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When can I apply for citizenship
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 4:46 pm
by Dee3
Hi,
I hope someone can help me, I'm a bit confused about the residency requirement.
I was in the UK for about 7 years. I had ancestry visa then ILR. I have returned to the UK after being out the country for about 500 days.
How long do I have to wait to apply for citizenship? Do I have to wait 5 years now that I've been out the country for so long?
My friend told me I only have to wait 12 months on ILR without leaving the country for more than 90 days. Is this true?
Thanks in advance...
Re: When can I apply for citizenship
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 5:22 pm
by Jambo
Dee3 wrote:My friend told me I only have to wait 12 months on ILR without leaving the country for more than 90 days. Is this true?
This is one of the requirements. Another requirement is less than 450 days of absence in the 5 years before applying. If you don't meet the requirements, your application will be at discretion. See Q3 in
Citizenship FAQs - Common Questions - Read before posting.
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 5:24 pm
by northernireland
I have the same question about from what date I can apply for BC if my WRS was issued: 31 oct 2007 but my first job start on 06 aug 2007 and Im still working in the same place
you can see below:

I am Polish and I arrived to UK: 26 july 2007
Thank in advice
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 5:27 pm
by Jambo
northernireland wrote:I have the same question about when I can apply for BC if my WRS was issued: 31 oct 2007 but I my first job start on 06 aug 2007 and Im still working in the same place
you can see below:

I am Polish and I arrived to UK: 26 july 2007
Thank for advice
Did you apply for WRS within 30 days of start of employment as it was required?
If you did, then July 2013. If not, then October 2013.
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 5:31 pm
by northernireland
Jambo yes I did.
What date will be the best for me to apply
- after 27 july 2013 (arrived to UK: 26 july 2007) or
- after 07 aug 2013 (first job on wrs: 06 aug 2007)
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 5:46 pm
by Jambo
northernireland wrote:Jambo yes I did.
What date will be the best for me to apply
- after 27 july 2013 (arrived to UK: 26 july 2007) or
- after 07 aug 2013 (first job on wrs: 06 aug 2007)
Probably August would make it simpler.
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 8:14 pm
by tesia85
Hi northernireland
I don't doubt your memory but I am surprised that your WRS took so long to be issued. My husband started working around the same time as you and he got his within a couple of weeks. If you are absolutely sure that you applied within 30 days then no problem but if you are even a bit uncertain then it might be worth waiting till October. Please, let us know how it all worked out for you as I am also Polish and going to apply later this year. I started working on 17/09/2007 and got my WRS on 29/11/2007 but I know that I did not apply within the first month.