Right to work in UK

[THaining]

My husband was born in Canada and holds a Canadian passport. His mother was born in the UK but married a Canadian and immigrated to Canada. The marriage did not last and she returned to the UK with my husband when he was one year old. My husband has lived and worked in the UK for 57 years and I am a UK citizen being married for 37 years. Recently my husband lost his job and is seeking new employment, he registered with an employment agency and handed in his passport etc as proof to work in the UK. They have come back saying that they cannot employ him as his current passport has no information to say that he has indefinite residency in the UK. This information is on an expired passport and immigration advised him to bring this passport with him for immigration purposes which has always been fine when entering the country but not as evidence of right to work. My husband has paid tax and national insurance all these years and is able to claim Job seekers allowance but is unable to gain employment. I've looked at UK Gov site and I am confused about how he can go about proving his residency status and eligibility for employment, Can anyone any advise please?

[CR001]

If he holds indefinite leave to remain on an expired passport, he will have to apply for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP Card) as proof of right to work and to get employment. This is now a standard requirement for employers to ask for.

[THaining]

Thanks for the info, do you know how long this can take?

[CR001]

He can apply by post, which can take up to 6 months, or he can apply in person at a HO premium service centre and he will receive his BRP card within 7 to 10 days after his appointment.

Postal costs £237

Premium In person costs £237 PLUS the premium service fee of £590. He will need to book an appointment online to do this route.

See form and guidance notes below.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... k-form-ntl

Why has he not applied for British citizenship after all these years?