british passport

Hello
Im applying for ILR based on 5 years on my work permit this October. I married a British guy 2 years ago though in 2006.  Am I able to get a british passport as soon as I get ILR or do I still need to wait a year after getting it to naturalise?

You won't need to wait.

Victoria

So I can apply right away based on 5 years on the work permit?

I was reading the web and it said that I can get citizenship after three years as a spouse of a brit as long as I have ILR in my passport.  That will be May 5, 2009.

No, you need to have had 3 years in the UK in any status.

Vicky

Oh ok I guess I was getting confused because a lot of people on the boards are here by marriage and have to fulfill the 2 years FLR to get ILR and then they have to wait a year for citizenship.

Wow thats really exciting!

No, you need to have had 3 years in the UK in any status.

Vicky

Would you mind repeating that so I make sure I understand it right?  My friend will have been in the UK on a work permit for five years in September, but isn't married to anyone, Brit or otherwise.  So, once she gets her ILR, she's then free to apply for citizenship?  She thought she had to wait another year...but you're saying 'in any status'? 

If I understand you right, I think she'll be thrilled to know that...

Would you mind repeating that so I make sure I understand it right?  My friend will have been in the UK on a work permit for five years in September, but isn't married to anyone, Brit or otherwise.  So, once she gets her ILR, she's then free to apply for citizenship?  She thought she had to wait another year...but you're saying 'in any status'? 

If I understand you right, I think she'll be thrilled to know that...

No, she'll have to wait another year, actually.  People who aren't married to British citizens have to have held ILR for one year before they are eligible for naturalisation.  I think what Vicky means by "in any status" is that any type of legal residence counts towards the number of years of residence needed for naturalisation, which is a separate issue from needing to be on ILR for a year before naturalising (again, only for those who aren't married to British citizens).

Got it - I see what Vicky is saying.  4th of July brain kicking in, and our party isn't until tomorrow! 

Thanks!