When can I apply for naturalisation?

[thedarkknight]

Hi there. I am glad that I have found such a wonderful forum. It’s nice to see people helping out each other. I have a few questions of my own. I would be grateful if I could find answers to those questions. Thanks in advance.

My Background:

I received my ILR in January 2012 on the basis of long stay (14 year rule). For first five years I was legal and on a student visa. After that I became illegal.

My Questions:

Even though I have been in the country for a long time but the period in the UK before my ILR was illegal. Does that count towards my 5 years residency period or not?

If it counts then can I apply immediately?

If it does not count then how long do I have to wait to apply for naturalisation?

[go2khurram]

Once you got the ILR you become legal resident of the country, I think you was eligible to apply for naturalization in January 2013. You can apply straight way as long as you fulfill other requirements...

[CR001]

To qualify for Citizenship, you have to have and show 5 years lawful residence (or 3 years if married to a British Citizen).

As you had no legal status in the UK prior to receiving ILR based on 14 years residence, your 5 year clock only starts from January 2012, so you can only apply for citizenship in January 2017.

Page 14 of the guide : Applications made on the basis of residence

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... ide-AN.pdf