Hey I'm posting about a non-EEA friend, who is looking at applying for citizenship via naturalisation.
I'd appreciate a sanity check whether it is possible/likely that their application will be accepted.
Their background is this:
- 4.9 years on an EUFam Stamp 4 while married to EU national.
- While on the Stamp 4, he departed for 4 months, came back for 3, then departed again for 4 months, then returned, without notifying immigration
- EUFam4 revoked in early 2022 when spouse left country. Immigration threatened to refer to deportation department, only on the basis of losing the Stamp 4. No allegations etc.
- 1 year Stamp 1 given (thanks to a strong-worded letter from his solicitor)
- Spouse has returned to Ireland and is now an Irish citizen (but they are separated)
- For 3 years of residence, he lacks a tenancy agreement, and doesn't have the 150 points. Only has proof of rent payments going out of the account.
Based on his stamps, and by his reckoning, he's got sufficient reckonable residence to apply.
My queries:
- Does the Stamp 4 being revocation affect its contribution towards reckonable resident? The 4.9 years still count right?
- Will his leaving the state for a year/lack of 150 points for 3 years/the government threatening deportation greatly affect his chances of successful application (even with a good solicitor)?
Thank you for any advice.