Naturalisation Eligibility for Spouse After ILR – 3-Year vs 5-Year Rule Clarification

Puki6161 wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 20, 2025 7:34 pm

hi All, I would appreciate if you can clarify me on this matter.

In 2021, I was granted ILR, and in 2022, I became a British citizen.

My spouse has held a Spouse visa (FLR(M)) since 2021, and we plan to apply for her ILR in March 2026.

I have two questions:

1. After obtaining ILR, can she apply for naturalisation immediately, or does she need to wait 12 months? Yes

2. Regarding the absence limits for naturalisation after the ILR (other than 90 day in last 12 month):

- Section 6(1): 450 days in the last 5 years (general route)
- Section 6(2): 270 days in the last 3 years (for spouses of British citizens) This one

Since I held ILR at the time her visa began in 2021 and citizenship in 2022, should she be assessed under the 3-year residence requirement (270 days rule) as I am currently british, or still under the 5-year rule (450 days)?

contorted_svy wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 20, 2025 8:01 pm

Puki6161 wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 20, 2025 7:34 pm

hi All, I would appreciate if you can clarify me on this matter.

In 2021, I was granted ILR, and in 2022, I became a British citizen.

My spouse has held a Spouse visa (FLR(M)) since 2021, and we plan to apply for her ILR in March 2026.

I have two questions:

1. After obtaining ILR, can she apply for naturalisation immediately, or does she need to wait 12 months? Yes

2. Regarding the absence limits for naturalisation after the ILR (other than 90 day in last 12 month):

- Section 6(1): 450 days in the last 5 years (general route)
- Section 6(2): 270 days in the last 3 years (for spouses of British citizens) This one

Since I held ILR at the time her visa began in 2021 and citizenship in 2022, should she be assessed under the 3-year residence requirement (270 days rule) as I am currently british, or still under the 5-year rule (450 days)?