To the best of my knowledge, your stay on Visit visa does not count. So your 3 years clock starts from the time you got spouse visa. You do not need to wait 12 months after ILR if you have completed 3 years residency under marraige/spouse visa category.

Thanks R Ham, I got  marrieage visa in Jun 2006 in China and returned to uk at the same month for our Wedding. So base on your reply, my three years time clock should start from Jun 2006?

Thank you very much again for your help

Sarah

I have just read the following on a website recommended by this website. It says that - Have been in the UK for 3 years on any legal visa status and have ILR on the date of application.

I think i am better to check it with a solicitor. does any body know a good one? 

Naturalisation and Registration as a British Citizen

It is possible to become a British citizen by naturalisation or registration. Generally, naturalisation as a British citizen will occur after residing for a qualifying period of time in the UK on Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Naturalisation when married to a British Citizen, you must:

• Have been in the UK for 3 years on any legal visa status and have ILR on the date of application


• Have been present in the UK on the date 3 years prior to the application being received by the Nationality Directorate


• Not have been absent from the UK for more than 270 days in those 3 years


• Not have been absent from the UK for more than 90 days in the immediate 12 months before application


• Be of good character


• Pass the Citizenship test/ Life in the UK test


• Have sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Gaelic


• Have an intention to live in the UK


• Be over 18 years old

The rules above are correct with one exception. I am given to understand that visit visa period is not counted towards ILR or Naturalization residency period. So your clock, in my view, begins from June 2006 when you got marriage visa. Any how, check with your solicitor.

Called home office and immigration solicitor. R Ham, thanks so much for your help and you are right about my clock.

Hi there, I would really appreciate if someone could help me with eligibility for naturalisation. I am confused about the qualifying period of time to apply for naturalistation. I have read some informatin on the internet which says that have to wait one year after obtaining ILR to apply for nuturalisation but some websites say that it doesn't have to be one year after holding ILR as long as you have stayed in the uk for three years.

The following is my detail:

I came to UK on a visit visa to visit my British boyfriend in Jan 2006 then we got married in Oct 2006 and I have just obtained ILR. So when i am eligble to apply for nuturalisation? Can i apply it in Jan 2009 ( 01/ 2006 -01/2009= 3 years) or I have to wait till Oct 2009? Please help !!!

Kind Regards

Sarah