Immigrationboards.com

Hi there. I am glad that I have found such a wonderful forum. It’s nice to see people helping out each other. I have a few questions of my own. I would be grateful if I could find answers to those questions. Thanks in advance.

My Background:

I received my ILR in January 2012 on the basis of long stay (14 year rule). For first five years I was legal and on a student visa. After that I became illegal.

My Questions:

Even though I have been in the country for a long time but the period in the UK before my ILR was illegal. Does that count towards my 5 years residency period or not?

If it counts then can I apply immediately?

If it does not count then how long do I have to wait to apply for naturalisation?

Once you got the ILR you become legal resident of the country, I think you was eligible to apply for naturalization in January 2013. You can apply straight way as long as you fulfill other requirements...

To qualify for Citizenship, you have to have and show 5 years lawful residence (or 3 years if married to a British Citizen).

As you had no legal status in the UK prior to receiving ILR based on 14 years residence, your 5 year clock only starts from January 2012, so you can only apply for citizenship in January 2017.

Page 14 of the guide : Applications made on the basis of residence

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... ide-AN.pdf