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Residency requirement for spouses before naturalisation?

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 2:21 pm
by blisspix
My husband will be eligible to make his application for naturalisation in May 2012, having been here on a spouse visa. We have checked the residency requirements, but I am unclear whether or how these also apply to me, the UK citizen spouse.

There is a possibility that I may be asked to relocate to the Netherlands for work next year (he would stay here in the UK, I would commute back and forth to a joint home here). I am trying to work out if this possible before my husband's naturalisation application or if I need to wait until afterwards.

Any advice about residency for spouses?

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 2:34 pm
by geriatrix
Other than the fact that your spouse will need access to your passport to apply for naturalisation as spouse of a British citizen, I can say that you are otherwise not needed! :wink:

And the need for passport can also be eliminated, if alternate evidence of your British citizenship can be provided (e.g. - naturalisation certificate / birth certificate etc.).

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 2:56 pm
by blisspix
Good news! Although, access to my passport: Would a notarized copy suffice?

Even if I don't move I have a lot of work travel next year to countries where I also need to get travel visas. I don't have a UK birth certificate - I obtained my citizenship by descent.

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 3:19 pm
by geriatrix
blisspix wrote:Would a notarized copy suffice?
I don't think so.

But, if your spouse applies through NCS, all original documents will be returned after being verified by NCS on the day of application.

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 5:09 pm
by blisspix
sushdmehta wrote:
blisspix wrote:Would a notarized copy suffice?
I don't think so.

But, if your spouse applies through NCS, all original documents will be returned after being verified by NCS on the day of application.
Brilliant, thank you. That sounds like the way to go.