Immigrationboards.com

I changed my study visa to a Global Talent Visa. After 3 years, I obtained the ILR, meaning I have completed 4 years of residence without including the time spent on the study visa. However, can I count the time spent on the study visa toward the 5-year residency requirement for naturalisation after receiving the ILR? Thanks for your advice/suggestions.

My question comes as I do not see any good answer for this topic. According to the designated UK government website, the following is the rule, which does not mention one cannot include Student visa time once they have got ILR:

You must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years before the date of your application. You also should not have broken any UK immigration laws.

...

You cannot include any time spent in the UK when you’re exempt from immigration control as a:

diplomat

member of a diplomat’s staff or household

member of visiting armed forces

https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-in ... -to-remain

Yes, you can use time you spent here as a student. It doesn't matter what visa you were on - citizenship doesn't sit under immigration rules, it's a different piece of legislation altogether. Review the guidance for the AN form and check you respect all requirements. Note that you need to spend 1 year on ILR unless you are married to a British citizen.

Many thanks. Excellent.