Naturalisaton question

[aix]

Got a question for you gurus.

I am filling in the naturalisation application form (Form AN (New)). Question 3.1 asks: "Date... of first arrival in the UK". Guidance notes explain: "Enter the date you first arrived to settle in the UK." (emphasis mine).

I initially came to the UK as a student, later converting to work permit employment. Bearing in mind that student isn't one of the categories leading to settlement, which date should I enter on the application, the date when I entered the country as a student, or the date when I got my work permit?

Thanks

[aix]

I should also add that the change of status was done in-country.

[ppron747]

That question on the application form deserves a prize for confusing-ness - if there's such a word...

I think that what they are struggling to ask is "What was the last date on which you entered the UK before the start of the five year residence period you completed in order to qualify for naturalisation?"

So if you have lived here since (say) January 1996, you put that date down on the form, despite the fact that those first few years don't actually count towards your eligibility for naturalisation. The category that you were in when you arrived doesn't matter.

[sywahu]

hm. thats exactly my situation! i have had different answers and I am told to just put down the date of entry on student visa. this is because my work permit was in-uk. like you, i did not have to "enter" as a work permit holder.

would be interesting to see what other senior members have to say about this.

[aix]

ppron747, your interpretation certainly makes sense.

I have to agree that the wording on the form (and even more so, in the guidance notes) leaves a lot to be desired.