
The ability to relocate to the UK with family members is a key consideration for those accepting permanent work here. In recognition of this, both Skilled Workers and their partners can qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), and subsequent British citizenship, after completing the requisite period of residence in the UK.
Where you have relocated to the UK at the same time as your Skilled Worker partner, it will take a minimum of six years for you to be eligible to naturalise as a British citizen. This timeframe includes living in the UK for at least five continuous years to qualify for ILR, followed by a mandatory period of holding ILR for at least 12 months.
Where you have relocated to the UK following your Skilled Worker partner, depending on the specific timings of your case, it may potentially be possible to shorten the timeframe to citizenship to five years. Those applying for naturalisation as a British citizen on the basis of marriage to an existing citizen are not subject to the requirement of having held ILR for at least 12 months prior to application.
If you are in the UK as a Skilled Worker partner and it is your ultimate goal to obtain ILR and/or British citizenship, you should ensure to keep accurate logs of your travels in and out of the UK as both ILR and naturalisation applications carry residence requirements.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on British citizenship applications. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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