and we're waiting for the biometric ID!Now the next question. She has lived here for 7 years and can apply for naturalisation as soon as the ID arrives. But she has been offered a very good job in Italy. If she takes it, she has to start work in 4 weeks. So she can submit her naturalisation form before she leaves, but by the time it gets processed, she won't be working in the UK anymore.
The job is a contract lasting 1 year, and my wife plans to work in the UK again afterwards. I am staying here, keeping my old job, and keeping our rented flat. At least in the first couple of months, all her salary will be paid in pounds directly to her UK bank account, and she will withdraw cash in Italy when she needs it.
Can she apply for naturalisation on the basis of remaining a UK resident, commuting to Italy each week and coming back here on weekends? She would rent a flat there too, but just as a place to sleep on weekdays. The salary is high enough to make that possible, but would it actually be accepted by the UKBA?
Will it make any difference that the job is with the United Nations, and she will have a "mission" visa for Italy?