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Hi all,

Hoping some of you experts can shed some light. It's come that time again where I need to start thinking of my application in the near future. In a nutshell:

Came to UK around Oct 2005 as student, graduated in 2008. Met my parter (British Citizen).
Granted post-study work scheme until 2010.
Married Oct 2010, granted Residence Permit as spouse/partner until Nov 2012.

Total time in UK 7 years (3 as student, 2 under post-study scheme, 2 under spouse permit).

Which is the headache-free way to become a British Citizen? Can I apply for naturalisation, or do I have to apply for another 2 years under a spouse permit again i.e. extend my current status?

Am I right in thinking that I'm not eligible for ILR as I have not been married for 5 years?

Many thanks in advance for your advice guys...

ILR required first.

Under the old rules (which you are still under), ILR can be applied for after 2 years on spouse visa.

Thanks for replying guys.

I presume I apply for ILR then after another year (3 years in total being married), I can take the Life in the UK test then apply for BC?

Life in the UK is required for ILR.

You don't need to be married 3 years. Just to be resident in the UK for 3 years. Any legal residence counts including your previous visas. So if you meet the other residence requirements, you can apply the day you are granted ILR.

Thanks Jambo.

So, Life in the UK test - ILR.
Once granted ILR, I can apply for BC via the naturalisation route, this is correct?

Yes. Assuming you meet the spouse requirements.

Yup, great thanks!