how long until you can apply for citizenship?

When on a work visa, how long until you can apply for citizenship? When you are applying for citizenship your visa must still be active right?

Canadian Expatriate and Travellers Forum Index -> Canadians in the UK -> UK Visas and Immigration

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Davidfromcalgary
Junior Member

Joined: 07 Jun 2008
Posts: 14
Location: Calgary, Alberta

Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 7:36 pm

When on a work visa, how long until you can apply for citizenship? When you are applying for citizenship your visa must still be active right?

mari-mac
Senior Member

Joined: 01 Sep 2006
Posts: 94
Location: U.K.

Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:06 am

To apply for citizenship, you must have been living in the UK for at least 5 years (3 years if you are married to a British citizen). You must also have spent a year with no restrictions on your visa (it's a different visa called Indefinite Leave to Remain).
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SaaraG
CanuckAbroad Regular

Joined: 17 Jan 2006
Posts: 37
Location: Bristol, UK

Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 6:15 am

the "no restrictions" thing is only for the 5 year requirement. As a spouse, I had to have been in the country for 3 years, but the moment I had my ILR I was eligible to apply for citizenship.