Residence requirements & Naturalisation Application

[jazzyds]

Hi,
Here's the synopsis of my situation:
I came to the UK on a work permit in December 1998. I was granted ILR in November 2002. I returned to South Africa where I was born to study from 2003 until October 2005. However, during my study period I returned to the UK at the end of every semester. I have been in the UK continuously since October 15th with 7 days absence. I've calculated my total absences over the past 5 years and it comes to about 950 days.

Do I stand any chance of being naturalised or should I just wait other 2 years at which time my application should be approved? Does the fact that I returned to South Africa to study because it was easier to get into a university there have any grounds for concession? Does the fact that I maintained close ties with the UK during my time out of the country carry any weight? I have booked for the Life in the UK test which I will write on Thursday and have booked for the Nationality checking service to check my application on June 21st. Am I throwing money away by trying to apply now? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[ppron747]

I think you'd be better to save your money for for now...

The IND policy on overlooking excessive absences is explained in excruciating detail here on the IND website - scrolldown to paragraph 4 - and try and catch it today, before it slows down again when people get back to work....

As you'll see, they're more bothered by absences in the final year than those in earlier years, but close study of the instructions should enable you to work out the precise date on which it will be safe to apply, without asking IND to go beyond their established policy.

[jazzyds]

Thanks for the infor mate...