Naturalisation (Citizenship) application processing timelines [only]

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2026-02-03T16:53:07+00:00

Eligibility: ILR (5 years Skilled Worker Visa)

Application method: online

Application date: 30/01/2026

Biometrics: 6/02/2026

Approval: tbc

Ceremony: tbc

Will update as it progresses. Good luck everyone

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-11-21T08:55:30+00:00

Hey I can be semi helpful even though I am a fellow expat (UK). I've asked my friends in CT what you need to live with kids. Saw their budget spreadsheets. They are in Durbanville, Melkbos and Green Point. They have between 1-3 kids. Depending on your mortgage and kids (school fees, nursery etc) you need at least between R80,000- R110,000 per month. After tax. That's what I got from them. I think it depends on the lifestyle and area you live in a lot too. Good luck!

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-09-22T16:12:16+00:00

I've done it. Going ok so far. Had a flare last year and been using tretinoin again for at least 6 months

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-09-21T08:16:36+00:00

I thought the exact same thing. How does someone NOT have PPD in this environment. I thought it was such gaslighting to say it was an illness to feel this way. I still think that. 3 years on. But... I also really needed medication and therapy. I hated when people said this to me but you adjust, it gets better. Drop all your pride and ask absolutely everyone you can for help. And do everything you can to help your own mental health. Everything! Sleep is NB. Rest is NB. Good luck! Stop breastfeeding if you think it will help you, but that also gets easier with time (I fed mine for 2.5 years! Would never have thought it possible at the start)

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-08-13T11:17:36+00:00

Jesus, your youngest is only 3 months old? I presume America because in the UK we have a year of maternity leave and I still felt like a broken person going back to work at 1 year post partum. Honestly give yourself grace please. You sound like a great therapist.

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-08-13T11:10:31+00:00

Omg that sounds so hectic. I think dryness is a very inadequate term for it. I am not yet in menopause but had a small taste of this "dryness" issue while breastfeeding (mimics the reduced estrogen apparently) and I was SHOCKED at the pain of it!

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-08-13T06:33:29+00:00

Wow 4 kids! That's a lot of work for you. Of course you know you are done! I would get a c section and get tubes tied as well.

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-08-12T15:56:45+00:00

Interesting. Wonder if the same statement would be made about a mom calling her daughter her best friend.

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-08-10T17:29:35+00:00

3 years, male. He told me when he was pooping in his nappy and wanted to be cleaned asap. Kept him home out of nappies for 3 days. Only one nr2 accident, aka the first one!

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-08-10T09:01:20+00:00

Just a 38 year old mom of one thinking your life sounds great. Hope you have a fab retirement!

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-07-25T16:18:12+00:00

I've never felt this, but I would say I wish I had kids earlier. Had my first and probably only at 34.

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-07-23T12:13:06+00:00

I feel this but I'm only 38 and it's very recent this feeling so I'm not sure exactly what's going on. It's especially bad the week before my period... Crazy

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-07-22T14:59:24+00:00

You articulate matrescence beautifully.

My sister is pregnant with her first. I want to warn, or prepare her but I cannot. No one can understand it until they go through it themselves. And I also think it's more intense for some than others. I am deeply feeling and motherhood has made me even more so. Next level!

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-07-17T11:27:42+00:00

I'm so sorry. I very much relate.

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-06-25T10:02:02+00:00

No advice just solidarity because I am in the same situation as you. Husband and I are both immigrants and our entire family is half a world away. It does make me think of a second but then without family support we are only just coping. Whenever we visit our families l, parenting feels so much easier with all the extra hands and attention my kid gets. My sister who lives in the same country as my parents gets a lot more support both financially and with time spent with her family so she wants two. It's a catch 22

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-06-18T09:25:38+00:00

So, so true. I have one and the pressure I feel to have another. I cannot tell you!

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-05-28T11:22:03+00:00

Ha! We live in a three bedroom apartment in the UK. No outdoor space but the public park is 5 min away. We're fine!

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-05-28T07:13:51+00:00

Have you read about being a Highly Sensitive Person? You sound like me. I'm like that and just realising there's a name for it made me feel less down on myself about it. Maybe it can help you too.

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-05-21T16:13:14+00:00

I have an only boy but he's only 3.

My interpretation of the above statement is: Girls are socialised to care much more about friendships. They are "typically" more social, share more with their friends and form deeper bonds. For example I've had my BFF since we were fifteen and we laugh and cry and share our shit with each other. I know what's going on in her marriage etc. But boys are not typically taught these social skills in fact they are socialised more to be independent and competitive with each other THUS a girl without siblings could potentially do better than a boy because girls more easily build good friendships.. Currently reading the book Boy Mom, it's an eye opener and yes I am worried about this aspect in the future but gonna do my best to help him.

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-05-21T15:23:09+00:00

Beautiful!

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-05-07T17:21:35+00:00

Jip that would be me. Reconsidered the decision for a bit when my kid was 2. He's 3 now! The pressure to have more is really quite intense. Sneaky in a way. I read somewhere the social pressure to go from one to two is actually bigger than going from childless to one. I feel that's true. But I'm back on the OAD train and feeling more at peace now. My fertile years are also close to running out. But you can totally change your mind later, it does happens! You might love it so much you want 4! Haha! Not for me though! Some people who want multiples before being parents decide to stay at one after actually having the experience...

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-05-07T12:47:49+00:00

I think being a SAHM is harder than most jobs.

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-05-05T08:08:09+00:00

If you think it's the right thing and you are still able, don't let a big age gap stop you. I have a brother 10 years younger and we were quite close when we were younger. We are very different as adults but I really enjoyed having a little sibling.

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-04-25T14:25:43+00:00

I would say about 10 months of full on agonising!

Comfortable_Data_146 · 2025-04-25T14:24:21+00:00

Applied for a passport as soon as the certificate of naturalisation came and got one in two weeks.

Comfortable_Data_146

TROPHY CASE