About BC for myself and my wife

[ilrapp2012]

Hi,

My case:-

HSMP(2 years) + Tier1 General(3 years). Now on ILR.
My came as dependant and got her ILR approved at the same time as me.

We got our ILR application approved, I know it is too early to ask, but one question struck in my mind when I was reading the requirements for BC.

My question regarding her application after 1 year, can we apply together? Will they count her 5 years or 3 years to qualify? I am slightly confused whether it will be 3 or 5.

Please if anyone can explain.

Many thanks

[Jambo]

See Q1 & Q2 in Citizenship FAQs - Common Questions - Read before posting.

[ilrapp2012]

Thanks Jumbo v much, I read it and understood. Sory i missed that.

Just confirming my understanding now:-

She is also no longer my dependant and she can apply under 5 years rule with me Or I apply first and she will then qualify based on 3 years.

Questions here,
1. She came to uk after 6 months i.e. April 2008, the time when i came here, setteld and applied my wife extension. . If I count that and her one year of ILR period, In Aug 2013, it would be a bit more than 5 years anyways? Is it correct?

2. She was not in uk for 6 months during the period for 2 times, I have read for 5 years criteria they ignore in total 450 absences? Her total absences at the moment are 427.Am i correct in this sense, ?


3. She can still apply with me as a joint application based on 5 yrs rule? Do we need to give any reasons for her long absences?

Please if you can confirm.

[Jambo]

1. Correct. If you apply in August 2013, the relevant 5 years are Aug 2008-2013.

2. Yes. Please note that there is also a requirement of no more than 90 days in the last year (i.e. August 2012-Aug 2013) and that you need to have been physically in the UK the same day the application is received by the HO 5 years ago (i.e. sometime in Aug 2008).

3. Yes. You will enjoy from a reduced fee. No need to explain the absences.

[ilrapp2012]

I am very pleased to see your prompt repsonses Jumbo. Thanks a million to remove my doubts.

Sorry, I had few more questions about the referee

1. For both of us, Is it ok if the same two referees signed both of our application forms?

2. If yes, I am thinking for one referee from my office, and one from one of my british friend. Is it ok?

3. My wife being an house wife, just thinking what options I can have for her for referees.

Many thanks once again

[Jambo]

1. Yes.
2. Yes assuming they meet the requirements listed on the form (i.e. in the list of the accepted professionals).
3. Her GP, a friend who is an accountant, lawyer, nurse, teacher etc. the person just need to be a professional. He doesn't need to know your wife in a professional capacity (a friend is fine).

[ilrapp2012]

Great Jumbo, thanks very much. Yes, I saw the list, directors, and accountant are in the list, I have noted all of your comments for now.

I read in the FAQ section but a bit confused about, Does Project Manager or Software Engineers (with MSc degree counts) as a referee?

Many thanks for all of my questions.

[Jambo]

I read in the FAQ section but a bit confused about, Does Project Manager or Software Engineers (with MSc degree counts) as a referee?

It is not the degree or the job title they hold but that they belong to a professional body in the UK. For engineers that would be BCS so they would need to be Charted Engineers.