British citizenship application with no evidence of entry

[hendepal]

I arrived in the UK in 2002 as visitor with a cricket club, i didn’t return to India with the team, resulting in an overstay. I now have ILR after completing 10 years on FLR FP. I did a SAR to try find my exact date of entry but there is no record, the first record the home office have for me was 2009 after being caught by officers. From the SAR I can see that the home office have labelled me as illegal entry: entry without leave. I have tried to find any documentation but given that’s it’s 23 years on I’m finding it impossible. My passport was left with the cricket coach. I have emailed the SARU who have confirmed they only have access to entry and exit documents from 2015. Has Anyone applied for citizenship with no record on entry?

[contorted_svy]

It's not a deal breaker not to have the stamp or to have forgotten the date of entry - it's a bit worse the fact you were caught overstaying. I would just explain the circumstances and that you don't remember the exact day of entry. Your circumstances came to light more than 10 years ago and you since have regularised your stay. Do you have any other factors that could raise eyebrows about your good character?

[hendepal]

Other than the immigration breaches prior to 2015, nothing, no convictions, worked full time since 2015, pay taxes etc, don’t claim benefits. I also have British wife and kids

[contorted_svy]

Did your breach in immigration end in 2015 or before? Having a British spouse and kids won't make a difference.

[hendepal]

Refused applications were made in 2012 and 2014, was granted in March 2015. Strictly speaking end breach would been 2015 when granted legal status.

[contorted_svy]

That should be OK then, as in Nov 2015 your status had been already regularised.