ILR & Citizenship

Hello!

Millionth person to post about ILR and citizenship I'm sure, but hoping someone can helpfully link me to the full list of what I need to include in ILR and citizenship filings? I hope to pull info for both together at the same time, although I am aware I can only file the latter once the former is approved.

Full disclosure, I used a solicitor for my first two filings as a spouse filing for leave to enter and leave to remain but always used the forum to keep up to date and frankly check their work. I am going it alone this time because I simply cannot afford their fees anymore with a baby in nursery and the cost of living.

My current visa expires in Feb 2024, but I entered the country in nov 2018 so planning to file just at the 5 year/60 month mark.

So, hit me, what do I need to do? If anyone can link me to a full list, I would be very grateful!

Hello!

Millionth person to post about ILR and citizenship I'm sure, but hoping someone can helpfully link me to the full list of what I need to include in ILR and citizenship filings? I hope to pull info for both together at the same time, although I am aware I can only file the latter once the former is approved.

Full disclosure, I used a solicitor for my first two filings as a spouse filing for leave to enter and leave to remain but always used the forum to keep up to date and frankly check their work. I am going it alone this time because I simply cannot afford their fees anymore with a baby in nursery and the cost of living.

My current visa expires in Feb 2024, but I entered the country in nov 2018 so planning to file just at the 5 year/60 month mark.

So, hit me, what do I need to do? If anyone can link me to a full list, I would be very grateful!

You're in luck! Our fabulous member Matt created a thread on each. You should be able to get mostly all the information you need in those.

https://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=100139.0

https://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=100371.0

First thing to do is get your life in the UK test out of the way if you haven't already done it.

Amazing @larrabee thank you!

Luckily got my test out of the way already pre baby, I knew it'd be a struggle otherwise.

Will be back later down the line with more questions I am sure, but I'll get to work on all this for now.

Hello again!

Have been pulling together my docs and a few more questions -

Can I start the online application form any time? I know I can save and come back, but is there a threshold for how long I can be working on it (eg must be submitted within xx days from starting app)

Does anyone have a sample cover letter for their submission they can share?

Less a question and more a statement, but the fees are up again!  £2885 for the application alone!

One more question to add to the above - do I need to include a copy of both of my child's passports (US and UK) or just the UK one?

I applied for ILR super priority back in January. I did not include a cover letter - is your application straightforward or do you have items you need to explain?

As for the application you have quite a period of time before the application expires - I worked on my ILR application for 9 months starting in March 2022. I just returned to the application every 2 months or so to refresh it, and make sure it did not expire. There is no threshold, just make sure it doesn't go stale... and ALWAYS remember to review the entire thing before you submit. A lot can change in the time before submission!

I can't answer about the passports, sorry, no children.

Has anyone done document checking service and if so, what is the process like? I have uploaded all of my docs, and ahead of the suggested deadline for doing so. Will I get some kind of communication? I assume I'll only hear if something isn't uploaded properly? Appreciate anyone's experience, otherwise just going to sit here refreshing my email over and over until the appointment...

Has anyone done document checking service and if so, what is the process like? I have uploaded all of my docs, and ahead of the suggested deadline for doing so. Will I get some kind of communication? I assume I'll only hear if something isn't uploaded properly? Appreciate anyone's experience, otherwise just going to sit here refreshing my email over and over until the appointment...

You will get an email either telling you everything is in order or an email outlining the issues. Both times I used it, for ILR and citizenship, I received an email the day before my biometrics appointment. For ILR  they found a minor issue which I was quickly able to correct and for citizenship they found no issues.

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Thanks all for your help all these years! I was granted ILR yesterday. Feels a bit surreal tbh.

And for anyone looking up timelines, here's mine.

Application Type: SET(M)
Priority/Non-Priority: Super Priority
Online Application Submitted: 13 December 2023
Biometrics Appointment: 21 December 2023
Decision Made Email: 21 December 2023 - APPROVED! (4.5 hours after appointment)
BRP Received:  waiting

I was Super Priority in London. This was the quickest response in all these years, but for me definitely the most stressful application as it was the first I'd done completely on my own. I did pay for the document check which probably wasn't worth it as they check at the appointment, but for me it was £50 for an extra check on my anxiety.

On to citizenship but I am going to enjoy immigration-free holidays first!

Happy Christmas and New Year all!

Congratulations!!! 

Honestly so grateful to all of you who are here to guide everyone along!! Genuinely do not know what I would have done without this forum all these years!

Congratulations!!!