ILR - okay where do we start?

What about citizenship?   I think there's a lot to be said for getting it over with while you have some momentum going!

Absolutely this!

Let me tell you - those feelings of accomplishment and relief are great with ILR, but just wait until you get citizenship!  It is such a huge weight lifted off your shoulders knowing that now there truly aren't any hurdles to prevent you from staying in the future - no matter what.  If you are able to directly apply for citizenship, I totally recommend it.  I waited a few years once I was eligible and in retrospect, wished I had gone for it sooner - even if just to save money with the ever-increasing application fee.

I did it right away and can confirm it was definitely the right choice (for me)!

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And the nice thing about citizenship is it's easy!  Soooo easy!  Nothing like those visa applications.

I dragged my feet a bit after ILR because I was just so relieved to have all the mandatory applications done... citizenship is optional and you can do it at any time once eligible, so I put mine off.  But then I suddenly was motivated to get mine done, and it was sooooo easy!

We would go right for citizenship but she is travelling to the states in October and it's too close for comfort to be without her BRP

Also, there's some structure change at her work and there's an extremely small chance she could be made redundant so we're going to just wait until after her vacation and her job stability but straight on it after that!

It feels weird knowing that there isn't another application process after this (excluding the easier citizenship)

It feels weird knowing that there isn't another application process after this (excluding the easier citizenship)

The weirdest thing for me was how long I've continued to feel uncomfortable recycling/binning the post, instead of putting it in my Visa Application File, and switching off paper statements!  Going to paperless again felt like a scary huge step.  But I don't need paper statements anymore.  Yay!

The weirdest thing for me was how long I've continued to feel uncomfortable recycling/binning the post, instead of putting it in my Visa Application File, and switching off paper statements!  Going to paperless again felt like a scary huge step.  But I don't need paper statements anymore.  Yay!

I still don't feel right about it and it's been the best part of a year now!   

I still don't feel right about it and it's been the best part of a year now!   

Sometimes something new/official/dated will come through the slot and I'm all, "Oooh!" and I actually picture myself adding it to my box file... and then I remember, and I feel relieved but off-balance.  Y'know?

Sometimes something new/official/dated will come through the slot and I'm all, "Oooh!" and I actually picture myself adding it to my box file... and then I remember, and I feel relieved but off-balance.  Y'know?

Oh yes.. I do know!   

Can't wait to get to that stage!

Congratulations, Ben! So happy for your family.

And thanks for detailing your application process. It has been a great help in preparing my own.

Congratulations, Ben! So happy for your family.

And thanks for detailing your application process. It has been a great help in preparing my own.

Thank you and it makes me happy to know it this thread has been some help to anyone. When is your application?

The weirdest thing for me was how long I've continued to feel uncomfortable recycling/binning the post, instead of putting it in my Visa Application File, and switching off paper statements!  Going to paperless again felt like a scary huge step.  But I don't need paper statements anymore.  Yay!

I still horde all my paper statements.  Heck, I still have all the supporting documents I originally submitted in 2010 for the initial spouse visa application.  I just can't bring myself to bin any of them - even for an old USA bank account I no longer have!

My employer has recently announced all payslips will be going digital, and I had this little heart flutter.

That being said, I have to have a DBS check every 2 years for my job, and they always require an original recent official post item.  So my anti-tree crusade is still kinda justified.

Thank you and it makes me happy to know it this thread has been some help to anyone. When is your application?

Not until October but we're moving so I decided to get all the paperwork sorted while I was going through things anyways. Plus it helps to hear about the new system. Glad to see that you had a quick response.

My employer has recently announced all payslips will be going digital, and I had this little heart flutter.

Ohmigosh, I can imagine that moment!  Like, instantly your brain cries out, "No!!!  You're just making this harder for me!"  But then you realize it's okay, now.

Can moderators please delete this thread. There’s some sensitive info in this that’s very easily found on google that’s been brought to our attention. Thank you