Naturalisation and British Citizenship

[savrod]

Hi everyone,

So glad to have found this forum! I have a gained EU settled status 13 months back and now trying to apply for British citizenship since, however a few questions on application related to a) proof of residence b) no of days absent in the qualifying period

a) Residence : I noticed on the application form, one of the questions they ask about the address and if I've lived there for 5 years. I've only lived in my current residence for 3 years where I do have proof of address with my name on utilities, however for the previous 2 years I used to live at a relative's place where I never spent on rent and essentially do not have any proof of address except for the address being on P60's/payslips.
Is this enough proof of address?

b) I have been outside of the country in the last 5 years for 442 days below the 450 threshold, however within the last 12 months - I have been outside the UK for 100 days which I believe can still be accepted as per the naturalization guide published by the gov here where for 90-100 days "Total number of absences normally disregarded" https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... t_2023.pdf . My question however is the calculation of 100 days, are the 2 days i.e the day i departed the UK and arrived in the UK also counted as absences?? If they are I would be at 102 days (Jan 24th 2024 - May 4th 2024)

If the case worker rejects my application when i do apply for it based on any reason like not sufficient proof of address etc, would i stand to loose my application fees of ~£1400 !?

Apologies for the long post but thank you for your feedback all!

[meself2]

are the 2 days i.e the day i departed the UK and arrived in the UK also counted as absences??

No - just count the full days

If the case worker rejects my application when i do apply for it based on any reason like not sufficient proof of address etc, would i stand to loose my application fees of ~£1400 !?

Yes - if it's refused, fees paid are gone. They're for the consideration of application, not for positive decision.

[savrod]

are the 2 days i.e the day i departed the UK and arrived in the UK also counted as absences??

No - just count the full days

If the case worker rejects my application when i do apply for it based on any reason like not sufficient proof of address etc, would i stand to loose my application fees of ~£1400 !?

Yes - if it's refused, fees paid are gone. They're for the consideration of application, not for positive decision.

Thanks so much mesef2 for your feedback! So would you say it is safe to assume 100 days will be normally disregarded as per their guide or do you reckon I wait for a few more months and for the days of absence in the last 12 months to come down to 90 days and below before I apply?

[alterhase58]

It should be noted that applications are not refused for minor issues, caseworkers normally contact applicants if something is not clear or a document is missing. Note that "proof of address" is not required.
Reasons for refusal are generally based around statutory requirements not being met. The approval rate is high, around 95%.

So would you say it is safe to assume 100 days will be normally disregarded as per their guide or do you reckon I wait for a few more months and for the days of absence in the last 12 months to come down to 90 days and below before I apply?

If the absence is the only issue then it's likely to be accepted. We haven't seen anyone being refused for a 100 days absences in the last year.

[savrod]

It should be noted that applications are not refused for minor issues, caseworkers normally contact applicants if something is not clear or a document is missing. Note that "proof of address" is not required.
Reasons for refusal are generally based around statutory requirements not being met. The approval rate is high, around 95%.

Hi alterhase58,

Thanks so much for your feedback on the proof of address issue as well! I'd also appreciate your valued insights about my concern about the 100 days absence in the 12 month period above if you will please?

[savrod]

thanks alterhase58, sorry didnt see your feedback on the 100 days absences as well!

you guys are great, thanks!