3 years are requested - if you are over then you are expected to have been resident for 7 years, it doesn't ask for 7 years worth of absences.

Ah, many thanks. I thought I needed to provide the dates of my trips in/out of the UK for the last seven years.

From people's experience, how will Home Office confirm that I have been here for seven years? Will they check their own immigration records? Or may they ask for further evidence from me at a later stage?

And related to that question: Do I need to mention anywhere -or upload some declaration or sth- stating that I have been in the UK for more than seven years?

Many thanks.

[alterhase58]

Only absences for 5/3 years are requested - if you are over then you are expected to have been resident for 7 years, it doesn't ask for 7 years worth of absences.

Ah, many thanks. I thought I needed to provide the dates of my trips in/out of the UK for the last seven years.

From people's experience, how will Home Office confirm that I have been here for seven years? Will they check their own immigration records? Or may they ask for further evidence from me at a later stage?

Not an everyday scenario so not many members with that experience and we don't know what they would check or what additional evidence they would/might request, if any. Your best option, if you wish to go ahead, is to explain your case concisely and best to add say a P60 or council tax bill for each of the two years.
And related to that question: Do I need to mention anywhere -or upload some declaration or sth- stating that I have been in the UK for more than seven years? I think a specific declaration is not required, just a covering note to explain your case and documents as mentioned above. That's how I personally would approach it if I wanted to ask for discretion. Though I would wait and reduce my absences, better than asking for discretion. Discretion is not a statutory right that you can enforce, as far as I know.

Many thanks.

[contorted_svy]

In the part about discretion it does specify that you shouldn't have hd a long absence before the start of the qualifying period if you are asking for discretion. As said above we are not exactly sure of what it is expected to provide - maybe I would provide trips in all 7 years to be on the safe side as well as a P60/council tax bill for each year and comment in a cover note.

[skydove]

Thanks very much, both!