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Settlement & Citizenship

British Citizenship — Naturalisation

The most common route to British citizenship for adults who have lived in the UK for a qualifying period. Citizenship is not automatic after ILR — it is a separate legal assessment.

Who Can Apply?

  • Aged 18 or over
  • Hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status
  • Lived in the UK for 5 years (most applicants), or 3 years if married to a British citizen
  • Meet residence and absence requirements
  • Pass the Life in the UK Test
  • Meet English language (B1) requirement
  • Be of good character

Residence & Absence Rules

  • No more than 450 days outside the UK in the last 5 years
  • No more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months
  • Must not have been in breach of immigration laws

Home Office Fee (Approx.)

  • £1,605 per applicant (includes citizenship ceremony fee)

Common Refusal Reasons

  • Incorrect absence calculations
  • Good character issues (even minor offences or unpaid taxes)
  • Incorrect documents
  • Timing errors (applying too early after ILR)