After 5 years on an Ancestry Visa ('limited leave to remain' - which had to be renewed after 4 years), 1 year with 'indefinite leave to remain' (basically permanent residency), then sitting (and successfully completing) the 'Life in the UK' test, Nick finally achieved UK citizenship (which can be held in tandem with his Australian citizenship). Today was the ceremony where he was awarded his certificate so we went along to Brent Town Hall which was a bit dull but kind of moving as well. We tend to take it for granted that we can be citizens of (or work/live in) two first-world, conflict-free countries...not everyone is so lucky.
For those wondering, I didn't get mine and most likely won't. When we became eligible for permanent residency after 5 years, we had to prove that we hadn't been out of the country for more than 140 (?) days in that 5 year period. Unfortunately, I had exceeded the guidelines and therefore couldn't apply when Nick did. As it turned out to be a somewhat complex, time consuming and very expensive process - and one I didn't really need to go through - it was a bit pointless for me to go to all that trouble. So I will remain straight up Aussie, while Nick, Milo and Henry all have dual Australian-UK citizenship.
