Naturalisation, 5 years lawful residence

[MrBoat]

Hello everyone,

I want to express my gratitude to each of you for the fantastic job you've been doing. This page has been incredibly helpful for me and my family.

I would appreciate your assistance with my current situation:

I arrived in the UK on a visitor visa in November 2014 and overstayed my visa until I married my EU partner in July 2019. However, I didn't apply for pre-settled status until October 2020, and I received my first Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) in November 2020. We got divorced in March 2024 (final order), and I applied for another pre-settlement status (to retain my rights) in May 2024. I was granted settled status in August 2024. I believe this was because my five years of residence began when I became a close family member of my ex-EU partner in July 2019, not the day I was granted pre-settlement status in November 2020.

My question is: Since my pre-settled status started in November 2020 and I received settled status in August 2024, do I still qualify as a lawful resident within the five-year period when applying for naturalization? Will my lawful residence start from July 2019 (when I married my EU partner)?

Can I apply in August 2025 or will have to wait till November 2025?

[contorted_svy]

I would wait until the 5 year anniversary of when you were granted pre-settled status. Do you have any other factors against your good character?

[MrBoat]

I do have a driving offence. £50 fine.

[contorted_svy]

I would recommend to wait until November.

[MrBoat]

I would recommend to wait until November.

Thank you so much.