PR + 12 months for neutralisation?

[Laurieeee]

Hi, I will appreciate any insight on this.

In order to apply for neutralisation do I need to have a PR card for 12 months?
So, 5 years of residence + 6-9 months of wait for the HO to grant a PR card and then once I finally get the PR card I need to wait another 12 months to apply for neutralisation? So in total its around 6 years and 6-9 months.

Or are these 6-9 months of wait for the PR card included in the 12 months I need to wait to apply for neutralisation? So actually its 6-3 months after I receive PR card and I can apply for neutralisation? So in total 6 years..?

Thanks!

[Laurieeee]

Could someone please please please shed some light on this? Will be very thankful!

[secret.simon]

In order to apply for neutralisation do I need to have a PR card for 12 months?

No.

Or are these 6-9 months of wait for the PR card included in the 12 months I need to wait to apply for neutralisation? So actually its 6-3 months after I receive PR card and I can apply for neutralisation? So in total 6 years..?

Yes, providing you know what date the Home Office has listed on their database as the date on which you acquired PR. It will be 12 months from that date, not the date of the issuance of the PR Card.

You will have the date that the HO considers you to have got PR on a letter with the PR card. Alternatively, apply for a Subject Access Request with the Home Office.

[Laurieeee]

Thanks a lot Secret.Simon for your response!
Let’s say I get my PR card in July 2017 and decide to leave the UK in September for 4 months returning January 2018. Does it mean I have to then wait 12 months from January 2018 to January 2019 to apply for neutralisation?

[secret.simon]

Depends on what date you make the application for British naturalisation.

Naturalisation requires that you have spent no more than 90 days outside the UK in the year preceding the date of the application AND that you should have held PR status (not PR card) for a year preceding the date of application.

When did you acquire PR status, as per Home Office records? If it was between July and September 2016, then you should apply for naturalisation between July and September 2017, before you leave the UK.

Otherwise, either shorten your holiday outside the UK so that they are less than 90 days in the year or apply in September 2018 (assuming that you take no further holidays in that time).