Pre-settled to Settled status - apply 2 months earlier than date

Hi all,

I am married to EU partner with British passport. I have pre-settled from June 2022, and married in Feb 2020.

Eligible for settled from February 2025 next year.

Can I apply earlier now (2-3 months prior) to gain time, since the application takes 1-3 months? I am in a rush as I plan to apply for citizenship uk as soon as possible to travel freely.

There's no provision to apply earlier, the 5 years need to be completed, unfortunately.
I expect you can start to draft the application, collate all documents needed, and save it in advance of the due date.
Also you will be aware that naturalisation can take up to six months (UKVI service delivery aspiration).
General advice tends to be not to plan travel in advance of decisions....

Thanks for the advice.

To clarify your response, if I apply now Dec and the case-worker takes 3-4 months and sees my application and makes a decision after Feb 2025, there will be a problem?

You apply for EUSS when you qualify, in February.