Loomio
Fri 17 Apr 2020 4:26PM

Response to Daniela Debelli

JR Jane Riekemann Public Seen by 39

At the meeting I explained how we'd received an email from Daniela as follows: 'Hi Jane,
thank you very much, I watched the video, my question was not really
answered, or at leats I didn;t understand it as I formulated in a
slightly different way.
My question was basically: since I've been living in the UK for more
than 5 years, can I apply directly to the citizenship or I must anyway
apply to the settled status before and wait one year?
I didn't understand the answer to this question as it was too articulate.
Is there a way for me to directly ask this question to mr Desira?
Thank you again for your kindness and help :)
Daniela'

I need to respond to her and as suggested, I listened to Christopher Desira's talk. My understanding is that she should apply for Settled Status first (you can't bypass that step unless you have 'indefinite leave to remain' - which probably doesn't apply to her. If she has a British spouse then she wouldn't need 12 months to apply for citizenship but I suspect she hasn't as otherwise she would have mentioned it.

If you could listen to the end of Christopher's talk (hers is the last question and comes in at c. 31 mins and let me know if you agree that would be great. I will make it clear that I'm not giving her advice but interpreting what I think he's said. I'll also direct her to Settled. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIRmV4igYi4&feature=youtu.be

RH

Rebecca Hilliard Fri 17 Apr 2020 4:35PM

Depends if she has ILR or other status but below shows most will need SS and then wait 12 months to apply.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/immigration/applying-for-british-citizenship/check-if-you-can-get-citizenship-if-youre-from-the-eu/

Rebecca Hilliard

UK +44 776 816 1235

OL

Olivia Leydenfrost Sat 18 Apr 2020 11:35AM

Hi Jane, thank you so much for all your efforts on Daniela's behalf! You are a star.

As I understand what Chris is saying:

After 5 years living in the UK, Daniela can apply for either Settled Status or Indefinite Leave to Remain. She can only apply for citizenship 12 months after that.

(If she is married to a British citizen, that could make things easier.)

You mentioned that Daniela is keen to join our group. Has she signed up for our newsletter? That way she will get the joining details for our Zoom events.

If Daniela does not want to pay for advice from an immigration lawyer, she could also try The Bristol Law Centre - https://www.bristollawcentre.org.uk. They help people in Bath.