Bankruptcy effect on Citizenship Application

[francesca2161]

Hello. Just wondering... I was born in the US to a British woman, and have been living in the UK since 1985. I live here as an Italian, as I was not able at the time to take on my mother's citizenship dually. I can now apply for citizenship via Form UKM. I have reviewed the form. I seem to be fine with all that is being asked of me. The only thing I'm wondering is, I am a discharged bankrupt. I was made bankrupt in 2009 and discharged in 2010. The bankruptcy has since dropped off of my credit file as six years have elapsed. Might this bankruptcy negate my citizenship application? I would be grateful for any advice, thank you in advance.

[noajthan]

Hello. Just wondering... I was born in the US to a British woman, and have been living in the UK since 1985. I live here as an Italian, as I was not able at the time to take on my mother's citizenship dually. I can now apply for citizenship via Form UKM. I have reviewed the form. I seem to be fine with all that is being asked of me. The only thing I'm wondering is, I am a discharged bankrupt. I was made bankrupt in 2009 and discharged in 2010. The bankruptcy has since dropped off of my credit file as six years have elapsed. Might this bankruptcy negate my citizenship application? I would be grateful for any advice, thank you in advance.

It all depends on why you became bankrupt (which you may not wish to post here).
So you can dig into this vital question here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _D_v02.pdf
- see section 6

[francesca2161]

Thanks for that link! Yes I read that document, thank you. I was discharged in 2010 so I have not been discharged for the ten years that is normally required, so my case would be scrutinised more with regard to the circumstances of my personal bankruptcy. Basically, following illness/disability and having to cease trading as a self-employed person, I could no longer meet my debts and the choice was the only one available to me. That is essentially what is written on my application, which was approved. Would you think this could be deemed as an impediment to application approval, in your opinion? Thank you very much.

[noajthan]

Thanks for that link! Yes I read that document, thank you. I was discharged in 2010 so I have not been discharged for the ten years that is normally required, so my case would be scrutinised more with regard to the circumstances of my personal bankruptcy. Basically, following illness/disability and having to cease trading as a self-employed person, I could no longer meet my debts and the choice was the only one available to me. That is essentially what is written on my application, which was approved. Would you think this could be deemed as an impediment to application approval, in your opinion? Thank you very much.

I don't know much about it but it seems you are in a better position if no crime, deceit or similar was involved.

[francesca2161]

No, no crime, deceit or anything similar! I have no criminal or questionable records. All the questions of that 'ilk' were ticked 'no'! But I guess all I can do is apply and see what happens. It's no coincidence that I am now considering doing this because of the referendum result. I could've always applied, but never thought I'd ever need to. I probably still don't need to, given how long I have resided here. But, it seems the prudent thing to do.

[noajthan]

No, no crime, deceit or anything similar! I have no criminal or questionable records. All the questions of that 'ilk' were ticked 'no'! But I guess all I can do is apply and see what happens. It's no coincidence that I am now considering doing this because of the referendum result. I could've always applied, but never thought I'd ever need to. I probably still don't need to, given how long I have resided here. But, it seems the prudent thing to do.

Understood - and good luck.