When to apply for ILR?

[kboes80]

Hello, I am hoping someone can clarify when I can apply for ILR. Basically I'm looking to clarify if I have to wait until 5 years under a spousal visa (Nov 2020) or 5 years of marriage (July 2020)? Or is there another way I can apply now?

My situation is as follows:
I came to the UK in Nov 2013 on a Tier 2 ICT visa that was valid until Nov 2015. I am an American citizen.

While here, I met and subsequently married a British citizen (born and raised) in July 2015.

I applied for a spousal visa in Nov 2015 that was valid for 30 months. I renewed after 30 months and that second renewal expires in Nov 2020.

I plan on applying for British citizenship immediately after receiving my ILR.

Thanks for any advice!

[CR001]

November 2020. It is 5 years residence on a qualifying visa, ie 5 years on spouse visa.

[kboes80]

Thanks CR001!
I can still apply for ILR 28 days before the current spousal visa expires or 28 days before the 5 year anniversary of the original spousal visa issuance?

These are similar dates, but not exact. I want to be sure as I don't want to be in limbo where I'm waiting for my ILR but my current spousal visa has expired.

[CR001]

You can apply no sooner than within 28 days before the 5th anniversary of the date your spouse visa was issued in the UK.