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residential qualifying period???

Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 2:18 pm
by moonset
I am holding a British National Overseas passport (I am from Hong Kong), and I came to the UK in Feburary of 2006, and had a residence permit due to a Student Visa. Then my father married my step mother in August of 2006, my step mother had already got a Work Permit at that time, therefore my status of staying in the UK became Work Permit Dependant in August of 2006.

In January of 2009, I successfully applied to get a residence permit of Indefinite leave to remain in the UK.


My question is, WHEN can I apply for naturalisation as a British citizen? Feburary of 2011 or August of 2011? Which date should I start to count from, so that I have been living in the UK for 5 years?

One last question, do I need to take the Life in the UK test in order to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen?

Thank you.

Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 12:22 pm
by Immigration Expert
5 years from when you 1st entered the UK. as long as you have evidence of 5 full years then thats when you can apply.

and yes you have to complete life in UK unless you fall within exemtions- such as age? did u not need it for your ILR?

good luck

Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 12:29 pm
by vinny
If you are aged 18 or over, then see also Can I be naturalised as a British citizen?