Spouse qualifying period

[aspirant09]

Hello, Me and my wife were granted ILR in Dec 2011 and as I undertstand, we can now (as of last month i.e. Dec 2012) apply for naturalization and citizenship. The only question I have is that my wife came to the UK in Apr 2008 so do we need to wait for her naturalization untill Apr 2013 so she completes her 5 years of stay in individual capacity OR can we apply as I have lived here for more than 5 years?

Also,we have a british born child who should qualify for citizenship anyway.

Thanks in advance

[vinitmanu]

Hello, Me and my wife were granted ILR in Dec 2011 and as I undertstand, we can now (as of last month i.e. Dec 2012) apply for naturalization and citizenship. The only question I have is that my wife came to the UK in Apr 2008 so do we need to wait for her naturalization untill Apr 2013 so she completes her 5 years of stay in individual capacity OR can we apply as I have lived here for more than 5 years?

Also,we have a british born child who should qualify for citizenship anyway.

Thanks in advance

Your wife will need to wait until April 2013. However, the minute you become naturalised citizen, she can apply under 3 year rule (as long as she meets all the other criteria).

[aspirant09]

thanks for the quick reply!
I guess the only negative aspect in applying seperately( under the 3 year rule) would be the extra fees which will have to be paid.
I have another question if that is ok, once we apply for naturalization, we would then have to apply for the British passport which can take 6 weeks? Do we have to submit my current ( indian) passport for this time period?

Thanks

[vinitmanu]

thanks for the quick reply!
I guess the only negative aspect in applying seperately( under the 3 year rule) would be the extra fees which will have to be paid.
I have another question if that is ok, once we apply for naturalization, we would then have to apply for the British passport which can take 6 weeks? Do we have to submit my current ( indian) passport for this time period?

Thanks

yes, you will need to send your current Indian passport to the IPS. However, your wife can apply as soon as you get your naturalisation certificate (no need to wait until you get your passport).

[aspirant09]

thanks.