EU citizen married to UK citizen

[kstew]

This question might have come up before, but as there are thousands of threads it's just physically impossible to find the required info, and the search didn't come back with anything usable. So I hope someone could help me with their knowledge and expertise.

I'm an EU citizen married to a British citizen. I have been living and working in the UK for nearly three years. What is the quickest way to become a British citizen? Can I apply for naturalisation after three years of living here, or do I still need to apply for ILR as all the non-EUs?

I'd be very grateful for any information.

[Greenie]

Do you currently here on a spouse visa or are you relying on your EU treaty rights?

[kstew]

as me and my husband were not engaged or married when I came to live in Britain, I guess I came here relying on my EU rights.

I've also found this: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/briti ... ofcitizen/
which seems to be applicable to my situation, however, as the requirements are rather confusing, I've decided to ask you guys.

[vinny]

You may naturalise after you have gained the permanent right of residence.

[Greenie]

The link you have posted refers to being able to naturalise after 3 years if you are married to a British citizen, however it states that you must be free from immirgation time restrictions on the date of your application. This means you must be settled (have indefinite leave to enter/remain or Permanent Residence) in the UK before you can apply for citizenship.

As you are not here as the spouse of a settled person then you need to complete 5 years exercising your treaty rights before you gain permanent residence. After this you may naturalise as Vinny has advised.

[geriatrix]

What is the quickest way to become a British citizen?

Under current rules, you will be eligible for settlement (ILR) under the UK (national) immigration laws after changing your status to that of a spouse of British citizen and then living in the UK for 2 years as spouse of a British citizen.

I have been living and working in the UK for nearly three years.

Likewise, it seems that you will be eligible for settlement (PR) under EEA rules at approx. the same time ( 2 years).

IMHO, irrespective of which route you choose (at the moment), it appears that you'll be eligible for naturalisation at approx. the same time.


regards