UK citizenship application confusion

Dear respected moderators,

Currently, I have ILR and will complete 12 months by the end of February so I can apply for citizenship in early March. However, I will be traveling during July and until the first week in August. I am concerned if I apply in March, it is likely to receive a decision in mid-May or early June and then my travel can be an issue preventing me from attending the ceremony. Or If I was lucky enough to find an early date for the ceremony, I may not be able to apply and get the British passport before the travel in July. I am also worried about waiting until returning from my travel considering changes that can be made in immigration policies as spread in the media. I got tired thinking about this and would greatly appreciate your advice based on your experience.

Thank you!

You are best off to go on your travels and apply when you return. It is difficult to plan around the application in the short term.
What you read in the media currently are just proposals by the Conservative party to show their tough stance on immigration.
I wouldn't worry about this.

You have 90 days to attend a ceremony, once you receive your approval you can plan attendance and apply for your passport around your trip. For most people the first UK passport only takes 10 days or so to be received. I wouldn't worry too much in advance, standard processing times for citizenship ate 6 months so you may also have to wait until August/September for an approval.

@alterhase58 @contorted_svy
Many thanks for your advice, much appreciated. One further question please. Considering the 12 months of ILR, what is the earliest I can apply for citizenship if I am granted ILR on 26 Feb 2024? - I am confused about whether this means I can apply on 26 Feb 2025 or 27 Feb 2025 or I have to wait until the first of March 2025?

You can apply from 26 Feb 2025 if you were granted ILR on the 26 Feb 2024. Note that it's the anniversary of when ILR was granted not applied for.

@alterhase58 @contorted_svy

That's much appreciated, many thanks. Finally, would you please advise on what to use as proof of living in the UK for 5 years? Is a passport only enough? If not, is P60 Ok? or what else can be used too please?

Please note that on my last return to the UK, the border officer did not stamp my passport, instead, he only scanned my fingerprint. Do I need to upload the boarding pass for this return flight or there is no need for this and the case worker can find my travel details digitally using my passport details?

Thank you!

UK ILR holders can use their passports as proof of residency.
You still list your absences as normal - a missing stamp is not an issue as PP was scanned and it will be on their database.
There is no requirement to prove your absences, they will check their databases. No need to upload a boarding pass.

Passport only is usually enough for people who've passport gets stamped. If UKVI needs more documents they will ask you.