My Citizenship Journey Started Today!

The big day has finally arrived. 

I have my form filled out (which was a friggin' *breeze*, btw), my two reference sheets completed by my British friends (I only have just the two so that was darned lucky that they only asked for that many, eh?!), and my cheque made out to the Home Office. 

The pack was sent off today with our passports and marriage certificate and I am hoping I will soon be a fully-fledged British Citizen!!  Wooooo!!   

I know that I shouldn't probably be so excited and in awe about all of this (especially considering I should really be trying to act as "British" as possible about it) but I really can't help it.  I can't wait for my new passport and I can't wait for my citizenship ceremony.  We're hoping to have it up in Scotland with my inlaws sometime this summer, if things go somewhat speedily.  I just can't believe this is all happening still.  I've been here over three years now and I am still amazed that this is my home...that I am living in Britain....how cool is that?!   

This feels like such a Big Deal.  I will never again have to worry about entry into this country or visas (no more Croydon, halleluiah!), my kids will have the whole European Union *and* America to play and live in during their lives and will never have to worry about a visa, and I will be able to vote and if we need to collect benefits (god forbid) it won't be the end of us....it just means so much to me to feel like I really and truly belong here and no one will ever be able to take that away from me again.  I feel more British already and it is a very, very nice feeling. 

I'm not too worried, but fingers crossed, the Home Office Powers That Be will hopefully be quick and painless about all of this.   Wish me luck!   

Aw, best of luck but I'm sure you'll be fine. I'm well jealous as I should be doing the same thing (just need to save up the cash!) as I've been here over 3 years too.  Although my next task is the dreaded drivers license. 

My DH doesn't see what the benefit would be for spending that kind of money for citizenship but I find it hard to impress how much easier (and cooler!) things would be....ie passport, and if (goodness forbid) anything happens to my step dad and my mom needs to come and live here with us, etc. I just know it's something I want/need to do.

Keep us updated with the process!! And congrats in advance!! 

Good luck Wishstar... and im very jealous as well!

I have lived in the UK for 18 years... I love it with all my heart and never, ever want to live anywhere else.  But I have some 'stuff' from my dim & distant past which will probably make it impossible for me to become a UK citizen, which is heartbreaking to me.

Anyway... well done, and i hope it all goes smoothly for you!

Wooohooo!
I'm so glad for you, Wish!
 Congratulations!!

It *is* a big deal, Wishstar!  Best wishes to you and I hope all comes through easily, hon.   I'm envious and look forward to the day when I will be on the cusp of what you're doing.   Lucky you! 

Wishstar,

Best wishes to you and hope everything proceeds quickly. I remember well that wait - and how it was for me, thinking every single day on the tube about whether it was going to come through or not, and when, and what I was going to do then, and what if it didn't, and what if it did, and blah blah blah. It will. Its a silly little thing but it will make you feel differently.

All the best.

Congrats Wishstar! 

Awww Great news! And early Congrats too    How long do you have to wait before you hear back from them?
Mel

Wow!  Thanks for all the good wishes and kind thoughts, everyone!  You don't know what it means to me. 

(I need to get a t-shirt made up that says "I love UKY!"  You all are so sweet and supportive...I don't know what I'd do without you all.) 

The paperwork said that they would acknowledge receipt of the application within 2-4 weeks, but I know some people get theirs much faster so I'm hoping in a month or so we'll know what is going on.  I will definitely keep you all posted!

Thanks again everyone.    (And you're all invited to my Citizenship Party....which I've yet to plan, but sounds like a good idea, don't you think?) 

My DH doesn't see what the benefit would be for spending that kind of money for citizenship but I find it hard to impress how much easier (and cooler!) things would be....ie passport, and if (goodness forbid) anything happens to my step dad and my mom needs to come and live here with us, etc. I just know it's something I want/need to do.

How does being a citizen help out with getting your US parents over....I'm sure that's something we'll have to think about eventually, too.  Is there no paperwork involved if both members of the couple are british citizens?

How does being a citizen help out with getting your US parents over....I'm sure that's something we'll have to think about eventually, too.  Is there no paperwork involved if both members of the couple are british citizens?

If I read the visa site right, I don't think it is any easier if both in the couple are british citizens ...it's just a mental thing with me that I'd feel like it would be easier and more justified if I were one.  If I'm correct, you really just need your ILR and the other financial requirements. I probably should have said that in the post so as not to give off wrong info! 

  Congrats hon!!Iam so very happy for you I would love to be there for that party .As long as the good lord is willing and creek doesnt rise 

Wishstar, you know how I feel about this issue - I'm absolutely green with envy that I still have 1-1/2 years to wait!!!  But I will be so happy for you - and be more than happy to plan the Citizenship Party for you!!!

 

I'm envious too...I've got until Oct 2006 to wait before I can apply for citizenship, unfortunately.  I thought my 2 years here on student visas would count but they don't, they only counted towards my gay-partner visa.  Oh well.  Still, I am thankful every day that I can even live with my partner anywhere in the world. 

  Congrats hon!!Iam so very happy for you I would love to be there for that party .As long as the good lord is willing and creek doesnt rise 

Wow, Rhia...I haven't heard that one in a while! Not since my Texas days probably...my goodness.     Thanks for the good wishes, sweetie!  And I hope you can make it. 

Hey Em, I'll plan yours if you plan mine!   

Hey Tholian....don't worry....time here flies right by.  It'll be your turn before you know it!  I know what you mean about just being thankful for being able to be together.  Three years of marriage and I still feel that way about my husband.  All these visa and transcontinental issues really do make the heart grow fonder.