Please I need some help?

[Samer79]

I am from Syria ( a war tornd counrty unfortunately at the moment). I am married to a British citizen woman. I know the total number of days absence for the whole 3 year period should not exceed 270 and I know there is discretion to disregard absences in excess of the limits. I know that the circumstances in which discretion would be exercised is explained in the Booklet AN and that if 'your absences are up to 450 days we would expect you to have been resident in the UK for the last 4 years'.

I got married on the 13/9/2011 and got my 27 months spouse visa on the 17/11/2011 and expired on 17/2/2014. My first entry to UK after been granted the Spouse Visa was 222/1/2012. I was in and and out UK during my spouse propation time due to compelling circumstances.

I applied for the ILR(M) on 12/2/2014 and got it(Thank God) on 31/7/2014

I was stuck in the war zone for 412 out of the 820 (the spouse probation period). It was completely and utterely beyond my control and I did explain those compelling and compassionate circumstances to the Home Office in my ILR(M) application and they thankfully took it into consideration and granted me permanent residency. I have a PhD in TESOL and an MA in TEFL from UK , Diploma in Education and a Diploma in Applied Linguistics and a BA in English Language and Literature and yet I can't get a job with a steady income as I live with my British wife and 2 year old daughter near Belfast. I am expectiong another baby on the 4th of September. My wife is on Maternity Leave as she used to work 20 hours a week in a permanent part time job.

My Enquiry is:
Am I eligible to apply for British citizenship even though I don't fully meet the residency requirements ( the same thing applied on my application for the ILR yet I got it)? I am a freelancer interpreter yet it is very scarce to get any assignments. I havent seen my mother and sister for a year and a half so I am planning to meet them in Lebanon for a month. Can I apply for citizenship before going to Lebanon in September or shall I wait till I come back in October? Or Do I have to wait till New Year as the first time I entered UK after been granted the Spouse Visa was on the 22/1/2012? Would the Home Office take into consideration, the same way they did with my ILR application, the 412 days I was outside UK? I havent left UK since 8/3/2013.

It would be highly appreciated if you could offer me some help about when exactly can I apply for citizenship? It is very expensive the application fee especially for someone like me who has no steady income. Iam so looking forwards to hearing from you.

With my Kindest Regards
Samer

[milan69]

My first entry to UK after been granted the Spouse Visa was 222/1/2012

You have to have been a resident in UK for the last 3 years if you are applying on basis of being married to BC.

[Samer79]

'You have to have been a resident in UK for the last 3 years if you are applying on basis of being married to BC'. Does the count start from the time I got married on the 13/9/2011 or does it count from the first time i got my spouse visa on 17/11/2011 or from the time I first entered the UK after been granted the spouse visa on 22/1/2012?
Thanks

[milan69]

I believe these are two separate things as it clearly states that you have to have been UK resident for the last 3 years.
You may want to check with senior members.

[Samer79]

Whom can I consult please and who can povide me with an answer to my enquiry?

[milan69]

Try posting a new topic with this very question.

[vinny]

'You have to have been a resident in UK for the last 3 years if you are applying on basis of being married to BC'. Does the count start from the time I got married on the 13/9/2011 or does it count from the first time i got my spouse visa on 17/11/2011 or from the time I first entered the UK after been granted the spouse visa on 22/1/2012?
Thanks

Your residence in the UK started when you first entered the UK.