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

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