Naturalisation - where am I and what do I do?

[filfil65]

Hello, I just joined the forum because this whole process gets more and more complicated as I look more into how to become a British Citizen. I was reading through the "Citizenship FAQs" sticky post http://www.immigrationboards.com/britis ... 95747.html where I encountered some problems and got some questions and I would really appreciate if you could help me out here. I apologise if those questions might seen a bit stupid.

First things first. I am from European Union. I have been Living in the UK for about 7 years and currently on my first year at Loughborough University. I am 18 years old and until now, I wasn't worried about the citizenship but I will need it if I want to work where I plan to work. I let my parents handle these things and this is where the problems begin.

Question, "When can I apply for naturalisation?". I read that I need 5years + 1PR. Which I should technically have but how do I make sure when my parents don't know? I have this booklet thingy, what is it? Does it prove anything?

Home office booklet

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Secondly, "Meet the knowledge of English and life in the UK requirements". I know I need to do the "Life in UK" test but what about the "Knowledge of English"? I have my GCSE English results, went through a Sixth Form and now I'm at uni. Looking up this website: https://www.gov.uk/english-language I read, "Degrees taught or researched in English", check, this is what I am doing. Then I read "If you have not graduated yet or have lost your certificate" which is true, I haven't graduated. I don't quite get this, what are they specifically asking me to provide to show that I have the "Knowledge of English" or does it not apply to me and I would be better of doing one of those ESOL tests? If so, where?

Thirdly, how long will it take, am I reasonable to hope to be a citizen about this time next year (I want to get some work experience over summer)?

[Jambo]

The vignette in the booklet is a Registration Certificate which is given at the begining of the journey. It doesn't prove you have PR. However, assuming your parent has been employed (or self employed) for 5 continuous years, you have obtained PR status at that point. 1 year after that (5 years) date, you are eligible for naturalisation. You will need to provide evidence of your parent employment (and their passport and your birth certificate to show your relationship) as part of the naturalisation application.

GCSE doesn't count for naturalisation (an oversight by the HO I guess). You will need to pass another English test.

It normally takes 2-4 months to receive a decision.

[filfil65]

I've read up on this a bit more and found a bureau nearby which should be able to help me out. Thanks a lot for your help Jambo!