It's 5 years since Bulgaria & Romanian joined the EU in 2007. Time to apply for Permanent Residency and British Citizenship? But can you find the UKBA Guidance?

By 1st 4Immigration - #1 UK Immigration Experts -
If you can't find any Guidance - it's because it has not been properly written. For example, EEA4 form still says 'This info does not apply to Bulgarian/Romanian nationals' but why not? Like nationals of all other EU countries, Bulgarian and Romanian nationals can apply for Permanent Residency after 5 years of 'exercising Treaty rights' in the UK, such as after 5 years of working, studying or being self-employed. The EEA4 guidance has simply not been updated yet. This is because 2012 is the 1st year when such applications are possible, since joining the EU in 2007.

Did you know there is no obligation to apply for Permanent Residency? On one hand, this status comes automatically, after exercising European Treaty rights in the UK for 5 years. There is no 'visa stamp' which comes automatically but status gets achieved without having to apply for a 'visa stamp'.

On the other hand, 1 more year later it is possible to apply straight for British Citizenship, even without applying for a Permanent Residency first. Remember, applicantions for Permanent Residency under European law would take up to 6 months and it is only postal (there is no same- day service) and original passport would be led by the UK Border Agency.

Let's imagine you have worked in the UK for 5 years continuously, it would be called 'exercising Treaty rights as a worker'. You could apply for Permanent Residency stamp but you don't have to. If you do apply, it am take 6 months, as above, with passport held by the UKBA.

Another year later and you could apply for British Citizenship, ie after 6 years in he UK (not 5 years as many people think). So, first applications will be in 2013.

So, when a PR application has been approved, approx 6 months later, it would be only another 6 months and you could apply for British Citizenship, with pretty much the same documents again. It may take another 6 months but there is no need to send an original passport, it is possible to apply without original passport and travel while your application is being considered.

It is perfectly legal to apply straight for British Citizenship, without applying for a Permanent Residency stamp!

You are welcome to book our advice session for a detailed consultation or to make an application with out help. For procedure and service fees please contact us, email info@1st4immigration.com or visit www.1st4immigration.com .
Authorised by The OISC, ref F200800152

Popular posts from this blog

Updated May 2020: UK visa work continues - latest update

By -
UK immigration authorities continue to process visa applications, albeit not as fast as they normally would. The visa centres are beginning to gradually re-opening from 1 June 2020 in the UK and abroad. Regardless of when your particular centre re-opens, it is still possible to submit your application online. If your visa expires soon, you can apply for your next visa "on-time", i.e. before your current visa expires, by making such an application online and then waiting for the further steps. This keeps you within the Rules and does not make you an overstayer.  Even better, the actual documents (supporting evidence) can be submitted later, thus giving you even more time to prepare while remaining within the Rule on visa expiry dates. We usually have 45 days to provide the documents (ie upload them online to the Government portal) after the online "submission" mentioned above. This is extended for as long as it will take to clear up the backlog.  If you...
Read more

🇬🇧 Spouse vs Fiancée visa: pros and cons

By -
Image
    How are they different? What are advantages of each of them? Our helpful table below gives you the visa options for partners of UK citizens. Spouse visa (including civil partners) Fiancée visa Marital status Have to be married (or get married) and apply for a UK visa as a Spouse. Can come to the UK, get married within 6 months and then apply for a Spouse visa. Where to apply? Can apply outside the UK, in a country where a foreign spouse lives or works (but not visiting). Can switch inside the UK from most categories. Only outside the UK This includes a situation where the current UK visa allows switching to a Spouse visa but the couple has to take the Fiancée route (such as if they need time to meet the Financial Requirement). Duration of the visa 2.5 years, then extension for another 2.5 years, then permanent residency after 5 years. 6 months, then Spouse visa for 2.5 years, then extension for another 2.5 years, then permanent residency after 5 years on Spouse visas only ...
Read more

UK Visas and Immigration plans to go paperless in 2018. If it works, family visas – for spouses, partners, children etc – will be submitted online instead of the current paper forms and supporting documents.

By 1st 4Immigration - #1 UK Immigration Experts -
Image
How do we know? We, 1 st 4Immigration Ltd,   were chosen by the UKVI to take part in a survey to provide a feedback on the upcoming system. We are very honoured! As can be seen on the Home Office letter (pictured), we were selected as one of only approximately 50 firms in the whole country, following the request of the Home Office to the OISC. We had a visit from 2 Home Office officials in November 2017. What a great day and what a productive visit! The officials informed us they had been trying hard to promote the online application process for in-country applications, such as FLR(M) for spouses and partners of UK citizens. The online applications have existed for entry clearance (when applying outside the UK) for many years now. Yet the in-country online application process has so far been relatively unknown and unused. It can be found here: https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/family-routes At the moment most FLR(M) and FLR(FP) applications ar...
Read more