Wife - naturalisation route / ILTR

Hi All. Hope you can guide me.

My wife (married 17 years) moved back from Asia with me in 2019. She entered then on a 'leave to remain and can work. I have subsequently renewed this and her 5 years is up this August 2024. Her latest LTR visa expires in December 2024 and I'm a little confused on best route next.

1. She wishes to naturalise / citizenship as soon as allowed but I'm confused over minimum time in country (3 / 5 or 10 years)?
2. On HM website 'I think' it tells me she must first apply for 'Indefinite Leave to Remain' prior to citizenship process. However I find it not that clear to follow?

I intend to appoint an immigration lawyer as it feels better to do so and I found the application / admin process very frustrating last time. Not helped by all the covid challenges which I hope have abated in the immigration admin process. I feel a lawyer will better navigate the process better?

My wife is Chinese National (PRC). Her English is fluent and we have financial means. So its really just a definitive view on the best route to take?

I'm hoping these are fairly simple queries for the group to assist me with.

Thanks in advance

M

She needs ILR before she can apply for citizenship.

You don't need a lawyer. It is not a difficult application to make, provided she meets the financial requirements and has the English B1 test and life in the UK test done.

Your wife needs o get ILR first. Note that she will lose Chinese citizenship upon acquiring British citizenship once the process is complete. She will need to prove 5 years of residence and wait 1 year on ILR or 3 and no wait to be for 1 year of ILR (if married to a British citizen).