Citizenship query for spouse

[xyz123]

Hi

posting on behalf of a friend.

My friend came to UK in 2003 and got ILR in 2010 based on 5 years of WP. He got married in 2009 and his wife came to UK in 2009. She got ILR as his dependant at the same time i.e. 2010.

My friend can apply for citizenship anytime now, but what happens to his wife? what is the earliest she can qualify for british citizenship? I know about the minimum 3 year residency requirement for spouse of british citizens.

My understanding is that for her to apply for citizenship there are two options:

1) complete 5 years in UK, i.e. apply in 2014
2) Once her husband gets citizenship she can apply earlier than 2014. She would need to apply seperately once her huband gets british citizenship and pay higher fees compared to a joint application.

Can anyone confirm this is correct or advise any other solution!

Thanks a lot
X

[Jambo]

Your understanding is correct.