2 questions - Naturalisation when? Test when?

[kedarskate]

I have 2 questions regarding the naturalisation process:
1. I have applied for ILR last year, but due to the fact that I needed to travel, I asked HO to send my passport back (which I received soon after) and in July 2005 I got a letter granting me ILR and asking to send my passport to get a stamp - I did that, but I received another letter with September date confirming my ILR (and a stamp in passport) - Question: when can I apply for naturalisation - July or September?
2. Can I take the Citizenship test now and wait till my time comes later this year?

[ppron747]

Can you post the precise wording of the July letter? Did it actually grant ILR or did it perhaps say that the Secretary of state was "minded to grant" it? And was there an IO's stamp on it?

You can take the citizenship test any time you like - it doesn't expire...

[kedarskate]

From HO letter (July)

'I am writing to say that you have been granted permanent residence in the United Kindgom. If you have a valid passport or obtain a new passport, you may ask to stamp it to show your immigration status. You should send it to the Directorate at the address above, enclosing this letter, at least two months before you intend to travel.'

Then there is stuff about kids etc

I sent this letter to HO but my passport stamp and new letter is with September date hence the confusion.I have a copy of the first letter though...

[ppron747]

Curious!

I think that you were, as the letter says, granted ILR by the first letter - in July - and that (provided of course that you meet the other residence requirements for naturalisation) you are eligible to apply for naturalisation on the first anniversary of that letter. I cannot see how the Home Office could interpret it any other way...

AIUI, even when it is granted by mistake, ILR still stands until it is formally revoked, so I would regard the later letter and the passport endorsement as merely confirming the ILR that was already granted, not as a fresh grant, countermanding the earlier letter.

That's the view of the Camberwell jury, anyway...