UK citizenship

When can I get UK citizenship?

Came to UK May 2004 on vistors visa and lived with my future husband until we married Oct 2004 in the UK.  Got my spousal visa at the British Consult in the USA Nov 2004.  Will be getting ILR in Nov 2006.  When can I apply for citizenship?

After you've been a resident for three years. And you have to have ILR when you apply.

Looks like May 2007 to me.


Victoria

I understand about needing ILR and the three year rule.   I was hoping May 2007 and not Nov.

In your case, you can apply three years from the date you settled, which sounds like Nov 2007 (or whatever date is on your spousal visa).

So the time I lived here on a vistors visa ( May 2004-Oct 2004) does not count?

Unfortunately not. A visitor isn't a resident.

Thanks for the information.

The rules state that the applicant must have been physically present in the UK three years before the date of application, it does not state that they must have had residency at this time.

You can apply in May 2007.


Victoria

That's the second time in something like a week that Victoria (who is way cool and not the prim and proper girl that you may think  ) has set me straight about common misconceptions! Thanks, V! I'll shut up now. 

Thanks for the 'way cool' comment...much appreciated!  I should try to post in the 'way cool' way, instead of being all serious all the time!!!

And please don't shut up....it is a tricky point.  I have just picked up my copy of the stupidly huge new JCWI Handbook, so had the ability to double check what I *thought* was the case!!!

Victoria

The rules state that the applicant must have been physically present in the UK three years before the date of application, it does not state that they must have had residency at this time.

Gosh, for some reason, I thought that you couldn't go for your citizenship until you had been here three years after you got your ILR, so that someone like me who came here Sept 2003; married and went for FLR (in NYC) Mar 2004; and received ILR Feb 2006 will be able to apply for citizenship Sept 2006?

Whoa. Something to think about.

The time I lived in the UK before getting my FLR does count?

I arrived June 28th, 2003. 
Obtained my FLR in January 2004.
My ILR was approved in January 2006.

Does this mean I can apply for citizenship in late June/or July of this year (2006) ?!

Sounds like it to me.


Victoria

Oh my... 
Thank you for answering, Victoria!