I've Got Brit Citizenship, What Now.......

[natnatnatnat]

Hello Room,

So, I first came to the UK as a tourist with a 5 year visit visa, I later changed it to a 10 year visa visa. I visited the UK many times over about 7 years.

Then, I decided I might want to live in the UK so came here for my first long trip (on my 10 year visa) of 6 months to try it , went home to Thailand for a few weeks and came again for another 5 months (on my 10 year visa) and decided it was what I wanted so I took the life in UK test when in the UK, passed. I add that I also got an HSBC premier bank account when here on a visitor visa.

and then went home and applied for ILE visa based on marriage to my long term Brit husband. This was granted after 6 weeks waiting time. I entered the UK with an Indefinite leave to enter visa, got a national insurance card, took over payment of all bills on my husband's house and also bought my own investment property but couldn't get mortgage so bought it for cash as I wanted to have a UK asset. I add this as , during my time in the UK, I have not had any credit / loans / debts etc.

I then applied for citizenship 2 years after getting the ILE visa on the same day that I first entered the UK on the first long trip of 6 months (so 3 years exactly).I was granted citizenship quickly and then applied for my first UK passport which was granted and used for a recent trip to Amsterdam, my favourite European city, where immigration officers are always such <deleted> and this time I was able to travel with my dignity.

I have three questions one which I have asked the Councillor but the council can't seem to advise as the person I spoke to doesn't really get my situation.

1. Should I ask that my name be added to my husband's house electoral register (where I live) or to my property, which I rent? Can it be added to both?

2. Is there anything else I need to do now to make sure I get a credit history when I am on the electoral register? I wonder if I should take a mobile phone contract or maybe buy some goods on finance or apply for a small short term loan and ensure all payements are made quickly? Is it important to start a credit history? And would my UK credit history follow me Europe too? I have checked with Experian but it has no records of me, though my name is on 192people.

3. As I am now a British Citizen and have been for 2 months, I am now able to sponsor my friends and family to visit the UK or is there a probation period (as is so in the States for people in a similar situation to my own)? I have emailed the UKBA but, as usual, received no response.

Thanks and I hope someone can make a suggestion or thee.

Regards,

Nat

Edited October 26, 2012 by natnatnatnat

[Satcommlee]

Sounds like you got it all worked out already.

Get on Electoral Register and start applying and paying on time for things like mobile phones etc..

You did not mention whether you have a job or not, this is important if you want to get credit. Also the length of time at any address.. you may find you need wait 3 years.

[natnatnatnat]

Thank you but, no, not all worked out.

I need to know which house to go on the electoral register.And also will my UK credit history follow me to Europe?

I do work but only in voluntary work as I am fortunate to be self-supporting financially to the level I currently need in the UK. And I also am looking to see my siblings visit me.

Thank you regards the potential 3 year pitfall.

Edited October 26, 2012 by natnatnatnat

[endure]

You should be on the Electoral Roll at the house you live in. You might want to get an HSBC credit card if they'll give you one, use it for small stuff and make sure you pay it off every month. All goes towards your credit history. Don't apply for too many credit facilities especially in a short space of time as it looks bad on your credit history.

[natnatnatnat]

Thank you for the input, I will contact the council and do so.

I will ask the HSBC for a credit card, I have a visa debit only though I see no problem in being given one. Do you suggest putting my weekly spend on it? And, any thoughts on a small short term loan also to improve the history at a higher level?

Thank you

[endure]

Any regular spend that's paid off on time looks good on your credit history. It shows that you take your finances seriously. Sorry but I don't know very much about loans. My Mum told me to avoid them

[endure]

You might want to sign up to Noddle. It's one of the credit rating agencies that gives free access. The others charge a monthly fee.

http://www.noddle.co.uk/

[Eff1n2ret]

As regards sponsoring visitors to the UK, there is no "probationary period" as such. Any time since you were settled in the UK your family could have applied to come and see you.

[natnatnatnat]

thanks both of you

[Slip]

I hope that this isn't a fable but I remember hearing that in the UK, a large number of credit history searches can have a detrimental effect on the rating itself.

It's well worth systematically building a credit history as you suggest- Does the UK still have cheque guarantee cards? Back in my day that was the first step to good credit.

I think legally you have to be registered to vote at your home address not a business one, but again, I'm no expert.

And good for you for having a plan and sorting it out OP.

[natnatnatnat]

Thanks