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Hi All,

I am an Indian passport holder and residing in the UK since over 6 years. I received my ILR on 4th September 2015.

I am planning to get married in India in December 2016 and I will be eligible to apply for British citizenship/Passport on 4th September 2016 on the basis of (5 years Tier 2 sponsored work permit + 1 year ILR).

My fiancé lives in India and after marriage will apply for her dependent visa to join me here in the UK.

Need advice as to the timelines of getting married and applying for British citizenship - can you please help with the questions below:

1. Will I receive my British passport and OCI in time to attend my wedding in India in December 2016 after applying for my British citizenship on 4th September 2016?

2. If I do not receive the British passport in time can I still use my Indian passport to travel to India in Dec 2016, get married and return to the UK with my wife and then continue the process of applying for my British passport and citizenship.

3. Is it advisable to start the process of applying for British naturalization and passport after on my return with my wife?

4. Would it help if I acquire British Citizenship and Passport and then apply Dependent Visa for my wife after marriage or it is the same if I apply Dependent Visa for my wife with my ILR Visa?

Please if you can shed some light on this situation - I would highly appreciate it.

Kind Regards

1. Will I receive my British passport and OCI in time to attend my wedding in India in December 2016 after applying for my British citizenship on 4th September 2016?

Probably not. You are only British once you have attended your ceremony and received your certificate. Approvals can take many months or only a couple of months.

2. If I do not receive the British passport in time can I still use my Indian passport to travel to India in Dec 2016, get married and return to the UK with my wife and then continue the process of applying for my British passport and citizenship.

You can use your Indian passport if you apply using NCS at a council office. Once you attend your ceremony and officially become British, you have a 90 day grace period that you are permitted to use your Indian passport for travel.

3. Is it advisable to start the process of applying for British naturalization and passport after on my return with my wife?

Your choice.

4. Would it help if I acquire British Citizenship and Passport and then apply Dependent Visa for my wife after marriage or it is the same if I apply Dependent Visa for my wife with my ILR Visa?

Same visa whether you are ILR holder or British. It makes no difference.