Becoming A British Citizen

[stoofur]

My girlfriend of over 20 years is Italian. She has lived in the UK since 2003 and has right to remain status. Recently she has expressed in interest in becoming a British Citizen. She is woried since Brexit that her status in the UK could change suddenly without warning. So, what are the advantages of becoming a British Citizen? Are there any disadvantages? Thank you.

[Redhelen72]

It appears that the only real difference would be the ability to vote assuming she has settled status.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/immigration/getting-british-citizenship/deciding-if-citizenship-is-right-for-you/

[bobbinwales]

Not sure Brexits relevant. If your British citizen your  a British citizen...is there any examples of anyone  ever having citizenship withdrawn apart from when there'sbeen fraud or a serious crime or something

[naomi24]

Bob, the lady isn't a British citizen.  She's Italian.

[bobbinwales]

Yes but she wants to become a British citizen. Its in the question naomi

[naomi24]

Sorry, Bob, I thought you'd misread it.  I think although the lady has right to remain status she has in mind that because of Brexit she may at some time be asked to go back to Italy - which won't happen if she takes British citizenship.  I can't see any disadvantages in doing that.

[barry1010]

She will be able to have dual citizenship, a win win 

[stoofur]

Hi everyone. She does have right to remain. As you say apart from the right to vote I don't really see any other advantages. I don't think policy would change so much that her right to remain would be withdrawn (but then lots of unexpected things have happened the the last few years). The cost is a factor we aren't exactly well off. 

[Hymie]

Prior to Brexit, your girlfriend would have the right to reside in the UK as an Italian citizen.

Having settled status allows her to reside here, but if she were to return to Italy (or some other EU country) for a period exceeding 5 years, that settled status right would be lost – yet another Brexit benefit.

[naomi24]

stoofur,  there are thousands of people from EU member states living here.  I doubt very much the right to remain will ever be withdrawn.   She's safe as she is.

[Hymie]

Unless she wants to take a break from the UK for 5 years.

[naomi24]

If she does she can re-think it then, hymie.  

[barry1010]

Or if she becomes a convicted criminal

[Zacs-Master]

It's actually called 'indefinite leave to remain' or 'permenant residence'. 
https://www.gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain#:~:text=Indefinite%20leave%20to%20remain%20is,benefits%20if%20you%27re%20eligible.

 

[Hymie]

Too late, after a 5 year break she won’t be able to reinstate her settled status.

[naomi24]

Cheer up, hymie.  She's probably got no intention of going anywhere for five years.

[Zacs-Master]

I've heard Israel's nice. 

[Hymie]

You might think the problem of UK citizens losing the right to live (and work) in any EU country would not affect anyone – but you’d be wrong.

[ToraToraTora]

Perlease, this is just another disguised 5C thread.

[naomi24]

Hymie, This isn't about UK citizens.

[barry1010]

I thought your daughter is 7, maybe you have two