Waiting period for naturalisation after divorce
Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:41 pm
Hi, I have tried searching for an answer on this forum and I have come across similar questions but got different answers so I am posting it. If its be answered already then I apologize in advance and request the answer link.
I have been living in the UK legally for 9 years and 4 months to date (since 2004). I married a British woman in January 2009 and got my spouse visa the same year in June. I got my ILR in July 2011 but unfortunately my wife instigated divorce and proceedings started in Feb 2012 and eventually got decree absolute in December 2012.
Now from what I know from UKBA, I could have applied for Naturalisation one year after my ILR if I was still married but since I am divorced now, unfortunately, UKBA states that I have to wait 3 years after ILR before I can go ahead with my Naturalisation application but they obviously haven't taken into account the fact that I was in this country legally before my marriage. My question is, am I eligible to apply or will I have to wait for a full 3 years after my ILR (3 years would be complete in July 2014).
I don't want to get caught in the application fees hike that UKBA normally introduces in April.
Many thanks.
I have been living in the UK legally for 9 years and 4 months to date (since 2004). I married a British woman in January 2009 and got my spouse visa the same year in June. I got my ILR in July 2011 but unfortunately my wife instigated divorce and proceedings started in Feb 2012 and eventually got decree absolute in December 2012.
Now from what I know from UKBA, I could have applied for Naturalisation one year after my ILR if I was still married but since I am divorced now, unfortunately, UKBA states that I have to wait 3 years after ILR before I can go ahead with my Naturalisation application but they obviously haven't taken into account the fact that I was in this country legally before my marriage. My question is, am I eligible to apply or will I have to wait for a full 3 years after my ILR (3 years would be complete in July 2014).
I don't want to get caught in the application fees hike that UKBA normally introduces in April.
Many thanks.
I appreciate quick reply.