Applying for BS, Tier 2 path currently on ILR

[michaelkane]

Hi Strong community,

Previously received advice when applying for ILR earlier this year and has been extremely helpful.

Myself and wife granted ILR on 14 Feb 2020 via the Tier 2 General route and wondering when can we apply for the Britisih Citizenship. I have started working on the online application, but require clarity on dates.

As we understand there is a date we need to choose for Biometric and other steps, do we need to wait till 14 Feb 2021 before we submit the application or can we do earlier?

Considering if we can get all documentation with clean records, if anyone can let me know please if we need to wait till the 14 Feb 2021 or we can apply earlier and with any conditions?

Thank you.

[alterhase58]

You will need to complete the full 12 months after acquiring ILR, there is no early submission for naturalisation - however, you could start to draft the application online but you can only save it for a limited period of time (someone else to advise) and submit on 14 Feb 2021. The biometrics date is booked after you have submitted/paid. Documents can be uploaded after you submitted, but before the bio appointment.

[secret.simon]

You can submit your application any date on or after completing one year on ILR and also ensuring that exactly five years before the date of application, you were physically present in the UK.

So the earliest that you can submit the application is 14th Feb 2021, as @alterhase58 has mentioned above.

PS: Also, why are you applying for BS? From what I have seen of the world thus far, one gets too much of it for free.