British spouse who's never had passport

Hi,

Hoping someone can help. I've just got ILR and am hoping to apply for citizenship through marriage to avoid the 1 year wait. My wife was born in the UK to Irish parents who were settled here, which automatically makes her a British Citizen - but she has an Irish passport and has never had a British one. The AN guidance states to prove citizenship of spouse I need to provide "Your spouse’s or civil partner’s current passport or naturalisation/registration certificate showing that he/she is a British citizen. You should provide a complete and full copy of your spouse’s or civil partner’s current passport.".

In theory, I can provide her and her parents birth certificates which would prove she is a British Citizen, but the guidance doesn't allow for this. Does anyone have any experience or further information on what would be acceptable in this situation?

Ask your wife to apply for a British passport. Even with current reported delays this should take less than 1 year.