Applying for Citizenship

[qudah]

Hi,

I am british citizen who returned to live here June 2010.
my wife entered the country in the 24th August 2010 on family visa, and she was granted a limited leave to remain under discretionary conditions from 28th March 2011 until 2th March 2014 ( 3 years).


When she is eligible to apply for citizenship, if she is eligible?

Thanks

[geriatrix]

Before she can apply for citizenship, she needs to apply for settlement ... which, under current laws, she may be eligible for only after completing six years under discretionary leave.

[qudah]

Dont HO consider limited leave to remain as part of ILR?

I thought things might work earlier than 6 years?

[geriatrix]

Dont HO consider limited leave to remain as part of ILR?

ILR has only part - ILR (indefinite leave to remain), which is granted on the basis of the applicant meeting certain requirements one of which is "qualifying residential period" - and under discretionary leave this qualifying residential period is 6 years.

I thought things might work earlier than 6 years?

Not under discretionary leave. But to make the route less lengthy, you may consider having your wife apply for entry clearance as spouse of British citizen from outside UK.

[Casa]

You may not gain anything by applying for a spouse visa outside of the UK if the Government's proposed regulations extend the 2 year Limited Leave visa for a spouse to 5 years.
At least you know that your wife is able to remain here legally and continue with your family life.