Tier 4 to Dual-citizenship (by marriage)

[evh]

I recently got married whilst doing my phd course in the uk. Is it possible to apply for a naturalisation dual citizenship status off my tier 4 visa, as I have had a residence permit for three years now? Do I have to apply for permanent spouse visa first, or can I just apply directly for dual citizenship? Thanks in advance!

[Casa]

I recently got married whilst doing my phd course in the uk. Is it possible to apply for a naturalisation dual citizenship status off my tier 4 visa, as I have had a residence permit for three years now? Do I have to apply for permanent spouse visa first, or can I just apply directly for dual citizenship? Thanks in advance!

You must first have been granted ILR before qualifying for British citizenship. If your spouse isn't a British citizen you will need to wait for 12 months following the issue of your ILR.

However, as a Tier 4 visa doesn't lead to settlement (ILR) you will have to switch to a spouse FLR(M) visa which will reset your immigration clock to zero, requiring a further 5 years (2.5 x 2.5) before being able to apply for ILR.

Bear in mind that when applying for the FLR(M) visa you will have to meet all the requirements, including the minimum income level of £18,600 p.a which can be your spouse's earnings or joint. I'm assuming you are currently subject to the 20 hours per week work restriction which would mean you are unlikely to be able to meet the £18,600 p.a earnings on your own.

In addition to the £1,033 visa fee you will also have to pay the £1,000 NHS surcharge.

Visa fees and the NHS surcharge may well increase in 2020