Can I apply for British Citizenship

[usualspellings]

Having not found a clear answer to my question through UKBA sites, I seek your help.

Can I apply for British Citizenship ?

The following is my status:

·Indian National

·Student Visa July 2006 – January 2008 (02 years)

·FTS Jan2008 – Januay 2010 (02 years)

·Tier 1 General Sept 2009 – Sept 2012 (03 Years)

·Residence Card (Wife EEA National) November 2012 – Present

My wife is a Dutch National permanently residing in the UK for over 6 years.

Also, do I need to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, or can I just immediately apply for Naturalisation?

Your help in this matter will be highly appreciated.

Thank you

[Jambo]

You need to have ILR/PR status to naturalise.

When did you get married? Why didn't you continue with the Tier-1(G) visa to obtain ILR after 5 years?

[usualspellings]

Dear Jambo,

Thank you for your response.

I got married in June 2012, and getting the residence card din't cost me anything. Tier1 would have put me in same situation for atleast a £1000.

Are my 5 yrs before the residence card not valid for ILR? if not then how long I may have to wait.

Thanks again.

[Jambo]

Under EEA regulations, your time for PR started when you became a family member of EEA national i.e. your wedding day. So your 5 years clock for PR will finish in June 2017 so you can naturalise in June 2018. You can't use your time before marriage under the Tier-1 visa for PR under the EEA regulations. You might be able to apply in July 2016 for ILR based on 10 years of lawful residence (long residence).