QUESTION

I’m a South African on “indefinite leave to remain” living in the UK for the last 6 years. I heard rumors that the UK government is planning to change the current “route to British Citizenship”. What are the new changes going to be?

ANSWER

On 20 February 2008 the Government published the Green Paper ‘The Path to Citizenship: Next Steps in Reforming the Immigration System’. In this document they outlined proposals for changing the way that someone can become a British citizen or remain here as a permanent resident. These proposals are collectively called ‘Earned citizenship’. Under these proposals migrants will be expected to pass through 3 key stages and demonstrate certain requirements in order to progress between these. The Government claims their aim with this new system is to make the journey clearer, simpler and easier for migrants and the public to understand.

Once you qualify after being on your Ancestral visa /Work Permit etc for 5 years, you will then apply and go through the three stages as set out below:

1. Temporary residence

2. Probationary citizenship

And then

3. British citizenship/permanent residence

This means you must wait longer before you can apply for British Citizenship! Thus if you qualify for citizenship it is recommended you apply as soon as possible.
For further information on the implementation of the proposed changes or other visa questions please call Ultimate Visas Ltd on Tel: 020 706 46764 or

email info@ultimatevisas.com or visit
www.ultimatevisas.com