When Can Spouse Of British Citizen Apply For Citizenship

When Can the Spouse of a British Citizen Apply for Citizenship?

Are you married to a British citizen and wondering when you can apply for citizenship? In this blog post, we will guide you through the process and provide you with all the necessary information regarding when and how the spouse of a British citizen can apply for citizenship.

Understanding the Spouse Visa

Before we delve into the eligibility criteria for applying for British citizenship as a spouse, let's understand the spouse visa. If you are a non-British citizen and married to a British citizen or a person with settled status, you can apply for a spouse visa. This visa allows you to join your partner in the UK and stay with them for an extended period.

Once you have been granted a spouse visa, you can stay in the UK for 30 months. After this initial period, you have the option to extend your visa for another 30 months. Upon completing a total of five years in the UK on a spouse visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Eligibility for British Citizenship as a Spouse

After obtaining ILR, the spouse of a British citizen becomes eligible to apply for British citizenship. However, there are certain criteria that need to be met before you can submit your citizenship application:

  1. You must be at least 18 years old.
  2. You must have held ILR for at least 12 months.
  3. You should be able to prove your knowledge of English, either by passing an approved English language test or by having an academic qualification recognized by UK NARIC.
  4. You must demonstrate your knowledge of life in the UK by passing the Life in the UK test.
  5. You must be of good character, which means you should not have any criminal records or be involved in any illegal activities.
  6. You should have continued to live in the UK since obtaining ILR.
  7. You shouldn't have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months before applying for citizenship.

Once you have established your eligibility, you can proceed with the application process.

Applying for British Citizenship

To apply for British citizenship as a spouse, you need to complete the following steps:

  1. Fill out and submit the application form for naturalization as a British citizen.
  2. Book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center to provide your biometric information.
  3. Attend the appointment and provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.
  4. Submit any required documents, such as your passport, current visa, and proof of knowledge of English and life in the UK.
  5. Pay the application fee (note that fees can change, so it's best to check the most up-to-date information).

Once your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by the Home Office. The processing time can vary, but you can expect to receive a decision within a few months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply for British citizenship as a spouse if I have not obtained ILR?

A: No, you must hold ILR for at least 12 months before you are eligible to apply for British citizenship as a spouse of a British citizen.

Q: Can I include my children in my citizenship application?

A: Yes, you can include your children who are under 18 years old in your citizenship application as dependents.

Q: Can my application be refused?

A: Yes, there is a possibility of your application being refused if you do not meet the eligibility criteria or fail to provide the required documents.

Q: What happens if my citizenship application is approved?

A: If your application is approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony where you will receive your certificate of British citizenship.

We hope this blog post has provided you with a clear understanding of when the spouse of a British citizen can apply for citizenship. Remember to carefully review the eligibility criteria and follow the application process diligently. Good luck with your journey towards becoming a British citizen!

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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