Could anyone tell me if the 3 year rule for a spouse applying for British Citizenship is about to change to a 5 year probationary period at the end of 2009? What are the new rules specific to British/Thai or other foreign marriage situations and have they received final approval yet by HM Gov?

Many thanks.

Could anyone tell me if the 3 year rule for a spouse applying for British Citizenship is about to change to a 5 year probationary period at the end of 2009? What are the new rules specific to British/Thai or other foreign marriage situations and have they received final approval yet by HM Gov?

Many thanks.

The 2009 Borders & Citizenship Bill passed into law in July. The various provisions will be implemented by Statutory Order later on - info on the UKBA website says that the "Earned Citizenship " provisions, which will amend the requirements for naturalisation, will be commenced in the Summer of 2011, so it's reasonable to assume that applications made before then will be on the current criteria.

After that it looks as if the qualifying period for those who had leave as a spouse will be 5 years, which can be reduced by 2 years by doing charity or voluntary work. They call it "speeding up the path to citizenship for those who contribute to the community by being active citizens."

If you hold ILR now it is 3 years from entry as the spouse tourist visits count.