Final questions before submitting AN

[Skrzyplocz]

I'm about to send off my AN form and I have a couple of questions:
1. I have a bachelor and masters degree from a UK university. Is it absolutely necessary to attach an actual degree certificate? I have stamped and signed letters from my university confirming my degrees. I'm not using NCS, and I'd prefer to avoid sending the actual certificate (apparently the university won't reissue them if lost - unless they burned in a fire or a flood).

2. One of my referees is my PhD supervisor. I'd argue that this falls under 'Teacher' on the list of acceptable professions (and in theory he does some teaching). If for some reason Home Office doesn't feel the same way, would they just reject my application straight away and make me lose the application fee, or would they request a new referee?

3. What exact evidence do I have to provide to prove lawful residence during the 5 last 5 years? The form says I should attach either a passport (and I assume this can be substituted by a national ID card) or letters from employers, educational establishments etc. I'm not quite sure how a plastic ID card can be any proof of me living in UK - so do I have to attach other things? The slight problem here is that between March and October 2012, I wasn't employed or studying - essentially I was self sufficient and looking for jobs/PhDs. I can't really provide anything from this period other than bank statements, one or two letters from HMRC, a housing benefit letter and a tenancy agreement (from 2011, when I moved in to the flat where I lived until September 2012). But then - wouldn't my PR be enough of evidence that I was in UK at that time? A slightly similar situation now - I am preparing to submit my PhD thesis, but I have lost my student status due to university regulations on 1st of January 2017. I will be re-instated as a student in a few weeks when I submit. What kind of evidence can I provide here?

[CR001]

I'm about to send off my AN form and I have a couple of questions:
1. I have a bachelor and masters degree from a UK university. Is it absolutely necessary to attach an actual degree certificate? I have stamped and signed letters from my university confirming my degrees. I'm not using NCS, and I'd prefer to avoid sending the actual certificate (apparently the university won't reissue them if lost - unless they burned in a fire or a flood). If you are not applying through NCS, you are required to send originals. I would strongly recommend you use NCS as you then get to keep ALL your original documents and you can apply apply for the passport at the same time using the joint citizenship and passport scheme. Using the scheme means you don't attend a passport interview and you get your passporrt within a week or so after attending your ceremony.

2. One of my referees is my PhD supervisor. I'd argue that this falls under 'Teacher' on the list of acceptable professions (and in theory he does some teaching). If for some reason Home Office doesn't feel the same way, would they just reject my application straight away and make me lose the application fee, or would they request a new referee? Should be fine. If HO are unhappy, they will write to you.

3. What exact evidence do I have to provide to prove lawful residence during the 5 last 5 years? The form says I should attach either a passport (and I assume this can be substituted by a national ID card) or letters from employers, educational establishments etc. I'm not quite sure how a plastic ID card can be any proof of me living in UK - so do I have to attach other things? The slight problem here is that between March and October 2012, I wasn't employed or studying - essentially I was self sufficient and looking for jobs/PhDs. I can't really provide anything from this period other than bank statements, one or two letters from HMRC, a housing benefit letter and a tenancy agreement (from 2011, when I moved in to the flat where I lived until September 2012). But then - wouldn't my PR be enough of evidence that I was in UK at that time? A slightly similar situation now - I am preparing to submit my PhD thesis, but I have lost my student status due to university regulations on 1st of January 2017. I will be re-instated as a student in a few weeks when I submit. What kind of evidence can I provide here? No, for citizenship you must send your passport.

[Skrzyplocz]

1. I have a bachelor and masters degree from a UK university. Is it absolutely necessary to attach an actual degree certificate? I have stamped and signed letters from my university confirming my degrees. I'm not using NCS, and I'd prefer to avoid sending the actual certificate (apparently the university won't reissue them if lost - unless they burned in a fire or a flood). If you are not applying through NCS, you are required to send originals.

They are originals - issued by my university recently, on headed paper, with signatures and a university stamp. It says what degree I got and when.

3. What exact evidence do I have to provide to prove lawful residence during the 5 last 5 years? The form says I should attach either a passport (and I assume this can be substituted by a national ID card) or letters from employers, educational establishments etc. I'm not quite sure how a plastic ID card can be any proof of me living in UK - so do I have to attach other things? The slight problem here is that between March and October 2012, I wasn't employed or studying - essentially I was self sufficient and looking for jobs/PhDs. I can't really provide anything from this period other than bank statements, one or two letters from HMRC, a housing benefit letter and a tenancy agreement (from 2011, when I moved in to the flat where I lived until September 2012). But then - wouldn't my PR be enough of evidence that I was in UK at that time? A slightly similar situation now - I am preparing to submit my PhD thesis, but I have lost my student status due to university regulations on 1st of January 2017. I will be re-instated as a student in a few weeks when I submit. What kind of evidence can I provide here? No, for citizenship you must send your passport.

Wait, what? As an EEA person I used my national ID card to enter UK. There are no stamps in my passport, and it only covers the last 3 years. My ID card covers the entire 5 year period. What's the rationale for that? What if I didn't have a passport?

Also, another question: do I need to include the letter from Home Office that I got with my PR specifying when I acquired PR?

I'd prefer to avoid NCS, as I don't want to spend extra £90. Don't mind the passport interview and the wait.

[CR001]

Sorry, national ID card seems acceptable.

You need to send your original degree certificate to meet the language requirement.

You must submit evidence that you have PR and have held PR for at least 12 months (unless you are married to a British citizen).