Divorce and Naturalisation

[jensa]

I'm in a horrible situation and would deeply appreciate any help you can give me.

I'm an American citizen. My husband is British and we were married in 2003. We've been living in the UK ever since.

I applied for naturalisation in October by post. My fee has been taken and I've gotten confirmation that they've received my application but haven't heard anything else.

My husband and I have been having problems for several months but I have been doing my best to work them out. I have always said that if I got married it would be forever and so I've tried everything that I can to make it work. Two weeks ago, however, I discovered that he has been seeing his ex-girlfriend THE ENTIRE TIME WE HAVE BEEN TOGETHER. The whole time we were dating, and it's continued throughout the years of our marriage. This is more than I can bear and after talking to my family and friends I've decided to file for a divorce.

Does this mean that I have to withdraw my application for naturalisation? I only qualify for 3 years + ILR right now. Do I even have to tell them that I'm leaving him?

I would deeply appreciate any advice you can give me on what to do.

[John]

Does this mean that I have to withdraw my application for naturalisation? I only qualify for 3 years + ILR right now.

Sorry to hear about your problems but the answer to your question is no, absolutely no need to withdraw the application.

Indeed had you not already applied, you could still apply any time up to when the Divorce Decree Absolute is granted. You are entitled to apply under the 3-year provision as long as you are married to a British Citizen, and that remains the case right up to when the Decree Absolute is issued dissolving the marriage.

Do I even have to tell them that I'm leaving him?

Not even any need to do that.