🇬🇧 Permanent Residence & British Citizenship
If you wish to settle permanently in the UK or become a British citizen, it’s essential to understand the latest immigration rules. Below is a detailed guide to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Citizenship by Naturalisation.
🏡 Permanent Residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR)
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) grants foreign nationals the right to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions.
📌 Who Can Apply for ILR?
You may qualify for ILR based on your visa category and length of stay in the UK:
✔️ 5 years – Skilled Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, Health & Care Worker Visa
✔️ 3 years – Innovator, Entrepreneur, or Investor Visa holders
✔️ 2-5 years – Family members of UK citizens or settled persons
✔️ 10 years – Long residence route (for those legally residing in the UK for a decade)
✅ Key ILR Requirements
✔️ You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your qualifying period.
✔️ You must meet the English language requirement (IELTS or equivalent).
✔️ You must pass the Life in the UK Test.
✔️ You must not have broken any immigration laws.
📌 Important:
- You cannot apply for ILR more than 28 days before your qualifying period ends.
- You must apply before your current visa expires.
📜 British Citizenship by Naturalisation
Once you have held ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) or Settled Status for at least 12 months, you may apply for British Citizenship.
📌 Standard Requirements for Citizenship
✔️ Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older
✔️ Residency Requirement: Must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years
✔️ Time Spent Outside UK:
- No more than 450 days outside the UK in 5 years
- No more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months
✔️ English Language Requirement: Must demonstrate proficiency in English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic
✔️ Life in the UK Test: Must pass the test
✔️ Good Character Requirement: Must not have a serious criminal record
✔️ Intent to Reside: Must plan to continue living in the UK
🔗 Apply for British Citizenship
💰 Fees & Processing Time
| Application Type | Processing Time | Fee (as of 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Up to 6 months (priority services available) | £2,885 |
| British Citizenship | Up to 6 months | £1,580 |
For the latest updates, visit the UK Home Office:
🔗 UK Settlement & Citizenship Information
