Spouse Visa Timeline
Get spouse visa (2 years). Apply for ILR (both applications happen simultaneously). Get ILR. Wait 12 months. Apply for citizenship. 3-4 years total.
Requirements
Financially: sponsor must earn £20,600+ annually (more with dependents). Culturally: genuine relationship, living together, pass language test (Level A1 minimum).
After 2 Years
Don't need to go back home. Directly apply for ILR in UK (called 'settlement' in UK context). Then citizenship path opens.