Apologies if this has been asked before (couldn't find a clear answer). I'm an EEA national who has spent the last 5 years under lawful employment int he UK. I could wait another 11-12 months and apply under the 5 years EEA route. However the AN guide says:
Normally "should" doesn't mean "must", but this sounds a little suspicious. My question is: if it's not a requirement, how much does one risk (to the best of existing statistical knowledge) being rejected if they don't obtain a permanent residence card before applying for naturalization?You should apply for a permanent residence card to prove that you hold that status before applying for citizenship.
I looked at both the AN and the EEA_PR forms and the AN form actually asks for less proof and documentation than the EEA_PR one regarding the 5 years, so simple logic would say that going for AN directly without a PR card is more risky.
Any evidence to sustain or refute the above argument?
Any other thoughts will be much appreciated.