British citizenship by naturalisation

[brunomars]

Dear Senior Members,

I came to United Kingdom in July 2008 and now on Tier2 visa currently and Its validity expires on July 2014.
I am in a situation where I am in a relationship with my British Gf since last few months.
And we are keen to be together sooner or later.

I understand the Home Office is keeping a close eye on the bogus marriages and stuff.
Mine being a genuine relationship how do you think should I proceed and which areas do I need to be careful about.

Which one of the status should be easier to attain and acceptable in terms of attaining British Nationality.

Civil Partner
or
Married

I have read the criteria to attain British Nationality by Naturalisation and it says:-

(Had to be present in the country 3 yrs before the date of application and will get the citizenship after 3 yrs from the date of application)

Does it still holds correct?
Is there any provision of attaining ILR instantly once I am married to a British Citizen?
What will be my visa status/residential status after my marriage?What happens to my existing Tier 2 visa?

Kindly elaborate in this topic as there are not many current posts related to this matter.

[Jambo]

I understand the Home Office is keeping a close eye on the bogus marriages and stuff.
Mine being a genuine relationship how do you think should I proceed and which areas do I need to be careful about.

If this is a genuine relationship, there is nothing to be careful about.

Which one of the status should be easier to attain and acceptable in terms of attaining British Nationality.

Civil Partner
or
Married

civil partnership is for same-gender relationships.

I have read the criteria to attain British Nationality by Naturalisation and it says:-

(Had to be present in the country 3 yrs before the date of application and will get the citizenship after 3 yrs from the date of application)

Where does it say that citizenship is granted 3 years after applying? The rule is 3 years of residence in the UK (among other requirements). It takes several months for a decision after applying.

Is there any provision of attaining ILR instantly once I am married to a British Citizen?

No.

What will be my visa status/residential status after my marriage?What happens to my existing Tier 2 visa?

Same as before. No affect on your tier-2 visa. Next step would be ILR (in 2013 if you meet the requirements). Once you receive ILR, if you are married to a BC, you can apply immediately for BC. Otherwise, you can apply 1 year after ILR was granted.

[brunomars]

Pls accept my sincere thanks for providing valuable information Sir.

You mentioned at the end that I may get the ILR in 2013 on meeting the reqs. Did you meant on the basis of my stay in UK since 2008 or on the basis of my naturalisation application.

P.S:- My initial 1 yr stay in UK (back in 2008) was on WP(TWES) cat which doesn't count for the ILR now I suppose

Based on my Visa Status solely I would be eligible for ILR on July 2014 I suppose.

Few more doubts.

1.Do I have to be employed with the same employer even after my naturalisation application is submitted.
What happens if I quit/lose my job after a few months of my naturalisation application (I mean Tier 2 gets lapsled as soon as I leave the employer)
Would I not be allowed to stay in this country even If I am married to a BC.

[Jambo]

There are two steps: first, ILR and then naturalisation.

2013 was mentioned for ILR as I assumed you were on WP. If your first year doesn't count for settlement, then it would be 2014.

Once you are granted ILR, you are free to switch employer regardless if you apply for naturalisation.

Another option is once you are married to apply for spouse visa. That would allow you to switch employers but it won't shorten your period for ILR as ILR is granted after 2 years spouse visa so it would be 2014 as well.