Question

[Mabsa_guy]

Hi all,

I am an EU citizen and have moved to the UK in September 2014 to take a 1-year MSc programme. Since July 2015 I am working in the UK. Since I have completed over 4 years in the UK, I was thinking in applying to the Permanent Resident next year. However, I have a few questions:

1. Am I only allowed to apply for it from September 2019 onwards or can I start the application process some months before?

2. I was a student for 1 year. Does that pose any barriers to this process? I am assuming it will count towards the 5 years.

Many thanks for your help.

[alterhase58]

Hi all,

I am an EU citizen and have moved to the UK in September 2014 to take a 1-year MSc programme. Since July 2015 I am working in the UK. Since I have completed over 4 years in the UK, I was thinking in applying to the Permanent Resident next year. However, I have a few questions:

1. Am I only allowed to apply for it from September 2019 onwards or can I start the application process some months before? Apply from Sep 2019 - this would then be the "settled status" application - the five years need to be completed first.

2. I was a student for 1 year. Does that pose any barriers to this process? I am assuming it will count towards the 5 years. No & Yes, and If you apply for settled status there is no requirement to have held CSI, as is the case for PR currently (for students and self-sufficient)

Many thanks for your help.

[Mabsa_guy]

Thank you very much for your quick answer.

Regarding your second point, I am unsure whether I can apply for settled status in 2019? I will be in the UK for 5 years but it won't be 5 continuous years as a professional. If I apply in 2019 will I need to show any sort of CSI, despite the fact I was a student many years ago?

Thanks

[alterhase58]

The settled status doesn't have the concept of qualified person (per EU regulations). It will not be based on being worker or student.

[Mabsa_guy]

Hello,

I am from Portugal and moved to the UK in September 2014 to pursue a MSc at King's College. I started to work in September 2016 until today.

If I apply for a British citizenship, will the period between September 2014 and September 2015 be considered towards the 5 years? If so, what documentation do I need to provide?

Many thanks!

[CR001]

Do you hold PR or settled status??

[secret.simon]

On a point of interest, CR001, would having a CoE-RoA in a South African p[assport be an acceptable way of retaining SA citizenship without revealing your British citizenship?

[CR001]

On a point of interest, CR001, would having a CoE-RoA in a South African p[assport be an acceptable way of retaining SA citizenship without revealing your British citizenship?

No. You lose your SA citizenship automatically on the date of British citizenship ceremony if you have not applied beforehand to the SA Consular for permission to hold dual nationality.

My letter from the Consular section clearly states I lost my SA citizenship on acquisition of BC on the exact date of my ceremony, which the letter states in bold underlined.

You also have to declare any other nationalities when renewing your SA passport.

Note this only applies to those who voluntarily apply for another citizenship and not those who are British by descent who can retain both nationalities.

[Mabsa_guy]

Do you hold PR or settled status??

No I don't. In order to get it, will my time as a student be considered?

[CR001]

Do you hold PR or settled status??

No I don't. In order to get it, will my time as a student be considered?

You cannot apply for citizenship until you have PR or settled status. You need to have held PR or settled status for 12 mo this before you can apply for British citizenship, unless you are married to a British citizen.

Citizenship is based on residence and not EU regulations and rules.

[Mabsa_guy]

Thanks. And will my 1 year as a MSc student be considered for PR?

[CR001]

You need to ask your PR/Settled Status questions in the EEA Sub forum.

eea-route-applications/