So I overstayed until 2010 when i was caught and put on bail, when i had to sign in every week and go through a bail renewal process every 3 months in the court. I never missed any sign ins or the bail hearing. I was given discretionary leave to remain in January 2012. So under the old rules, i should be qualified to get citizenship in 2019 given that I apply for permanent residency in 2018.
Now I know that the change of good character criteria in 2014 meant that if you have had any immigration issue for 10 years prior to applying for citizenship, you cant. I was looking at the wording of those rules. I have copy pasted immigration rules 9.5 and 9.7 below. I had been complying with immigration since 2010, reporting weekly, not working etc etc. Does this new change of good character 2014 means I cant apply for citizenship in 2022 since I was granted discretionary leave in 2012? Or Can i apply for it in 2020 since I had been complying with immigration during my bail since 2010?
Im really worried the longer it takes, the harsher immigration rules would become and who knows something else might come in place that would stop me applying for citizenship even further
" 9.5 Illegal EntryIn circumstances where an applicant entered the UK illegally, an application for citizenship should normally be refused for a period of 10 years from the date of entry, if it is known. If it is not known, the period of 10 years starts from the date on which the person first brought themselves to or came to the attention of the Home Office.
...
9.7 Evasion of immigration controlThe decision maker will normally refuse an application if within the 10 years preceding the application the person has not been compliant with immigration requirements, including but not limited to having:
a. failed to report
b. failed to comply with any conditions imposed under the Immigration Acts
c. been detected working in the UK without permission ".
- FAQ
- Login
- Register
- Call Workpermit.com for a paid service +44 (0)344-991-9222