Eligibility for UK citizenship – ILR in 2025, but overstayed 2011–2017

[Johnbinning]

Hi i first came to the UK in 2009 on a Working Holiday Maker visa which expired in 2011. I overstayed from 2011 until 2017. In 2017 I was granted leave to remain on the 10-year private life route, then in 2020 I switched to the 5-year spouse route. In 2025 I received ILR on the spouse route.

Given my history, am I eligible to apply for British citizenship now, or will the overstay from 2011–2017 cause a refusal under the good character requirement? Should I wait until 2027 when it’s more than 10 years since my overstay ended?

[contorted_svy]

Do you have any other concerns about your good character?

[Johnbinning]

My only concern is that I overstayed between 2011 and 2017. Since 2017, I have been on lawful visas (10-year private route, then 5-year spouse visa) and now ILR. I have no criminal record or financial issues.

[contorted_svy]

If you never have had fines or any other concerns over your good character (do review the guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... y-guidance ) overstaying in the last 10 years will be ignored.

[Johnbinning]

Thank you for your reply. I don’t have any criminal convictions or fines. My only concern is that between 2011 and 2017, while I was overstaying, I did some work using my National Insurance number. Will this count as a separate good character issue, or will it be treated as part of the same immigration breach (overstaying) when applying for citizenship

[contorted_svy]

Illegal work is a different issue altogether. I suggest you wait until the 10 anniversary of your leave to remain grant to apply in that case.