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Hi,

I have a question about Citizenship. I am currently on a spouse visa but do not have indefinite leave to remain. After looking on the home office website, it says spouses can apply for citizenship after 3 years; however, my visa is coming to an end shortly and I will need to get another visa that will extend the time by 2.5 years! I think then I can apply for ILR.

I really want to become a British national, I am having trouble trying to get a mortgage because I do not have ILR. I have been working since I have been here, paying my taxes and built my credit rating from scratch, it seems a little unfair that I can't even buy a home! We can't even do a joint application with my husband, and this is so frustrating! I am an Australian national and am so upset at the UK for ostracising Commonwealth nationals.

Is there anyway to obtain citizenship before having a right to ILR?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Regards

No, you need settled status first. That's the point of ILR.

Spouses may require 3 years residence (a thrownback to older rules regime) but that is subsumed into the 5 years (or more) it takes to get the holy grail of ILR.

noajthan wrote:No, you need settled status first. That's the point of ILR.

Spouses may require 3 years residence (a thrownback to older rules regime) but that is subsumed into the 5 years (or more) it takes to get the holy grail of ILR.

Perhaps I should rephrase my questions, is it in anyway possible to obtain ILR after being on a 2.5 year spouse visa? Taking into consideration I have been in the UK previously for a total time of 6 months, bringing my total to 3 years?

I understand it's a long shot, but it makes me anxious and frustrated being in the middle this way. I also understand it's done to filter sham marriages, but it leaves genuine people in a hard place. The fact that EEA nationals have an easier time getting a mortgage also really deals a blow.

I realise, I am ranting a little but It's been an up hill battle since I've come here.

Thank you for any suggestions.

aussiebrit wrote:

noajthan wrote:No, you need settled status first. That's the point of ILR.

Spouses may require 3 years residence (a thrownback to older rules regime) but that is subsumed into the 5 years (or more) it takes to get the holy grail of ILR.

Perhaps I should rephrase my questions, is it in anyway possible to obtain ILR after being on a 2.5 year spouse visa? Taking into consideration I have been in the UK previously for a total time of 6 months, bringing my total to 3 years?

I understand it's a long shot, but it makes me anxious and frustrated being in the middle this way. I also understand it's done to filter sham marriages, but it leaves genuine people in a hard place. The fact that EEA nationals have an easier time getting a mortgage also really deals a blow.

I realise, I am ranting a little but It's been an up hill battle since I've come here.

Thank you for any suggestions.

I understand your point and question.
No, noone gets settled status in under 5 years not even those on the free and easy , 'anything goes' EU migration route.

It still takes 5 years to get ILR (or PR - for EU folks). So 2 rounds of spouse visa (FLR) first.