British Citizenship -- apply in two weeks before due.

[Terpe]

Hello guys!

I hope everyone are great! Well, just a quick question.. I have spoken to a friend who recently got her citizenship. She used National checking service in Edinburgh. I have asked her few questions and she mentioned that I can apply British Citizenship at NCS in Edinburgh two weeks in advance before my due..
Well to make it clear, I arrive in the UK 18 December 2009, I will be due to apply my citizenship this year 18 Dec 2012.. Can I really apply 2 weeks before 18 Dec? Any advice? Thanks

Hi scottishbride, I would suggest you do not apply early for naturalisation.
Your friend is mistaken about applying early. You can apply 28 days early for ILR but for naturalisation you need to comply strictly with the rules.

UKBA say that you must have been

physically present in the UK 5 years (3 years if you are married to or in civil partnership with a British citizen) before the date that the application will be received by the UK Border Agency or other receiving authority (see page 17 “Where to send your application form”). If you do not meet this requirement your application is unlikely to be successful

I would strongly advise you to familiarise yourself with the application form and guidance notes for naturalisation as there may be other issues you need to comply with.

We also used the checking service and found them to be really most helpful. It saved us a lot of worry and hasle and gave us confidence that all was well with our application.
It does cost money, but we considered it to be worth it especially as my wife was able to retain her passport and other key pieces of ID.

Good luck