The route to British citizenship: from indefinite leave to remain (ILR) to naturalisation
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The route to British citizenship usually has three stages: a visa with limited leave, then indefinite leave to remain (ILR), then naturalisation. Each stage has its own requirements, and mistakes made in the first can surface in the last.
Important: settlement rules are changing
In 2025 the UK government announced plans to reform settlement, including raising the standard qualifying period before ILR on many routes and linking it to additional "contribution" criteria. How and when these changes apply varies by route. Treat the periods in this guide as a description of the generally known rules, and always check the page for your route on GOV.UK before planning.
Stage 1: limited leave
A Skilled Worker visa, a spouse or partner visa, or another route. Follow your visa conditions strictly throughout: work for your sponsor, stay within the permitted absences, and do not claim public funds if your visa says "no recourse to public funds". Any breach here can block ILR later.
Stage 2: indefinite leave to remain
After completing the qualifying period for your route, you apply for ILR. The usual requirements are passing the Life in the UK test, proving your English level, good character, and staying within the absence limits for your route. ILR has no time limit, but it can lapse if you spend a long continuous period outside the UK.
Stage 3: naturalisation
The general requirements if you are not married to a British citizen: you have lived in the UK for 5 years before applying, and have normally held ILR or another permanent status for at least 12 months. Your absences must not exceed 450 days in the five years, or 90 days in the last year. You also need good character, an intention to keep living in the UK, and proof of English and a Life in the UK test pass (usually the same ones you used for ILR). The spouse of a British citizen can apply after 3 years of residence without waiting 12 months after ILR.
Good character
The good character requirement covers criminal records, tax obligations and honesty in previous immigration applications. Any past breach of immigration law can affect the application, so speak to a regulated immigration adviser if anything in your history worries you.
After approval
You attend a citizenship ceremony within a set period of approval, take the oath or affirmation and pledge, and receive your certificate of naturalisation. Only then are you a British citizen and able to apply for a passport. The UK allows dual citizenship, but check the law of your country of origin.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws change, so check the official sources below or the competent authority for your situation. Found a mistake? Tell us.