British naturalisation eligibility – spouse of British citizen (different immigration routes)
Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2026 4:28 pm
British naturalisation eligibility – spouse of British citizen (different immigration routes)
Given that the husband became a British citizen after the marriage, and the wife obtained ILR via a separate immigration route, can the wife apply for British naturalisation in Feb 2026, or must she wait 12 months after ILR?
- Wife (applicant) holds ILR granted in September 2025
She has been lawfully resident in the UK since December 2018
Student dependant → Global Talent visa (Exceptional Promise) → ILR
Husband entered the UK on a student visa, later switched to Global Talent, obtained ILR, and then naturalised as a British citizen in November 2024
Couple were married in 2009 in India, long before either became British
Marriage is genuine and subsisting
Wife obtained ILR via a different route from her husband
Wife meets English language and Life in the UK requirements
Absences are within permitted limits (≤270 days in last 3 years; ≤90 days in last 12 months)
Given that the husband became a British citizen after the marriage, and the wife obtained ILR via a separate immigration route, can the wife apply for British naturalisation in Feb 2026, or must she wait 12 months after ILR?
