definition of 'living in' UK

[happywife]

Hi, I married a UK citizen last January 2012. I was given a 2 year spousal visa which expires in 2014. I first came to the UK as a student in September 2008 and have not left since I was then granted a Post study work visa.
My question is: does the 3 years of residency for naturalisation only start from when I was married, or does it start in 2008 when I was first a student, then on post study work visa? I just dont want to waste time/money applying for the new spousal extension for another 2 years come next January if I could already be applying for naturalisation? but I also don't want to apply and get automatically turned down if it was supposed to be 3 years from married.
someone please advise and I'd be soo grateful!!

[Casa]

The clock starts from when you first entered the UK a valid visa...ie September 2008. However, you must have been granted ILR before you qualify to apply for British Citizenship.

[happywife]

thank you! at what point can I apply for ILR? I know it's 2 years in the visa category of spousal visas but if my the 2 year visa expires on 10 Feb 2014 when exactly should I apply? the month before?

[Casa]

28 days before the visa expiry date. Assuming you meet all the standard requirements for BC, you should be able to submit your application for Citizenship as soon as your ILR is granted.

[happywife]

oh ok great. So if I wanted to do a premium appt and one day service, the appt would need to be within 28days before 10 Feb and not more than 28 days? (if I could get an appt!)

[Casa]

That's right.