Legal Question in Immigration Law in

I am an EU citizen married to a British citizen. I've lived in the UK for three years now. What is the quickest way to become a British citizen? Do I have to apply for ILR as the rest of the non-EUs or is there another way to do that.

Thank you.


Asked on 3/03/11, 10:19 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Asif Salam Salam & Co Solicitors

In order for you to become a British citizen you first have to obtain settlement/indefinite leave to remain.

If you are currently residing in the UK based on your EU status rather than your status as a spouse of a British citizen, you will first need to apply for leave to remain as a spouse, which would give you two years leave, before then applying for settlement. Once you have been granted settlement, you then have to wait a further 12 months before applying for naturalisation as a British citizen.

An alternative would be to continue relying on your EU status for a further 2 years, before then applying for permanent residence. However, for you to be eligible for permanent residence after 5 years, you would need to show that you have been continuously exercising your treaty rights i.e. working etc for the past 5 years.

Should you wish to discuss your matter further, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]

Regards

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Answered on 3/04/11, 2:09 am


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