Immigrationboards.com

Dear all,

I am thinking of applying directly for British Citizenship rather than going through EEA4 but had a query regarding "the good character requirement".

Here is an outline :

I entered the UK end of 2003 on a visitor visa and made an application for student visa in 2004, which was refused 2 years later (2006) .

I got married in 2008 and received my RC the same year .

In 2012, I divorced and I retained my right in 2013 (ROR via EEA2) .

Now I am thinking of applying for BC but not sure if I already qualify because prior to my RC in 2008 I was an overstayer .


Here are my questions.


Should I start counting the 10 years for my good character requirement:

From the day I entered the UK 2004 ?
From when I made my student visa application to the HO (2004)?
From when I was refused (2006)?
Or from when I got married and received my 1st RC in 2008?

I hope someone can help.

Many thanks,

Should I start counting the 10 years for my good character requirement:

Or from when I got married and received my 1st RC in 2008?

You will be eligible to apply in 2018.

CR001 wrote:

Should I start counting the 10 years for my good character requirement:

Or from when I got married and received my 1st RC in 2008?

You will be eligible to apply in 2018.

Thanks CROO1... the confusion on my side came from the fact that I read somewhere that the "10 years ban from applying for citizenship start from the period in which the applicant became known to the Home office."

If that is the case then my 10 years has started in 2004 isn't ? or It could also start from when I got my refusal without right to appeal in 2006.

Happy to wait for 2018 but don't want to miss out in case I am entitled to apply earlier.

It is 10 years from when you either left the UK voluntarily or from when you legalised your stay/visa status.