Naturalisation- Time away from UK question

[sindy123]

Hi,

I have a question about filling the gaps away from UK in the british naturalisation form AN application. I've been living in the UK since 2005 June on HSMP 1+3+1. I was granted ILR in 2009 on the grounds of 4 years hsmp Judicial review ruling.

Now I am going to apply for naturalisation, the form has a section for filling absences. I was away on maternity leave abroad for 7 months in 2008. Will this be a problem for my application?

Please clarify.

Thanks
Sindy

[CR001]

You will need to have been physically present in the UK exactly 5 years before the date that the UKBA receive your application.
What dates were you out of the UK in 2008??

[sindy123]

I was abroad on maternity leave from feb 2008- aug 2008

Will this be a problem?

Thanks
Sindy

[CR001]

When are you planning to apply for naturalisation and will you be posting or using NCS?
Also, what is the total days of absence you have for the last 5 years, including the maternity?
Are you applying on the basis of 5 years residence? Are you married to a BC?

[sindy123]

I am going to apply tomorrow through NCS

Total absences in the last five years have been 318 including maternity leave. I am applying on the basis of 5 yr residency but have been residing here since 2005 June.

Thanks for your reply.

Sindy

[CR001]

Therefore you should be fine as you only left the UK for maternity in February 2008 and you were physically present in the UK in January 2008.

Only the last 5 years are taken into account for naturalisation. Are you absences in the last 12 months 90 days or less?

[sindy123]

Phew! Thanks. I was absent for only 18 days.
Cheers
Sindy

[CR001]

Good luck with your application. Mine took 6 weeks so hopefully you won't have to wait to long.

I didn't realise that some councils offer NCS appointments on Saturdays??

Keep us updated.

Kind regards

Char

[sindy123]

Thanks.That's not bad. Better than the 3 and 6 months wait. Yes, some NCS work on Saturday's.

Will keep you all posted . Hope all goes well. I was only worried about the long leave bit but read somewhere that maternity leave are exceptional cases and will be considered. But good to get it clarified here.

Cheers