When can I apply for my British Citizenship?

[nabz_19]

Hi,

I have just received my Indefinite Leave to Remain along with my Biometric Residence Permit. I want to apply for my British Citizenship and just need to know when I am eligible to apply.

I have been in the UK since August 2013 and I am a spouse of a British citizen. I have read the Home Office website and was under the impression that if I meet all of the requirements (which I have included below) that I can apply. The only one from the list that I don't meet the requirements for is that I have not been in the UK for 3 years. It'll be 3 years in August this year.

I thought that I would be able to apply in August but I spoke to someone who said that I had to wait for 1 year after I received my BRP, which would mean I would need to wait until April next year. I cannot find anything on the Internet to back this up but the person who said that I need to wait a year knows a lot about immigration rules so I am a little confused. Can anyone help?

British Citizen Requirements:

-you're 18 or over
-you're of sound mind, eg you're able to think and make decisions for yourself
-you're of good character, eg you don't have a serious or recent criminal record
-you've met the knowledge of English and life in the UK requirements
-you've been granted indefinite leave to stay in the UK
-you meet the residency requirement
-lived in the UK for at least the 3 years before your application is received
-spent no more than 270 days outside the UK in those 3 years
-spent no more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months
-not broken any immigration laws while in the UK


Kind regards

[Casa]

As you are married to a British citizen, you don't have to complete 1 year after receiving ILR, but you aren't able to apply until you've completed 3 years of legal residence in the UK.

[nabz_19]

Thank you for the quick reply and confirming what I originally thought.

It will be 3 years in August so I will apply for my citizenship then.

Thanks again.

[Casa]

Do ensure that you were physically present in the UK on the day 3 years previous to the date you submit you application. The qualifying day is the date submitted with the NCS, or if applying by post, the day the application is received by the Home Office.

[nabz_19]

I arrived in the UK on 16/08/2013 and have been in the UK ever since. I have not been on holiday outside the UK or left for any other reason so on 16/08/2016 it will be 3 years.

I will be using the NCS so as long as I make an appointment to see them on of after the 16th August I should be okay? Is that correct?


Kind regards

[Casa]

It will.

[nabz_19]

Brilliant! Thank you for all your help.

[Casa]

You're welcome.