Applying for naturalisation or ILR? Confused..

[SuperX7]

Hi all,

Hoping some of you experts can shed some light. It's come that time again where I need to start thinking of my application in the near future. In a nutshell:

Came to UK around Oct 2005 as student, graduated in 2008. Met my parter (British Citizen).
Granted post-study work scheme until 2010.
Married Oct 2010, granted Residence Permit as spouse/partner until Nov 2012.

Total time in UK 7 years (3 as student, 2 under post-study scheme, 2 under spouse permit).

Which is the headache-free way to become a British Citizen? Can I apply for naturalisation, or do I have to apply for another 2 years under a spouse permit again i.e. extend my current status?

Am I right in thinking that I'm not eligible for ILR as I have not been married for 5 years?

Many thanks in advance for your advice guys...

[vinny]

ILR required first.

[Jambo]

Under the old rules (which you are still under), ILR can be applied for after 2 years on spouse visa.

[SuperX7]

Thanks for replying guys.

I presume I apply for ILR then after another year (3 years in total being married), I can take the Life in the UK test then apply for BC?

[Jambo]

Life in the UK is required for ILR.

You don't need to be married 3 years. Just to be resident in the UK for 3 years. Any legal residence counts including your previous visas. So if you meet the other residence requirements, you can apply the day you are granted ILR.

[SuperX7]

Thanks Jambo.

So, Life in the UK test - ILR.
Once granted ILR, I can apply for BC via the naturalisation route, this is correct?

[Jambo]

Yes. Assuming you meet the spouse requirements.

[SuperX7]

Yup, great thanks!