Step 1: Understand the Pathway
Marriage to a British citizen does not automatically grant you British citizenship. Instead, it allows you to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen after meeting specific criteria, including residency and immigration status requirements.
Step 2: Secure a Spouse Visa
If you're living outside the UK, you'll need to apply for a Spouse Visa to join your partner.
- Age: Both you and your partner must be over 18.
- Relationship: You must be in a genuine and legally recognised marriage or civil partnership.
- Intent to live together: You must plan to live permanently in the UK.
- Financial requirement: Your partner must have a minimum gross annual income of £29,000.
- English proficiency: You must demonstrate knowledge of English.
The Spouse Visa is initially granted for 2.5 years and can be extended.
Step 3: Obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After five years on a Spouse Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), granting you permanent residency in the UK.
- Continuous residence: You must have lived in the UK continuously for five years.
- Absence limits: You should not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the five years.
- Good character: You must have no serious criminal convictions.
- Life in the UK Test: You must pass this test to demonstrate knowledge of British customs and traditions.
Step 4: Apply for British Citizenship
Once you have ILR, you can apply for British citizenship through naturalisation. Unlike other applicants, spouses of British citizens can apply immediately after obtaining ILR, without waiting an additional 12 months.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Residency: You must have lived in the UK for at least three years before the application.
- Absence limits: You should not have spent more than 270 days outside the UK in the three years prior to your application, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
- English proficiency: You must demonstrate knowledge of English.
- Life in the UK Test: You must have passed this test.
- Good character: You must have no serious criminal convictions.
The application fee for naturalisation is £1,735, which includes the cost of the citizenship ceremony.
How Salam Immigration Can Help
Navigating the path to British citizenship can be complex, but Salam Immigration is here to assist you at every stage:
- Personalised guidance: We assess your unique situation and provide tailored advice.
- Application support: We help you prepare and submit all necessary documents accurately.
- Ongoing assistance: We offer continued support throughout the process, addressing any concerns or questions you may have.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
If you're married to a British citizen and aspire to become a British citizen yourself, Salam Immigration is here to guide you every step of the way.
- Phone: 0808 169 9280
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: salamimmigration.co.uk
Let Salam Immigration help you make the UK your permanent home.