Naturalisation - being physically present 5 years before on application date

[Kiml]

Hi all,

Please can someone assist me on this question - as I can’t seem to find an answer.

I have a 1 week window to submit my application for naturalisation 23rd September to 28th September - there after i was out of the U.K. for 6 months.

So the guidelines state that I must be physically present in UK at the start of the 5 year qualifying period preceding the date of application.

If I apply online on say 25th Sep 2020, as I was physically in UK on 25th Sep 2015. Will this count as my application being received once I have paid online and submitted?

Or does it only count after I have gone for my appointment at UKVAS to submit documents such as passports etc? If that’s the case - I worry that I won’t get an appointment in time as I’ve read I can only book an appointment after online submission and payment.

Your help will be greatly appreciated!

[CULLINAN]

The date of application is the date you pay and submit online. Biometrics date/documents upload date is irrelevant. If you pay and submit on 25th Sep 2020, you must meet ALL AN requirements on this date. You must also be physically present in UK on 26th Sep 2015.

[CULLINAN]

For reference:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... uly_20.pdf

Page 6-7

[Kiml]

Thank you so much! This really helps me!