Nationality: EU - Italian
Proof of language: University Degree & Master + Life in the UK
Method of application: Online
Date of application: 16th of March 2024
Date of debit of fees: 16th of March 2024
Date of biometrics appointment: 18th of March 2024
Biometrics location: Croydon (Free)
Date of receipt of approval: 22nd of July 2024
Date of Ceremony: 3 September 2024
Red flags: over 450 days of absences due to covid. I had 740 days of absences, a lot of which due to the pandemic. As part of my application, I wrote a letter explaining the reasons for my absences, gave evidence of attempt to come back to the UK but flight was cancelled and I demonstrated my links to finances, job etc in the UK while away (I was studying remotely for my MSc at Imperial College). I had to prove my residence for 7 years rather than 5 due to number of absences. There is a clear document, called 'Guide AN' dated October 2023, which explains what to do for absences up to 900 days, I highly suggest to read it carefully and use it as a guideline if absences are above the 450 days requirement but less than 900 days (maximum allowed).
Request of additional Info: 25th May 2024 - I was requested for 5 years address history without gaps as I had some gaps in my original application. I responded within an hour.
Asked MMST workflow on 6th June 2024 to confirm they received the information they asked for. They confirmed they received the info on 12th une 2024. I sent another email on 2nd of July to ask for updates on my application but I never received a response.
Emailed Further Nationalities Enquiries on 8th of July 2024 to ask for an update and only received automatic response.
It has been stressful and nerve-wracking 4 months, but I am glad it all worked out well in the end. Thanks for the help from this forum as I consulted it daily (even if approvals seem to arrive quite randomly so it is hard to find a pattern).
Good luck anyone waiting, be patient and the good news will also arrive soon for you
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)