Post
by JulesN19 » Thu Mar 11, 2010 9:36 am
I am writing to provide an update. I applied in February 2010 for naturalisation using my local authority's Nationality Checking Service. I thought that I should provide all these details for the benefit of readers who may find themselves in a similar situation.
Background to my Naturalisation Application
As you can see from earlier posts, I arrived in late January 2007 with entry clearance as the fiance of a British citizen. I got married in April 2007, went on honeymoon, and re-entered the UK at the end of April 2007. I received further leave to remain as the spouse of a British citizen in May 2007. I received indefinite leave to remain in May 2009.
The only complicating factor with regard to my application was proving my arrival in the UK and presence at the beginning of the qualifying period, as I entered via the Republic of Ireland and did not receive an entry stamp when I arrived in the UK in January 2007.
Evidence Submitted as to my Entry in January 2007 and Residence at the Beginning of the Qualifying Period
I explained the above on page 14 of my naturalisation application. As evidence of my arrival in the UK at the end of January 2007, I submitted:
1. A copy of my Aer Lingus flight itinierary printed on the day I departed and showing that my journey involved flying from the US to Dublin and then catching a connecting flight from Dublin to London;
2. My Aer Lingus boarding passes for the above described journey;
3. My bag identification tags for the abode described journey;
4. A letter from the US Selective Service System sent in late January 2007 showing the change in my registered address to my current UK address;
5. My bank statements from February, March, and April 2007, which showed my current UK address as the mailing address and showed that I was making debit card transactions in the UK throughout the period when I was claiming to have been present in the UK;
6. My Life in the UK Test pass notification letter dated March 2007, showing that I had to have been present at the test centre in the UK to take the exam;
7. My marriage certificate from April 2007, showing that I was in fact the spouse of a British citizen and had to have been present in the UK on my wedding day.
There were a couple times I went on holiday outside the UK and did not receive a UK entry stamp when I returned because I used the IRIS system. I explained these cases on page 14 and submitted the boarding passes for these trips where I had them available. Where I did not have boarding passes, I submitted utility bills sent shortly after my return from holiday to show my continued residence.
The Result
I received an envelope from the Home Office this morning. It returned the supporting documents that I have described above. It also contained a letter indicating that my application has been successful.
I am waiting to receive a letter inviting me to a naturalisation ceremony.
I should note that I received a decision within a month of submitting my application.
