Overstayer and good character

[M999]

Hi people.
I am back here
Short background; came to the UK on a tourist visa, overstayed it for about 4 years, got married (no don't feel sorry) to a British citizen and granted my first visa (FLR?) in 2012, then granted ILR in 2014.

I left the UK on my own, went back home and applied for the visa declaring my overstaying.

I didn't know til two days ago about the good character issue, I thought if I had started from fresh but it seems that my overstaying is coming back to bite me in the bum.

I did book a NCS for next month but now not sure if I should go ahead.

Anyone here had any luck applying and trying your luck?

All the best!

[CR001]

You will likely only qualify to apply for citizenship 10 years from the date you returned to the UK, so in 2022.

It is not only the overstaying but if you worked in any capacity in that period of overstay, you are also in breach and the citizenship form asks for 10 years employment history and HO check the HMRC records.

If you take the risk and apply and your application is refused, you will lose your fee.

[CR001]

Also, note that the Good Character requirement was announced in mid 2013 and came into effect in December 2014.

british-citizenship/british-citizenship ... 05532.html

[M999]

Also, note that the Good Character requirement was announced in mid 2013 and came into effect in December 2014.

british-citizenship/british-citizenship ... 05532.html

Thanks. Oh well, I can't complain, broke the rules,now I have to pay. Mind you, I never imagined when I first came that one day I would be talking about citizenship.

Am I at any risk or big disadvantage for not having my BC right now? Other than when I go abroad I don't really feel it.

Thanks

[CR001]

Am I at any risk or big disadvantage for not having my BC right now? Other than when I go abroad I don't really feel it.

No, you just aren't British. Note though that ILR is lost if you leave the UK for 2 or more years.