Naturalisation as an EEA citizen - Last minute questions!

[Just_me]

Hi,

I’d like to ask for some advice please, I’m an EEA citizen and have held my PR for over a year now. I’m just filling in my application for naturalization on the basis of residence for 5 years and have stumbled across a few last minute questions. I’d be very grateful if anyone could help me answer them.

1. I have been living with my partner (UK citizen) for the last few years. However, I wish to apply through the 5 year qualifying period route. What is the definition of an “unmarried partner”? I.e. do I still need to list their name on the application form?

2. I may be exceeding the 450 day absence period by about 10 days. (Absences in last year are less than 90 days). I was planning on applying for discretion as my application should otherwise be fine (apart from a silly parking ticket..) and at least 40 days in the last 5 years where spent abroad due to the nature of my university degree. Would anyone say I should rather wait until I am under the 450 days of absence, which will be in a few months? (I’d just quite like to get my application in before the EU referendum)

3. My Bachelor’s degree was taught and researched in the UK. Will I still need a letter from NARIC confirming it is equivalent to a UK degree? I know it's a silly question and assume it's not the case but want to be on the safe side..

4. What is the benefit of using the Nationality Checking Service apart from the fact they copy everything for you there and then? I was planning on just sending everything by post (special delivery).

Many thanks indeed!

[noajthan]

Hi,

...

1. I have been living with my partner (UK citizen) for the last few years. However, I wish to apply through the 5 year qualifying period route. What is the definition of an “unmarried partner”? I.e. do I still need to list their name on the application form?

2. I may be exceeding the 450 day absence period by about 10 days. (Absences in last year are less than 90 days). I was planning on applying for discretion as my application should otherwise be fine (apart from a silly parking ticket..) and at least 40 days in the last 5 years where spent abroad due to the nature of my university degree. Would anyone say I should rather wait until I am under the 450 days of absence, which will be in a few months? (I’d just quite like to get my application in before the EU referendum)

3. My Bachelor’s degree was taught and researched in the UK. Will I still need a letter from NARIC confirming it is equivalent to a UK degree? I know it's a silly question and assume it's not the case but want to be on the safe side..

4. What is the benefit of using the Nationality Checking Service apart from the fact they copy everything for you there and then? I was planning on just sending everything by post (special delivery).

Many thanks indeed!

1) No. Tick/check unmarried partner at Q1.15.
Leave them off Q1.32+.

You can mention them in additional info section of form AN if you wish (but you are not applying on basis of having a partner).

2) Absences up to 480 days may be acceptable; you may be exposing yourself to the discretion of the caseworker.

3) As per my understanding, No.

4) a) Documents returned immediately (except your prized LITUK certificate) so you may travel with them (eg passport) or use them (eg id etc) as may be required whilst application is processing.

b) NCS takes care of and pays for despatch of your bundle.

c) No need to provide a pre-paid Special Delivery return envelope for your documents.

d) Basic sanity-checking performed.

e) If any fundamental problem is discovered that terminates your application you sacrifice the NCS fee and not the full application fee.

f) If an EEA national - as you are (or their dependent), NCS can check (via a HO hotline) the date that HO CID system says your PR was acquired.

This may or may not be the same as the date you think it is
This may have consequences - see e).

g) You can see the venue for the citizenship ceremony (assuming its same location).

Pro tip: keep a copy of the application and payment forms for your own reference; (NCS doesn't usually copy those for you).

Check you were physically present in UK (and can prove it) 5 years (to the day) before date of your application.
Ie if applying via NCS, 5 years previous to date of NCS appointment.