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I came to the UK in May 2010 on a Tier 2 visa as a doctor and this changed to a FLR(M) in May 2014. Does anyone know when I can apply to become a British citizen or at least 'upgrade' my visa?

Simple things like planning trips away means applying for visas and standing in separate queues from my husband and child.

Thanks.

Beamsley wrote:I came to the UK in May 2010 on a Tier 2 visa as a doctor and this changed to a FLR(M) in May 2014. Does anyone know when I can apply to become a British citizen or at least 'upgrade' my visa?

Simple things like planning trips away means applying for visas and standing in separate queues from my husband and child.

Thanks.

To naturalise you first need to be 'settled', typically with ILR status.
To gain ILR will depend on your precise circumstances, (e.g. dates of visas, time in UK) and your spouse's status too, (whether settled or naturalised as a citizen & etc).

This should help you onto the next steps:
https://www.gov.uk/settle-in-the-uk/y

Unfortunately, by moving to FLR(M), you have reset the clock for your application for ILR. So, you will need to stay for 5 years on FLR(M), before applying for ILR. So, you are looking at May 2019, assuming the rules do not change significantly.

Had you stayed on Tier 2 (assuming Tier 2 General) and met the other conditions, you would have been eligible this year.

On the positive side, as the spouse of a British citizen, you can apply for citizenship immediatly after getting ILR. People not married to a British citizen need to wait for a year after ILR to apply for citizenship.

Thanks secret.simon. That's a real pain as we asked UKBA what to do and that was their advice. Another 4 years of applying for travel visas whenever we want to go abroad.

I hope it won't affect any mortgage applications.

Unfortunately, they sometimes give the wrong advice that cannot be relied on.

i would recommend that you apply for ILR after completing 5 years in UK (including Tier2 and FLR(M) times). In worst (5%) case, you would lose fee, but its worth applying for. From the information you have given, you are already eligible for ILR with entry date as may 2010. good luck !

Such a combination is unsupportable by the Immigration Rules. Why do you think that the worst case for a refusal is only 5%?

vishpb35 wrote:i would recommend that you apply for ILR after completing 5 years in UK (including Tier2 and FLR(M) times). In worst (5%) case, you would lose fee, but its worth applying for. From the information you have given, you are already eligible for ILR with entry date as may 2010. good luck !

Your advise is not correct, the OP is NOT eligible for ILR under the circumstances OP has given.

The OP cannot combine Tier 2 time and FLR(M) time to make up 5 years. The combination can ONLY be used for 10 years long residence applications.

The OP will have no choice but to wait 5 years on FLR(M) before applying for ILR on Set(M)

Bear in mind that even with ILR, if you need a visa to enter a country now, you will continue to need one until you are granted British citizenship.

There are no provisions to amalgamate leave under a different category in E-ILRP.1.3.

vishpb35 wrote:i would recommend that you apply for ILR after completing 5 years in UK (including Tier2 and FLR(M) times). In worst (5%) case, you would lose fee, but its worth applying for. From the information you have given, you are already eligible for ILR with entry date as may 2010. good luck !

Sorry but this is terrible advice which the OP should ignore.

OP you may please ignore my comment. sorry i was not aware of new changes since 2014!