Hi there,
I have been living in the UK since November 2009 as a family member of an EEA person (my husband). I entered the country using a 6-month visa and then I received a 5-year Residence Card that will expire November 2015. My husband received his British passport a couple of months after my entering to UK (in 2010); as a result, he gave up his EEA nationality and passport (as two citizenship was not possible). My questions are:
- Am I still considered an EEA family member and should follow EEA rules for naturalisation or I am considered the wife of a British citizen now and should follow its rules?
- If still EEA, does the 5-year residing in UK (the requirement for Naturalisation) start from the date I entered the country or the starting date of my 5-year Residence Card?
- If the former is the answer, does it mean that I can apply for my Naturalisation on November 2014 (still one year to the expiry date of my Residence Card)?
- The UK Border Agency website says that after residing in the UK for 5 years I will automatically have the indefinite leave to remain in the UK; however, I can apply to receive a certificate. Is this certificate necessary for applying for Naturalisation or I can apply as soon as my 5- year residence is fulfilled?
- Because my husband has got a British passport, can I apply for naturalization immediately after my 5 year residence or I have to wait another 12 months on top of that?
- How the situation will be different if I get a divorce when my 5-year residence is fulfilled? Should I have to wait another 12 months?
Thanks a million for your help.