British Citizenship – Good Character Requirement FAQs

[GOd Helps]

hi moderators,
sorry I am confused
just applied for my naturalization do we have to declare parking fine and environmental fine (smoking) in the past three years as well.

[Sadianshah]

Hi Senior members

I have a limited company which is not trading/ dormant for the past 4 years. I am up to date with my annuals returns and accounts at companies house. It completely slipped my mind to do dormant ct600 with hmrc and didnt do them for 2012 and 2013. I logged on to my account in april 2015 and found civil penalties of 200 for these 2 years.

I have paid them filed ct600 for the years ,there was no tax payment due just penalty for not filing in time.

The NCS says that i need to wait 3 years. I think that these should not have effect.

I want to apply, should I and what explanation shall i give for not filing ct600.... being busy with toddlers and Several house moves or just slipped my mind??

Thanks

[ironmaiden]

Hi Senior members

I have a limited company which is not trading/ dormant for the past 4 years. I am up to date with my annuals returns and accounts at companies house. It completely slipped my mind to do dormant ct600 with hmrc and didnt do them for 2012 and 2013. I logged on to my account in april 2015 and found civil penalties of 200 for these 2 years.

I have paid them filed ct600 for the years ,there was no tax payment due just penalty for not filing in time.

The NCS says that i need to wait 3 years. I think that these should not have effect.

I want to apply, should I and what explanation shall i give for not filing ct600.... being busy with toddlers and Several house moves or just slipped my mind??

Thanks

Hi there,

Well senior members would know that better but according to the below link (Section 6: Financial Soundness), unless there is a bankruptcy or liquidation, caseworker will not refuse the application.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _D_v02.pdf

The only thing about paying tax I could see is: "The decision maker will also normally refuse an application where the person has deliberately relied on a recession in order to avoid payment of taxes or payment to creditors."

But my understanding from that sentence is if you doing something dodgy in order to avoid tax payments. I have seen that people were saying if you owe to HMRC your application will be refused etc. but I haven't seen any application has been refused based on that or I have checked few guidances and reports published by HO and haven't seen anything regarding tax arrears.

[Sadianshah]

Thanks.

I have another question..,my husband ha already applied for naturalisation and one of our personal referees has moved out of her husbands house... thus her mobile number, address details have changed and she will be changing her passport as well due to name change....

I dont know what to do ...do we email HO and tell them all this and send them a new referee details.....

[chrisini77]

I got a letter from HO about my Naturalisation application made 4th Dec.
The letter stated where an applicant has not been compliant with the UK immigration laws in the 10 year period prior to the date of application the application will normally be refused.

They indicated i was here without a valid leave in the UK between 3 september 2010 when my leave to remain expired and i left the UK 6th August 2011 to my home country to regain entry clearance. the reason for this to happen was my application for my spouse visa 15 August 2010 this was rejected due to funds not taken from my account and got a letter on 26th November 2010 deemed invalid and was asked to reapply.

I reapplied on the 18th of Dec 2010 but got another letter on 11th Jan saying i used the wrong form. i immediately made another application using the right form in Jan received acknowledgement letter 4th of April and was sent a letter for biometrics on 6th April. On the 13th April i received a decision that my application has been refused due to the fact that i made a valid application after my leave to remain expired on the 3rd of september 2010. My wife was the one taking up all the maintenance and up keep as I had to leave my job immediately at the time.

I seeked legal advice and was finally advised to go to my home country to re apply which i did on the 6th of August 2011. So the letter is asking in order that we may give further consideration to your application please state how you were maintaining yourself in the country during this period and provide appropriate evidenceie wage slips, benefit letters, evidence of other income. please provide this information by the 18th May. Failure to send required informationby the given date will result in the application being refused. anyone please advice....thanks

[royh]

I have no idea what to put:

As a teen I stole a comic book over 20 years ago, was told "it" would eventually be removed from the system if I didn't do anything else. So I did a Subject Access Request for info on me:

https://www.acro.police.uk/Subject_Acce ... _Post.aspx

This form should be used to obtain a copy of your conviction history record. By completing
this form, you will receive a list of all information held on the PNC including arrests, criminal
convictions, cautions, juvenile reprimands, final warnings, non-convictions and no further action
(NFA) outcomes or a letter confirming that no information is held.

Got a letter back from the ACRO. "From the personal details supplied in your request there is no information held about on the PNC". PNC = Police National computer.

So in AN form 3.7 what should I put under criminal conviction? Or is it a caution in section 3.10?

I have no dates to go on, just a ballpark of the possible year and it doesn't appear on the PNC (according to the letter I received) so the computer doesn't have the dates.

If I tick yes in 3.17 and explain the above in 3.19 wouldn't that be a double jeopardy situation? I ticked no in 3.7 but admit I was arrested/convicted/cautioned in 3.17 but have no details to put in 3.7 of the offense, don't know if it was criminal/caution offense or the date.

I don't want to risk putting nothing because, maybe there is something on me in local records, but not on the PNC which will trip me up (extended checks?). I don't want to tick yes then not have any of the details to fill in, I don't want to put in any incorrect dates with a whole year incorrect.

[Pay]

Guys - simple Cannabis warning out of police car out of police station no interview just took details on the pad he had apparently would have effect on naturalisation and should be disclosed ?

[sk8rprick]

Hi all
I am applying for my ILR under the tier2 5 year route. Unfortunately I was dismissed by my former employer last year for gross misconduct ( there were no charges pressed or anything like that). I managed to find a new sponsor and was able to continue on tier 2. The reason for dismissal was falsification of timesheets

my query is in reference to the following question on the form:

7.10. Have you or any dependants who are applying with you ever engaged in any other
activities which might indicate that you may not be considered to be persons of good character?do i need to answer 'yes' to this and explain about my dismissal? I am afraid my application would be refused if I do so. 

Please help

[Amber]

No should be the answer.

[guesswhoiam143]

Hi Amber, if you can help please.

I got my ilr in december 2013 but in january 2014 i did receive a pnd for shop lifting. Basically, it wasnt shop lifting it was a mistake as i got a phone call of my mate and i had couple of shopping bags and i had a top from the store but i was on the phone to my friend and telling him where i was and i stepped out of the store without realising i had walked out and i got wrong for that. The police where called and i did explain them what had happened, they did check my existing records and they told me it was all clean but they had to issue me a pnd for this thing and explained it wasnt a conviction nor a caution, its something like youve been naughty and that you dont repeat it again but it will be on police computer. i paid the fine straight away.
Now the question is will i have to wait 3 years or can i apply now as it has been over a year now and never in me life such a thing has happened and i dont know how i committed such a mistake.
Please if you can throw some light on this.

thanks

[sunnycamb]

Dear Amber and Seniors,

I have received caution 10 years back,

1) do I need to declare that?
2) IF yes then what would I answer [Yes/No]: 3.17 Have you ever engaged in any other activities which might indicate that you may not be considered a person of good character?

I will appreciate your help to clarify this.

Sunny

[ik_aam_insaan]

Do UKVI do credit check ...I just received an alert on my experian that some one had my credit history check....

[chrisini77]

I got a letter from HO about my Naturalisation application made 4th Dec.
The letter stated where an applicant has not been compliant with the UK immigration laws in the 10 year period prior to the date of application the application will normally be refused.

They indicated i was here without a valid leave in the UK between 3 september 2010 when my leave to remain expired and i left the UK 6th August 2011 to my home country to regain entry clearance. the reason for this to happen was my application for my spouse visa 15 August 2010 this was rejected due to funds not taken from my account and got a letter on 26th November 2010 deemed invalid and was asked to reapply.

I reapplied on the 18th of Dec 2010 but got another letter on 11th Jan saying i used the wrong form. i immediately made another application using the right form in Jan received acknowledgement letter 4th of April and was sent a letter for biometrics on 6th April. On the 13th April i received a decision that my application has been refused due to the fact that i made a valid application after my leave to remain expired on the 3rd of september 2010. My wife was the one taking up all the maintenance and up keep as I had to leave my job immediately at the time.

I seeked legal advice and was finally advised to go to my home country to re apply which i did on the 6th of August 2011. So the letter is asking in order that we may give further consideration to your application please state how you were maintaining yourself in the country during this period and provide appropriate evidenceie wage slips, benefit letters, evidence of other income. please provide this information by the 18th May. Failure to send required informationby the given date will result in the application being refused. anyone please advice....thanks

I finally got a brown envelope today with my application approved and waiting for my ceremony letter...thanks everyone who contributed and shared stories on this forum......

[ifti12]

Hi guys,

I have read the "Good Character Requirement FAQs" posted by Amber and I think I should be okay but for peace of mind asking from you.

I have been issued ONLY ONE in last 6 years FIXED PENALTY NOTICE (NON-ENDORSABLE OFFENCE) £100. This the exact wording on FPN. NO POINTS on licence. I have paid the amount and settled it immediately.

Offence code 316 : Child in rear passenger seat no seat belt.

NO other FPN in last 12 months.

Would that effect on my citizenship application in anyhow? Do I have to disclose anything in my application?

Thanks
ifti

[ManB]

Hello Chrisini77,

Congratulation on the outcome of your naturalisation application.

I must thank you for this update as I am in a similar situation as yourself. The outcome of your application certainly gives hope to me and may very well do the same for someone else on the forum in a similar situation.

I intend to submit my application to the UKVI imminently, however I am unsure what should be the ideal answer to section 3.17 of the Good Character Requirement which reads "Have you ever engaged in any other activities which might indicate that you may not be considered a person of good character?". I unintentionally overstayed my leave to remain in 2008 as a result of a returned in time PSW application which was deemed invalid due to the submission an obsolete application form.

To elaborate on my situation; I applied for PSW in 2008, unfortunately my application was returned as invalid because my application form was outdated. I subsequently re-applied for PSW which was rejected on grounds on not having leave to remain. I consulted a lawyer, who submitted an FLR O application which was also rejected. I immediately returned to my home country within the 28 days criteria. I returned to the UK a few years later on a spouse visa obtained abroad (issued with no difficulty) and now have ILR (granted in the UK, also with no issues).

Given I never intended to overstay in 2008 as I was only waiting for the outcome of my applications and never engaged in any other activities to consider me not of good character. Please I will appreciate if you can share your answer to section 3.17 and confirm if you had to write anything explaining your personal circumstance on the page 23 (used for Further information not covered in other sections) or did you have to provide a cover letter along with your application.

I believe you are best positioned to advise on this matter, based on the favourable outcome of your application.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Best Regards,

ManB

[chrisini77]

Hello Chrisini77,

Congratulation on the outcome of your naturalisation application.

I must thank you for this update as I am in a similar situation as yourself. The outcome of your application certainly gives hope to me and may very well do the same for someone else on the forum in a similar situation.

I intend to submit my application to the UKVI imminently, however I am unsure what should be the ideal answer to section 3.17 of the Good Character Requirement which reads "Have you ever engaged in any other activities which might indicate that you may not be considered a person of good character?". I unintentionally overstayed my leave to remain in 2008 as a result of a returned in time PSW application which was deemed invalid due to the submission an obsolete application form.

To elaborate on my situation; I applied for PSW in 2008, unfortunately my application was returned as invalid because my application form was outdated. I subsequently re-applied for PSW which was rejected on grounds on not having leave to remain. I consulted a lawyer, who submitted an FLR O application which was also rejected. I immediately returned to my home country within the 28 days criteria. I returned to the UK a few years later on a spouse visa obtained abroad (issued with no difficulty) and now have ILR (granted in the UK, also with no issues).

Given I never intended to overstay in 2008 as I was only waiting for the outcome of my applications and never engaged in any other activities to consider me not of good character. Please I will appreciate if you can share your answer to section 3.17 and confirm if you had to write anything explaining your personal circumstance on the page 23 (used for Further information not covered in other sections) or did you have to provide a cover letter along with your application.

I believe you are best positioned to advise on this matter, based on the favourable outcome of your application.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Best Regards,

ManB

Hi Man B,

I was asked to provide evidence how I maintained myself during the period I had over stayed. ..I wrote a detailed letter explaining reasons same as u have stated above and was being sponsored by my wife who was also my sponsor for me to return back on a spouse visa...I had to include her payslips, p60, bank statements, rent and council tax bills covering that period.

[ManB]

Hello Chrisini77,

Congratulation on the outcome of your naturalisation application.

I must thank you for this update as I am in a similar situation as yourself. The outcome of your application certainly gives hope to me and may very well do the same for someone else on the forum in a similar situation.

I intend to submit my application to the UKVI imminently, however I am unsure what should be the ideal answer to section 3.17 of the Good Character Requirement which reads "Have you ever engaged in any other activities which might indicate that you may not be considered a person of good character?". I unintentionally overstayed my leave to remain in 2008 as a result of a returned in time PSW application which was deemed invalid due to the submission an obsolete application form.

To elaborate on my situation; I applied for PSW in 2008, unfortunately my application was returned as invalid because my application form was outdated. I subsequently re-applied for PSW which was rejected on grounds on not having leave to remain. I consulted a lawyer, who submitted an FLR O application which was also rejected. I immediately returned to my home country within the 28 days criteria. I returned to the UK a few years later on a spouse visa obtained abroad (issued with no difficulty) and now have ILR (granted in the UK, also with no issues).

Given I never intended to overstay in 2008 as I was only waiting for the outcome of my applications and never engaged in any other activities to consider me not of good character. Please I will appreciate if you can share your answer to section 3.17 and confirm if you had to write anything explaining your personal circumstance on the page 23 (used for Further information not covered in other sections) or did you have to provide a cover letter along with your application.

I believe you are best positioned to advise on this matter, based on the favourable outcome of your application.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Best Regards,

ManB

Hi Man B,

I was asked to provide evidence how I maintained myself during the period I had over stayed. ..I wrote a detailed letter explaining reasons same as u have stated above and was being sponsored by my wife who was also my sponsor for me to return back on a spouse visa...I had to include her payslips, p60, bank statements, rent and council tax bills covering that period.

Hello Chrisini77,

Thanks for your prompt reply.

Congratulations again and all the best with your ceremony.

Best Regards,

ManB

[ifti12]

Any help on below please????

Hi guys,

I have read the "Good Character Requirement FAQs" posted by Amber and I think I should be okay but for peace of mind asking from you.

I have been issued ONLY ONE in last 6 years FIXED PENALTY NOTICE (NON-ENDORSABLE OFFENCE) £100. This the exact wording on FPN. NO POINTS on licence. I have paid the amount and settled it immediately.

Offence code 316 : Child in rear passenger seat no seat belt.

NO other FPN in last 12 months.

Would that effect on my citizenship application in anyhow? Do I have to disclose anything in my application?

Thanks
ifti

[oludaniel123]

I was given a caution for an adult offence in 2008 (7years ago) when I was 35 years old.

I am planning to apply for my British citizenship by naturalisation later in the year, and I will like to know if the caution may affect my application being that I was 35 years old when this happened

[Amber]

As 3 years has elapsed it should not adversely affect the application. The caution will need declaring.

[ifti12]

ANY COMMENTS ON THIS AMBER PLEASE.

Any help on below please????

Hi guys,

I have read the "Good Character Requirement FAQs" posted by Amber and I think I should be okay but for peace of mind asking from you.

I have been issued ONLY ONE in last 6 years FIXED PENALTY NOTICE (NON-ENDORSABLE OFFENCE) £100. This the exact wording on FPN. NO POINTS on licence. I have paid the amount and settled it immediately.

Offence code 316 : Child in rear passenger seat no seat belt.

NO other FPN in last 12 months.

Would that effect on my citizenship application in anyhow? Do I have to disclose anything in my application?

Thanks
ifti

[Londoner1]

Hi everyone,

Do I have to mention an offence for bus fare on my naturalisation form, I paid (£85 the total fine) within one month of magistrates court "notice of fine and collection order".
I wasn't invited to the court but the notice was sent through the post. It all happened in 2008. I am confused that has the offence been spent and if yes, do spent offences have to be mentioned. If you can give advice it would be really helpful. Thanks in advance.

[velcro22]

Hello everyone,

Just wondering if anyone knows whether an old, spent conditional discharge has to be declared??

Thanks

[Amber]

ANY COMMENTS ON THIS AMBER PLEASE.

Any help on below please????

Hi guys,

I have read the "Good Character Requirement FAQs" posted by Amber and I think I should be okay but for peace of mind asking from you.

I have been issued ONLY ONE in last 6 years FIXED PENALTY NOTICE (NON-ENDORSABLE OFFENCE) £100. This the exact wording on FPN. NO POINTS on licence. I have paid the amount and settled it immediately.

Offence code 316 : Child in rear passenger seat no seat belt.

NO other FPN in last 12 months.

Would that effect on my citizenship application in anyhow? Do I have to disclose anything in my application?

Thanks
ifti

No and no.

[Amber]

Hi everyone,

Do I have to mention an offence for bus fare on my naturalisation form, I paid (£85 the total fine) within one month of magistrates court "notice of fine and collection order".
I wasn't invited to the court but the notice was sent through the post. It all happened in 2008. I am confused that has the offence been spent and if yes, do spent offences have to be mentioned. If you can give advice it would be really helpful. Thanks in advance.

Yes, it needs declaring, but shouldn't be an issue.