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British citizenship dilemma/queries

A section for posts relating to applications for Naturalisation or Registration as a British Citizen. Naturalisation

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srsw
Senior Member
Posts: 868
Joined: Wed Nov 04, 2015 3:31 pm

British citizenship dilemma/queries

Post by srsw » Thu Nov 20, 2025 10:21 pm

I'm just looking for some initial guidance for my situation.

Both myself and my wife got ILR back in 2021. Kids got British citizenship/passports after that, as they could skip the ILR process.

We haven't applied for British citizenship as we were saving to purchase a home for some time. We finally moved into our own home now. Still to purchase a lot of furniture, etc. but with so much noise and changing immigration rules, etc. we were wondering if it's time to prioritise citizenship.

1. Is it better for both to apply at the same time or one at a time (spread the costs)?
2. Usually I'm the primary applicant and my wife as dependent, but does that concept still apply now that we both are ILR holders? Reason for asking, can I apply for her citizenship first?
3. What are the potential risks of postponing citizenship application for a few more years?

Thanks...
My advice is based on personal research/experience, so pls check relevant UKVI sources.

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alterhase58
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Posts: 8853
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2016 12:02 am
Location: UK Bucks
Germany

Re: British citizenship dilemma/queries

Post by alterhase58 » Thu Nov 20, 2025 10:34 pm

srsw wrote:
Thu Nov 20, 2025 10:21 pm
I'm just looking for some initial guidance for my situation.

Both myself and my wife got ILR back in 2021. Kids got British citizenship/passports after that, as they could skip the ILR process.

We haven't applied for British citizenship as we were saving to purchase a home for some time. We finally moved into our own home now. Still to purchase a lot of furniture, etc. but with so much noise and changing immigration rules, etc. we were wondering if it's time to prioritise citizenship.

1. Is it better for both to apply at the same time or one at a time (spread the costs)?
Each application is assessed individually, so you can apply together, or one at a time.
2. Usually I'm the primary applicant and my wife as dependent, but does that concept still apply now that we both are ILR holders? Reason for asking, can I apply for her citizenship first?
Naturalisation has no dependents or family concept. Your wife can apply first.
3. What are the potential risks of postponing citizenship application for a few more years?
We know as little as everyone else, and it's best not to speculate. The one aspect to consider are the fees which normally go up in April. The phrase "immigrants are expected to pay their way" has been used more than once by various politicians! I speculate they'll probably go up quite a bit.
For reference see this post: viewtopic.php?t=358521


Thanks...
This is just my opinion as a member of this forum and does not constitute immigration advice.
Please do not send me private messages asking for advice.

srsw
Senior Member
Posts: 868
Joined: Wed Nov 04, 2015 3:31 pm

Re: British citizenship dilemma/queries

Post by srsw » Fri Nov 21, 2025 11:09 am

alterhase58 wrote:
Thu Nov 20, 2025 10:34 pm
srsw wrote:
Thu Nov 20, 2025 10:21 pm
I'm just looking for some initial guidance for my situation.

Both myself and my wife got ILR back in 2021. Kids got British citizenship/passports after that, as they could skip the ILR process.

We haven't applied for British citizenship as we were saving to purchase a home for some time. We finally moved into our own home now. Still to purchase a lot of furniture, etc. but with so much noise and changing immigration rules, etc. we were wondering if it's time to prioritise citizenship.

1. Is it better for both to apply at the same time or one at a time (spread the costs)?
Each application is assessed individually, so you can apply together, or one at a time.
2. Usually I'm the primary applicant and my wife as dependent, but does that concept still apply now that we both are ILR holders? Reason for asking, can I apply for her citizenship first?
Naturalisation has no dependents or family concept. Your wife can apply first.
3. What are the potential risks of postponing citizenship application for a few more years?
We know as little as everyone else, and it's best not to speculate. The one aspect to consider are the fees which normally go up in April. The phrase "immigrants are expected to pay their way" has been used more than once by various politicians! I speculate they'll probably go up quite a bit.
For reference see this post: viewtopic.php?t=358521


Thanks...
Thank you. That's really helpful. I might start a draft application for my wife and start collecting required evidence.
My advice is based on personal research/experience, so pls check relevant UKVI sources.

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