Is it worthwhile becoming a British citizen?

[lljkk]

Quite shocked to discover it now costs £655 to apply. It only cost £268 2 months ago (and I thought that was steep).

I've already spent £65 and lots of time getting the application together. I was all ready to send it off today when this bombshell landed. I currently have Right of Abode which gives me access to all other services... honestly, other than voting rights and an easier time getting thru passport control, I'm not sure I'm missing out on anything.

AT least this way, I can't get called for jury duty.

They really don't want foreigners settling in this country, do they!

Am I wrong, does anyone want to talk me round??

that's unbelievable!

i just got my citizenship (and am glad i did it when i did!!)

i think the only reason to get it would be if you are planning on leaving at some point (that way if you want ot come back it's not a hassle)

my cdn passport was about to run out and i would have had to pay something like £200 to get my right of abode stamp transferred to a new passport.

Yeah the costs went up hugely - not sure why

Would it make it easier for you travelling to other countries? (depends on your existing passport I suppose)

oh yes and you get to go throught the short line at the airport

I wouldn't bother if I had Right of Abode, tbh.

i was shocked when i saw HOW much they raised the price! i was due to apply may 7 and now can't for an unseen amount of time...

it does seem like they really want people who are serious to get citizenship...i think its a bit crazy, really. (raising the price is fair enough from time to time, but as much as they did, even if i wasnt due to apply, i would be angry over!!)

I don't know what Right of Abode is so I can't comment on that specifically.

DH is in the process of getting his citizenship, we got the application in right before the fees went up and that was a stretch, we knew there was no way to afford it after they went up.

He had ILR before so if we left the country he would only allowed to be out for 2 years. He lives here and believes in fully integrating, which to him is becoming British.

Also, with the way immigration is going how long before ILR becomes something you have to renew, or something they could take away on a whim? That may be pessimistic, but who knows.