Citizenship application query

[afriley]

Good day,

I arrived in the UK in 2008 on a student visa, then stayed on several student visas until Tier 2 in 2016. Received ILR in 2021.

When applying for naturalisations, what do I input as entry date (“when did you first enter the U.K.?”).

[contorted_svy]

Put there the date when you came.to stay permanently (so eg if you left in 2013 and returned in 2015 put 2015).

[afriley]

I’ve lived in the UK since 2008 and all my visas were extended/applied for in-country.

So do I put 2008

Or

The first tier 2 visa…?

[contorted_svy]

Put 2008.

[afriley]

Right so I will input 2008 as that’s when I first arrived in the UK.

Presumably however I only input 5 years of absences going back from the date of application for naturalisation as that’s the period that applies to me?

[alterhase58]

Correct only five years back from application date.

[afriley]

Thank you. I plan to apply this month and am getting my referees to sign the passport photo forms in advance - I assume that’s also ok? It doesn’t need to be done after the application is submitted? the forms will only be dated a week or so before the application.

[alterhase58]

passport photo forms

You mean the "referee forms" ?

No issue - date does not have to be the same as application date.

[afriley]

That’s right, referee forms. Thanks!

Finally the dreaded patronymic… I am Russian so have two versions of my name on my Russian passport. First name and surname in the Latin alphabet and First name patronymic and surname in Cyrillic. I’ve always ignored the patronymic and it’s never caused an issue and never appeared on any UK documents/BRPs.

I assume I should do the same now when applying for naturalisation?

I know some people have had issues when subsequently getting their British passport.

[alterhase58]

A bit of a closed book for me ....
Suffice to say I would agree to carry on as you have so far, use the Latin name versions which will appear on your naturalisation certificate.

[afriley]

Appreciate it.

Do referee forms need to be printed single sided or is double sided with their signature on the second page ok? I presume they will be scanned anyway so makes no difference?

(Sorry, massively overthinking here).

[alterhase58]

Single or double sided, you will scan them anyway and originals are not required to be submitted anyway.

[afriley]

Just looking at the passport application and the definition of uncancelled passports is confusing. I have multiple Russian passports that are expired and presumably cancelled as each was replaced by the next one. Most have “annulled” stamped inside. Presumably these won’t have to be sent in?

Moreover, I was adopted as an adult by my EU stepfather but did not change my name to his surname etc and don’t hold any ID on his surname. I usually sent the adoption paperwork for transparency when dealing with UKVI. I presume best not to send this to the Passport Office when applying for my first UK passport to avoid any complications? His nationality etc is irrelevant to my application.

[alterhase58]

Just looking at the passport application and the definition of uncancelled passports is confusing. I have multiple Russian passports that are expired and presumably cancelled as each was replaced by the next one. Most have “annulled” stamped inside. Presumably these won’t have to be sent in? Correct - those are cancelled passports i.e. defaced in some way, mine have a corner cut and are rubber stamped "cancelled".

Moreover, I was adopted as an adult by my EU stepfather but did not change my name to his surname etc and don’t hold any ID on his surname. I usually sent the adoption paperwork for transparency when dealing with UKVI. I presume best not to send this to the Passport Office when applying for my first UK passport to avoid any complications? His nationality etc is irrelevant to my application. Your claim to British citizenship is the naturalisation certificate, HMPO won't delve into your history, as long as the passport requirements are met.

[afriley]

Re adoption - my concern is more whether it counts as being known under a different name and thus needs to be disclosed. I’m entitled to take it as per the adoption court order but never have and have never been known under this name. So should I just omit this info for the sake of avoiding complications?

[alterhase58]

HMPO are concerned that British citizens may hold travel documents under different names that's why they ask for other passports you hold and compare name with all all other and the naturalisation certificate. They are not concerned whether you use or used to have other names (which is quite legal in UK law as long as they are not used for illegal purposes). I think you are worrying to much, many nationalities go through the same processes as you without much trouble.

[contorted_svy]

If you have never been known under that name it will be ok. This is for the passport application anyway, so it can be dealt with once you are scheduled to attend the citizenship ceremony.

[afriley]

Thanks both, appreciate your voices of reason.

The citizenship application asks for previous uk visa details - I’ve had lots over the years and don’t remember some details of the older ones from 2008-2011, such as when exactly I applied (I know the years but not exact months). I do have the BRP numbers I can enter for them to identify the applications. Would this be ok you think?

[contorted_svy]

All those are only "if known" - won't affect your statutory requirements. Input all the details you know and you can explain in a cover note you can't recall all details of older applications.

[afriley]

I have both a biological and an adoptive father (adult adoption). I presume for parental details on the naturalisation form they want births parents? Neither are British so their nationality is irrelevant.

[contorted_svy]

You're not claiming nationality via them so it is irrelevant.

[afriley]

Just a process question -

Am I right that I need to pay and submit the application and then will be sent a separate link to upload all the supporting documents? Thanks.

[CR001]

Just a process question -

Am I right that I need to pay and submit the application and then will be sent a separate link to upload all the supporting documents? Thanks.

You submit and pay and will be directed to the UKCVAS portal, which is where you upload documents and book your biometric appointment

[afriley]

Thanks!

For “tax office reference number” - my university payslip has an “employer PAYE reference number” compromising of numbers and letters - something like 000/X12345. Is this what I need to enter?

There’s also a very long 15-number “HMRC payroll ID”.

[CR001]

Thanks!

For “tax office reference number” - my university payslip has an “employer PAYE reference number” compromising of numbers and letters - something like 000/X12345. Is this what I need to enter?

There’s also a very long 15-number “HMRC payroll ID”.

Yes, this number is also on your P60 or you can ask HR. It is not the payroll ID.