Many who have come to the UK under a UK spouse visa application will want to obtain British citizenship at the end of it all. Indeed, though there is a structure in place, the process is decidedly multi-step, from spouse visa through Indefinite Leave to Remain, also called ILR to British citizenship application. If you are to successfully navigate this process, understanding what is required for each step is pivotal.

Stage 1: Securing a UK Spouse Visa

The UK spouse visa application is the first step towards acquiring British citizenship for spouses or civil partners of a UK citizen. The spouse visa will enable them to live and work in the UK for the initial period of 2.5 years, extendable for another 2.5 years. For an application to be considered valid under the spouse visa, the following are the key requirements:

Relationship: You must prove that your marriage or partnership is genuine and legally subsisting.

Financial Needs: Both couples must prove that they are earning £18,600 a year. This figure goes up with the number of children.

Watch this video to get more in-depth clarity on the financial requirements for a Spouse visa.

English Language: The applicant has to prove their proficiency in the English language by passing an accepted test unless one hails from an English-speaking country or has a degree taught in English​.

Once issued, the UK spouse visa will afford you security for the first 2.5 years. During the last year of this period, you will have to apply for an extension to continue your stay within the UK.

Stage 2: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

As a spouse visa holder, you are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain for five years into continuous stay in the UK. When one achieves this milestone, they can be granted permanent residency through ILR, which allows them to live in the country without time restraint.

The conditions to apply for ILR are that:

Five Years of Continuous Stay: You should have been on a spouse visa in the UK for five years and never have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any year in the last five years.

Financial Stability: You must continue to meet the financial requirements as you did when you were granted your spouse visa, including demonstrating that you and your spouse have at least a £18,600 yearly income.

Life in the UK Test: You will be required to take a Life in the UK test, which will test your knowledge of British history, culture, and institutions. This is a requirement for ILR and for your British citizenship application.

English Language Requirement: For ILR, you also need to fulfil the English language requirement, which can be achieved by passing an English test on the B1 level or even providing evidence of holding a degree taught entirely in English.

Once granted ILR, most of the rights of a British citizen are conferred on you, including the right to access public services and work without restriction, but subject to some differences where you will not be able to vote in general elections or hold a British passport until you become a British citizen.

Stage 3: Application for British Citizenship

After holding Indefinite Leave to Remain for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship unless you are married to a British citizen. In this case, you can apply as soon as you receive ILR. There are several key requirements under which you can apply for British citizenship application:

Residency Requirement: You must not have been absent from the United Kingdom for more than 450 days in the five years preceding your application and for more than 90 days in the twelve months before that date.

Good Character: You are required to have "good character," which means that for the purposes of the requirement, you should not have any relevant serious convictions, immigration breaches, or outstanding tax liabilities within the period.

The Life in the UK Test and English language: If you have passed these with your ILR application, you don't need to retake them; however, proof must be provided that you have passed them.

British Application Application: Finally, you must complete a British application form, form AN. You must provide any supporting documents applicable and also pay the registration fee, currently set at £1,330. After making your application, you will attend a citizenship ceremony, where you will take an oath of allegiance to the UK.

Get Professional Guidance

In practice, a UK spouse's application for British citizenship requires many steps, such as various requirements for residencies, financial requirements, and language tests. Now, from the spouse visa approval to ILR and eventually the application for citizenship – you are guaranteed a smooth transition into full citizenship within the UK. For professional help on UK spouse visa application or processing British citizenship, you may contact A Y &  J Solicitors, a specialist in Immigration Law firm, who will guide you through the whole process.