Do I need a PR card to apply for BC if I have ILR?

[Brambles33]

Hello,

I hope I'm posting in the right section of the forum.

I'd like to apply for British Citizenship. I am Polish and was granted ILR after 4 years of a work permit, before Poland was part of the EU. I got married to a British citizen since (after my ILR) and have two children who are also British citizens. I have three questions relating to an application for BC.

1. Re. requirement for a PR card when applying for BC: I've rang a few immigration lawyers who offer an initial free consultation over the phone and I am none the wiser. Some of them said I did not need a PR card if I already had ILR, while others advised that I would still have to apply for PR card before applying for naturalisation.

Which one is the correct answer, please? Do I need to apply for the PR card before naturalisation application if I've had ILR for over 15 years?

2. Re. a requirement to work: I was made redundant three years ago, wasn't able to find another full-time job so did some freelance work and now I'm a housewife fully supported by my British husband. Would being a housewife reduce my eligibility for naturalisation? Again, I asked the lawyers over the phone but was given different answers so if there is someone on this forum who could advise based on experience, I would be very grateful.

3. Do I need a Comprehensive Sickness Insurance? I paid NI through work for years, do I need to take the CSI now?

Thank you for any advice you may be able to share.
Brambles33

[CR001]

1. ILR is sufficient to apply if you have proof of your ILR. Assuming this appears in your passport as a sticker.

2. No requirement to be in employment to qualify for citizenship. You simply state you are 'unemployed' or a 'housewife' and list your previous employment in the relevant section.

3. No because you already hold ILR which means you are free from immigration time restrictions.

[Brambles33]

Thank you very much for your reply, CR001.

Yes, I have the ILR sticker in my old passport as well as a letter from the Home Office that came with the passport at the time. It was issued in my maiden name but I hope my marriage certificate will be sufficient to prove the change of name. Also, my first 'married' passport has the same photo in it as the one with the sticker, so hopefully there shouldn't be any doubt about whether I am the same person or not.

Many thanks again for your advice
Brambles33

[CR001]

Sounds like you are good to go then. Yes marriage cert will suffice to prove change in surname and your current passport is in married name so no issues there.

[Brambles33]

That's a relief, I was getting a bit worried about my application chances. Thank you again and have a lovely Christmas!

[noajthan]

Section 6(2) application; form AN.
Good luck.

[Brambles33]

Thank you, Noajthan, that's very helpful. Have a great Christmas!