Naturalisation qualifying period

[homeki]

Hi All
I am a British National (Overseas) who has married a British National here, I have just got my ILR and I am wondering whether I am eligible to apply for the naturalisation straight away. Please see the summary of my staying period below:

8 April 2008 – 12 Aug 2009 Working Holiday
9 Sep 2009 – 15 Jul 2010 Student Visa
5 Oct 2010 – 19 Jan 2011 Visitor (being stamp 6 months, no visa needed)
28 Mar 2011 – 5 April 2013 Spouse Visa
5 April 2013 – Now ILR

I have two gaps in which I wasn’t on any visas and was not staying in the UK (in total 81 days and 68 days), would that be a problem? I know you can’t stay outside the UK for more than 270 days, but I wasn’t even on any UK visa or I wasn’t even a visitor in the UK during those two gaps.

Many thanks

[Jambo]

You can apply now.

[homeki]

You can apply now.

hi Jambo, thanks for your reply. If I want to go for the british national (overseas) route which will cost a lot less (5 years), do I have to wait until I finish one-year ILR?

many thanks for your help.

[Jambo]

Yes. You need 1 year after ILR if you apply for Registration based on BNO. The difference in fees is £120 so I'm not sure you would like to wait 1 year.

Please note that if plan to apply as a spouse of BC (3 years), it needs to be done before 15/07 or after 05/10 as you need to have been physically in the UK 3 years before applying.

[homeki]

Yes. You need 1 year after ILR if you apply for Registration based on BNO. The difference in fees is £120 so I'm not sure you would like to wait 1 year.

Please note that if plan to apply as a spouse of BC (3 years), it needs to be done before 15/07 or after 05/10 as you need to have been physically in the UK 3 years before applying.

Great! Thanks for your help. I may need to wait for another year as I have travel planned for April and November this year. Don't wanna have my passport held.

[Jambo]

Apply using NCS who will copy your documents and return them to you.

[homeki]

Apply using NCS who will copy your documents and return them to you.

I see, great! May I travel when I am waiting for their decision?

[Jambo]

I see, great! May I travel when I am waiting for their decision?

Yes.

[niteshj]

Apply using NCS who will copy your documents and return them to you.

just to add to that, you can apply yourself without submitting originals. From UKBA website:

You may apply directly without using the nationality checking service or a representative. You must submit either original documents, or a fully certified photocopy of your documents.

[Amber]

Apply using NCS who will copy your documents and return them to you.

just to add to that, you can apply yourself without submitting originals. From UKBA website:

You may apply directly without using the nationality checking service or a representative. You must submit either original documents, or a fully certified photocopy of your documents.

But will still need to pay a solicitor/commissioner for oaths.