BC When does the 10 year Good Character Requirement Start?

[shaggie44]

Hi guys,

I currently have ILR (Refugee Protection) which I got in 2014 after the 5year Refugee status (2009). Intention was to naturalise a year after ILR but of cause the law changed (10 year Good Character Requirement).

I am just wondering if I can get some help/advice to aid me in taking on chancing applying this year or waiting for 2 more years (which is not ideal as the travel document is limiting me accepting job offers in countries that don’t accept travel documents).

BACKGROUND

Came to UK 1999 (Student Visa which expired 2001) due to other reasons I was illegal till 2009 when I applied for asylum.

My question is when does the 10 year clock start? 2001 when visa expired or 2009 when I got Refugee status?

[secret.simon]

10 years from the time you became legal in the UK, so 10 years from the time you were granted the Refugee visa.

[secret.simon]

Also see this thread about refugees applying for citizenship.