Query on Earliest date for application

[tonyc]

Hi

I arrived in UK on 20 Jan 2021 and I am married to a UK Citizen and I have a spousal visa
I intend to apply for ILR on 27 Dec 2025 with super priority allowing for the 28 day concession
Assuming that I get a biometric appointment 2-3 days later from 27 Dec 2025 and a decision 1 day later it is likely that my ILR will be approved before I have been in the UK for 5 years.

I believe that I can apply for British Citizenship 1 day after ILR approval
Do I have to wait until 20 Jan 2026 before applying for citizenship
i.e Is there a rule that I have had to be resident in UK for a full 5 years from date of application

[CR001]

If you are married to a British citizen, your qualifying period is 3 years and you must meet all the requirments based on 3 years, eg absence limits and physically present exactly 3 year ago.