Citisenship eligibility

Hi All,

I came to UK in 2004 & my wife in Oct 2006.we both got our ILR in Dec 2009. We are now planning to apply for citizenship in Dec this year . There are few issues which I am not clear about :

1.What should be the earliest date we can apply for Citizenship.
2.If my wife has come in UK 2006 & we apply in Dec 2010, she would've not completed her five year stay in UK (UKBA website states that a person applying for citizenship should've stayed in UK for 5 years before applying). When is she eligible to apply.
3.If we've already got our ILR last year, is it still a prerequisite for her to have completed 5 years stay in the UK before applying for citizenship.
4.If I apply for Citizenship (as I have completed 5 years + 1 with ILR) now will it change her status if she doesn't apply with me or should we apply together when she completes her 5 year stay.

Thanks and Regards

1. The earliest you can apply is Dec 2010.

2. Your wife may apply for naturalisation through either of the following routes. Route 1 - Complete 5 years in the UK and upon fulfilling standard requirements apply for naturalisation. Route 2 - Once you naturalise and are granted citizenship (naturalisation certificate), your wife may then apply for naturalisation as spouse of British citizen as and when requirements for spouse /civil partners are met. Route 2 is a quicker route to naturalisation for your wife.

3. Alternatively, you may wait until your wife completes 5 years in the UK and then apply for naturalisation together.


regards