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British Citizenship qualifying(period/British spouse)

Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 11:31 am
by db_23
Hello,
I have been doing some reading on the UKBA website and this forum. I have more info now reading the answers/comments provided by the moderators and contributors but still would like to be certain.

I have been in the UK on Work Permit-Tier 1 combo for almost 5 years now. Very soon I will be applying for an ILR(I am sure that it will be successful based on the points I score).
In the meantime, some time ago I married a British national(by birth).But I am not on a spouse visa and I am still keeping my status as a Tier 1 visa.
I have also passed the Life in UK test.

Earlier(when I didnt knew) I was thinking of applying for citizenship next year(after completing 1 year on ILR) but info on this forum has given me new info.

Am I correctly assuming that I can apply fr citizenship at the same time as my ILR?
As I intend to apply in person, can I handover my citizenship form and ILR at the same time or do I need to book an appointment for next day?
Does my wife need accompany me?
How will they charge the in-person application fee?(In case I am allowed to make both applications together)
I have been out of UK for a total of 7 weeks during past 3 years. Ofcourse I will ensure that my appointment date is the one when I was in UK years ago.

Am I in the right direction? or my understanding way off?

Thank You.

Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 11:38 am
by Jambo
Settlement and naturalisation are not handled by the same department in the HO. There is no in-person application for naturalisation.

Once your ILR is approved, you can apply the same day for BC (by post or using NCS).

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 1:04 pm
by db_23
Hi Jambo,
Thank you very much.

I am planning to apply for the ILR in person, so I get the response the same day and then I will apply for the naturalisation the next day at an NCS office.

My wife doesnt need to accompany me to the NCS, does she?

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 1:28 pm
by Jambo
She doesn't need to accompany you. Just her passport needs to...

Take into account that although the HO aim to make the decision on the same day, it is not always the case. You might want to have a few days gap between appointments just in case.

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 1:40 pm
by db_23
Thank you very much, appreciate.

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 4:16 pm
by db_23
Hi,
I have one more question.
If I apply(in-person) for my ILR 15 days before I complete the 5 year stay(which I am legally allowed to), what will be the start date of my ILR?
Will it be the day I apply(in-person) or the day I complete 5 years in UK.
As then I want to book an appointment with the NCS for naturalisation.

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 4:35 pm
by Jambo
db_23 wrote:Hi,
I have one more question.
If I apply(in-person) for my ILR 15 days before I complete the 5 year stay(which I am legally allowed to), what will be the start date of my ILR?
Will it be the day I apply(in-person) or the day I complete 5 years in UK.
As then I want to book an appointment with the NCS for naturalisation.
It would be day of decision / approval.