ILR guide
Becoming a British citizen
After ILR, most people can apply to naturalise as a British citizen. Your Life in the UK test pass counts again — you do not take it twice.
When you can apply
- Usually after living in the UK for 5 years and holding ILR for 12 months.
- If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you can apply as soon as you get ILR, if you have lived in the UK for 3 years.
Requirements
- No more than 450 days outside the UK in the 5 years before you apply (270 days in 3 years for spouses), and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
- The Life in the UK test and English at B1 (you can reuse your ILR evidence).
- Good character — for example, no serious criminal record and no immigration breaches.
Cost
£1,839 — the application fee plus the citizenship ceremony, where you take the oath or affirmation and make the pledge.
Proposed only
The government has proposed "earned citizenship" with a longer qualifying period and higher English level. This would need a new law and has not happened yet.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: Apply for citizenship if you have ILR
- GOV.UK: Home Office immigration and nationality fees (8 April 2026)
- GOV.UK consultation: A Fairer Pathway to Settlement (Nov 2025)
Last checked against GOV.UK on 7 October 2026. Rules change — always confirm on GOV.UK before you apply. This is not legal advice.