We knew that if we stayed in the UK long enough that we would eventually want to become British Citizens. So after the requisite 6 years we were finally able to start the process. The paperwork is pretty overwhelming, having to detail out every single trip out of the country and showing bills and statements that you've been here that whole time. Luckily J made it his mission to get this done which saved at least one of us from the headache. All that I had to do was pass the history exam!
After submitting our paperwork and biometrics the wait began. J was reading all the community boards so knew the process would take a few months. Finally one-day out of the blue our letters arrived from the head office - we had been invited to become British Citizens.
Due to timing, we scheduled a private ceremony at the local council office to make it official.
Waiting at the council's office to be called in:
Our ceremony room. We paid for the small room but were upgraded!
Affirming our allegiance to the Her Majesty:
Singing "God Save the Queen". Only the kids knew the words:
It's official - British Citizens!
Afterwards, we invited some friends to celebrate with us at a local pub. Over Pimms, we were congratulated on our Britishness!!
J is particularly happy that he can now turn off paper statements and that we have an option for free medical services if we ever need it. He's also joking that we're collecting passports like the Bourne family.
After submitting our paperwork and biometrics the wait began. J was reading all the community boards so knew the process would take a few months. Finally one-day out of the blue our letters arrived from the head office - we had been invited to become British Citizens.
Due to timing, we scheduled a private ceremony at the local council office to make it official.
Waiting at the council's office to be called in:
Our ceremony room. We paid for the small room but were upgraded!
Affirming our allegiance to the Her Majesty:
Singing "God Save the Queen". Only the kids knew the words:
Afterwards, we invited some friends to celebrate with us at a local pub. Over Pimms, we were congratulated on our Britishness!!
J is particularly happy that he can now turn off paper statements and that we have an option for free medical services if we ever need it. He's also joking that we're collecting passports like the Bourne family.
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