ILR and University Fees

[thirdman]

My wife (originally my fiancee) and her dsughter immigrated to the UK back in 2001 on a fiance visa. We then got married, and 2 years later they both got ILR which they have had ever since. Neither are interested in becoming British Citizens but they have both been resident in the UK continuously since 2001.

My step-daughter is hoping to go to University next year (2009), but I'm a little worried if we will have to pay 'overseas' university fees as she is not a citizen of an EU state.

I've been trying to find the answer to this query for a while online but haven't had any luck. Has anyone got any ideas what the rules for this are?

[sakura]

You don't have to be an EU citizen to be eligible for "home" fees. The main requirements are;

1. Have lived in the EU/EEA (obviously including the UK) for at least three years prior to the start date of the course
and
2. Has ILR prior to the start date of the course.

So she will be classified as a "Home" student for fees purposes. Note that she is also eligible for student loans and whatever else students can obtain.

The requirements are always listed on the website of the universities/colleges, so you/she should look up whichever school/s she is interested and read the fees section. UKCOSA also have a good outline.

Out of curiosity, why do they not want to become British Citizens? What nationality are they?

[vinny]

UKCOSA also have a good outline.

Home fees: who is eligible?

[thirdman]

Out of curiosity, why do they not want to become British Citizens? What nationality are they?

Many thanks for your help. They are American, and my wife says that the US doesn't allow dual citizenship. and they don't want to give up their american citizenship.

Is the proof of the residence done via their passport then?

[thirdman]

UKCOSA also have a good outline.

Home fees: who is eligible?

Thanks for the link Vinny... extremely helpful

[Wanderer]

Out of curiosity, why do they not want to become British Citizens? What nationality are they?

Many thanks for your help. They are American, and my wife says that the US doesn't allow dual citizenship. and they don't want to give up their american citizenship.

Is the proof of the residence done via their passport then?

US and A does allow dual citizenship.

[vinny]

For US: Dual Nationality and Advice about Possible Loss of U.S. Citizenship and Dual Nationality.

For UK: Can I be a citizen of two countries?

[JAJ]

Many thanks for your help. They are American, and my wife says that the US doesn't allow dual citizenship. and they don't want to give up their american citizenship.

Your wife is wrong. She can keep her American citizenship provided that's her intention. As long as she keeps a valid American passport (she can have a British passport as well) and keeps filing for U.S. taxes she should have no problem.

http://www.richw.org/dualcit/

How old is your daughter? It would be easier/cheaper for her to apply for British citizenship before she turns 18.

[sakura]

US and A does allow dual citizenship.

It is "US of A"!

[sakura]

Out of curiosity, why do they not want to become British Citizens? What nationality are they?

Many thanks for your help. They are American, and my wife says that the US doesn't allow dual citizenship. and they don't want to give up their american citizenship.

Is the proof of the residence done via their passport then?

I'm surprised how many US citizens think that the US does not allow dual nationality! I think there are actually a lot of people like your wife who don't naturalise in another country because they don't know the rules.

I met a young boy who said he was born in the US but only had a green card because he was a British citizen and didn't want to lose that. I assume his parents were not diplomats when he was born, and I'm certain there is something illegal, or at least wrong, if he has a green card rather than a US passport. But he says his parents told him he cannot be a dual citizen, so it is better to hold his British citizenship and keep a green card...


...Anyway, your wife and step-daughter can definately become dual citizens...how old is your step-daughter? In order to naturalise, they need to pass the Life in the UK test (if your step-daughter is 18 at the time of application, she needs to take it), and apply with their US passport (with the ILR vignette).

[Wanderer]

US and A does allow dual citizenship.

It is "US of A"!

I know, I was being Borat!

US and A, United Nations Of Benneton etc!

[thirdman]

Out of curiosity, why do they not want to become British Citizens? What nationality are they?

Many thanks for your help. They are American, and my wife says that the US doesn't allow dual citizenship. and they don't want to give up their american citizenship.

Is the proof of the residence done via their passport then?

I'm surprised how many US citizens think that the US does not allow dual nationality! I think there are actually a lot of people like your wife who don't naturalise in another country because they don't know the rules.

I met a young boy who said he was born in the US but only had a green card because he was a British citizen and didn't want to lose that. I assume his parents were not diplomats when he was born, and I'm certain there is something illegal, or at least wrong, if he has a green card rather than a US passport. But he says his parents told him he cannot be a dual citizen, so it is better to hold his British citizenship and keep a green card...


...Anyway, your wife and step-daughter can definately become dual citizens...how old is your step-daughter? In order to naturalise, they need to pass the Life in the UK test (if your step-daughter is 18 at the time of application, she needs to take it), and apply with their US passport (with the ILR vignette).

Thanks for the information...I will tell my wife, and see what she thinks. My step-daughter is 17 (not 18 until next year)

[JAJ]

I met a young boy who said he was born in the US but only had a green card because he was a British citizen and didn't want to lose that. I assume his parents were not diplomats when he was born, and I'm certain there is something illegal, or at least wrong, if he has a green card rather than a US passport. But he says his parents told him he cannot be a dual citizen, so it is better to hold his British citizenship and keep a green card...

I would be very surprised if the U.S. authorities would issue a Green Card to a U.S. born person, unless they were sure that person was not an American citizen.

[calai]

How old is your step-daughter?

Has your wife (or step daughter) been working in any EU states for the last 3 out of 5 years?

One way to find out an answer is to contect the university's international/finance office. They are the one to decide the fee status of your step-daughter.

Good luck.