When can I apply for Naturalisation?

[eeaprneu2]

Hello Everyone,

I have a query regarding the exact date when I can apply for British citizenship and I thought I knew the answer but after speaking to the UKBA call center, now I am confused. So hopefully someone can answer from their own experience.

EEA Citizen. Arrived in the UK 08 May 2011 and started working next day. 5 years completed in May 2016 and applied for Permanent Residence that was issued on 02 September 2016.

My question is, do I qualify to apply for British Citizenship on 08 May 2017? (i.e. 6 years of working) or 02 September 2017 (i.e. having had the PR for 12 months)?

I always thought this would have been 08 May 2017 but UKBA call center guys are insisting I need to have had the PR for 12 months before I can apply.

I am not really bothered but wouldn't like to wait longer than I have to.

At the same time I don't want to send my application earlier to get it refused because residency requirement is not met, and losing the money, which is worth my right arm.

Thanks for any advice someone can offer.

[alterhase58]

It really depends on what the date is that UKVI have in their system - it may not be the same that you think it is.
Did you receive a letter with your card stating on what date they recognise you acquired PR? If not an SAR request may help (see other threads here on doing SAR).
Sometimes the NCS people confirm PR date on their direct HO line, but it doesn't seem to be a universal service (going by members' postings).

[eeaprneu2]

It really depends on what the date is that UKVI have in their system - it may not be the same that you think it is.
Did you receive a letter with your card stating on what date they recognise you acquired PR? If not an SAR request may help (see other threads here on doing SAR).
Sometimes the NCS people confirm PR date on their direct HO line, but it doesn't seem to be a universal service (going by members' postings).

Thanks for your response alterhase. What you said is Greek to me though I spoke to the NCS people asking the same questions and they are next to useless. 'You need to ask Home Office' is their answer to whatever you ask.

Which date do you refer to when you say UKVI might have it different from what I think?

[CR001]

The date you 'attain' PR is different to the date your PR card is issued.

If you exercised treaty rights and were a qualified person for a full 5 years, it is at the 5 year mark that you 'attained PR status'. The card is only confirmation of that status.

[eeaprneu2]

The date you 'attain' PR is different to the date your PR card is issued.

If you exercised treaty rights and were a qualified person for a full 5 years, it is at the 5 year mark that you 'attained PR status'. The card is only confirmation of that status.

Thanks a lot Char for your response, thats what I wanted to hear I have been working non-stop since 9 May 2011 so that would fall in line with what you mentioned.

I have seen in other threads people talking about SAR, which I had never heard of before, so I will look into that. Would be good I think to have some sort of confirmation from them before I spend more than a thousand pounds.

[CR001]

See How to do a subject access request (SAR) (click)