Naturilsation vs. ILR as spouse of British citizen
Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 6:06 pm
Hi all,
Here is my situation. I'm American and have been married to my British husband for a little over two years, all of that time living in Britain. Before that, I lived in the UK for 3 years on a student visa when I was doing my degree.
In March 2012 my 2-year spouse visa expires and I will need to apply for ILR. However, we are planning to move back to the USA at some point in the next three years or so to start a family and be closer to my family. We could move as early as a year from now, or it may not be until after 2 or 3 more years in the UK.
It would be unfortunate to apply for ILR and then have it cancelled and have to reapply if/when we come back to the UK. My question is, does being in the UK on a student visa count towards the 3-year residency requirement for naturalisation? Should I be thinking about applying for naturalisation instead of ILR?
Many thanks in advance for your help.
Here is my situation. I'm American and have been married to my British husband for a little over two years, all of that time living in Britain. Before that, I lived in the UK for 3 years on a student visa when I was doing my degree.
In March 2012 my 2-year spouse visa expires and I will need to apply for ILR. However, we are planning to move back to the USA at some point in the next three years or so to start a family and be closer to my family. We could move as early as a year from now, or it may not be until after 2 or 3 more years in the UK.
It would be unfortunate to apply for ILR and then have it cancelled and have to reapply if/when we come back to the UK. My question is, does being in the UK on a student visa count towards the 3-year residency requirement for naturalisation? Should I be thinking about applying for naturalisation instead of ILR?
Many thanks in advance for your help.