How Long Does it Take to Apply for British Citizenship?
If you have settled status, it takes one year from when you obtain settled status to when you qualify for british citizenship. How long it takes to obtain settled status depends on the route or visa.
Speak to one of our London Immigration Lawyers for expert assistance on obtaining British citizenship and further guidance on UK citizenship costs, eligibility criteria, and more. We can assist you in person, over the phone or online. Call us at 0204 502 8582 or complete our online enquiry form for immediate support.
How Long Do I Wait to Apply for British Citizenship?
The waiting period before you apply for British citizenship depends on:
- Your length of residency in the UK on eligible visas
- Whether you are married to a British citizen
- The amount of time you have held settled status
When to Apply
To apply for British citizenship, you must consider the residency requirements, depending on your situation. Hence, you must meet the residency requirements and absence rules before applying. The Home Office will reject your application if you were not in the United Kingdom within the given time frame before submitting it.
Page Contents
- How Long Do I Wait to Apply for British Citizenship?
- Timeline for EU Nationals and Some Non-EU Work Visa Holders
- Residency Requirements for Spouse Visa Holders
- Time Spent Outside the UK
- How To Apply
- Additional Requirements for British Citizenship
- UK Naturalisation Process
- Travel and Passport Details
- Dual Nationality and Outcome Details
- Tracking British Citizenship Application Status
- How London Immigration Lawyers Can Help
- Frequently Asked Questions
Timeline for EU Nationals and Some Non-EU Work Visa Holders
Below is the timeline for individuals who didn’t arrive in the UK via marriage or civil partnership and EU nationals who entered the UK after January 1, 2021:
Year 1 – Coming to the UK
Your first year towards naturalisation in the UK begins to count from the date you enter the country with an eligible permission for a temporary period. The permissions can include a Skilled Worker visa, Global Talent visa, Ancestry visa, etc.
Year 5 – Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
You can apply for ILR to remain in the UK permanently after legally residing there for 5 consecutive years. After obtaining ILR, you’ll become a full British resident. You must maintain that status for 12 months to qualify for naturalisation.
Year 6 – Apply to Naturalise
At this stage, you can now apply for British citizenship through naturalisation.
Residency Requirements for Spouse Visa Holders
Residency requirements for spouses depend on whether non-spouses or spouses of British citizens are involved:
- Non-spouses of British citizens must have lived in the UK for up to 5 years and an additional 12 months of holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status (EU Settlement Scheme’s indefinite leave to remain) before applying.
- Spouses of British citizens must have lived in the UK for at least 3 years and can apply for British citizenship once they obtain ILR or settled status.
- If you’re a spouse to a British citizen, you must not stay outside the UK beyond 270 days in the previous 3 years.
Time Spent Outside the UK
You must not stay outside the UK beyond a certain period to apply for British citizenship. You should not have lived outside the UK beyond:
- 450 days in the last 5 years.
- 90 days in the last 1 year.
Living Outside the UK
If you live outside the UK for a certain period, you may lose your indefinite leave to remain or enter. Below are periods of continuous absence from the UK that can cause you to lose your indefinite leave to remain or enter:
- Being away for more than 5 years as a settled status holder.
- Staying away for more than 2 years after obtaining ILR.
- Being absent for more than 4 years as a settled status holder and a Swiss citizen or a Swiss citizen’s family member.
Note that the Home Office may exercise discretion for absences exceeding the allowed absence limits if:
- Your absences were justifiable or due to unavoidable circumstances, such as family reasons, work, etc.
- You have strong ties to the UK.
Exceptional Circumstances & Exemptions from Residence Requirements
The Home Office may consider you, should you encounter special circumstances during a 5-year residency requirement, such as:
- Your inability to reside in the UK from the beginning of the 5 years due to travel restrictions or health reasons.
- You were asked to leave the UK within 5 years of the qualifying period but this decision was reversed.
How to Apply
To apply for British citizenship, you must take the step-by-step process below:
- Gain a settled status following 5 years of living in the UK
- Obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and stay in the UK for another 1 year
- Meet all requirements, including language proficiency (if applicable), good character and more
- Take the British citizenship test and receive your result shortly
- Apply for a certificate of naturalisation (British citizenship application)
- Take oath at the citizenship ceremony.
Naturalisation Application Processing Time
The Home Office processes most British naturalisation applications in 6 months. If you file a comprehensive application, meeting all requirements, the authorities can decide your case within 3 to 4 months. Conversely, if your submission is not straightforward, it can take the authorities more than 6 months to determine your case.
Additional Requirements for British Citizenship
Overview
Beyond residency and absence rules, here are other UK citizenship requirements you must meet:
- English language requirement
- Life in the UK test
- Good character requirement
English Language Requirement
English language proficiency is crucial for applicants aged 18 to 65 seeking British citizenship. It ensures that applicants can integrate into British society and engage in everyday activities.
To qualify for naturalisation, British citizenship applicants must demonstrate their speaking and listening proficiency in one of the country’s languages. These languages include English, Welsh and Scottish Gaelic. Applicants seeking British citizenship can satisfy the English language requirement by:
- Passing the English proficiency test (Secure English Language Test (SELT)) at a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approved test centre at the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level B1.
- Having a UK degree certificate.
- Having a degree researched or taught in a majority English-speaking country.
- Possessing a degree researched or taught in a non-majority English-speaking country and approved by an Academic Qualification Level Statement and English Language Proficiency Statement from the European Commission of Consumer, Trade and Industry Services (ECCTIS).
- Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country.
Life in the UK Test
Those applying for British citizenship must pass the life in the UK test (also called the British citizenship test) as a part of their application process. This test assesses applicants’ knowledge of the UK geography, local culture, history and the British government. It is intended for applicants aged 18 to 65 who must take the test at a location approved by the UK authorities.
The test will be based on the content of life in the UK test official handbook. Applicants can improve their pass rates by practising the study guides on approaching the test and the sample questions and answers. The handbook is in different forms, including:
- Audiobook
- Printed book
- Online (Ebook or e-learning format)
There are more than 30 life in the UK test centres to choose from in the UK. Each applicant must select their nearest test centre when booking their tests. You must book your test at least 3 days before the exam date using your email address, credit or debit card details (for payment) and an acknowledged form of ID. This test is computer-based and candidates have 45 minutes to answer 24 multiple-choice questions.
If you fail the test, you can rewrite it several times until you pass it. You must pay for the test each time before retaking it. However, you may be exempted from taking the test, if you’re mentally or physically challenged. Moreover, if you have passed the life in the UK test and English language requirements while seeking indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status in the UK, you’re not required to retake them to apply for British citizenship.
Good Character Requirement
Applicants seeking British citizenship must prove they have respected the UK’s rights, values and laws while living there. This means you’re of good character and don’t have a serious criminal record in the country. As such, when applying for British citizenship, the authorities will check your criminal history.
Your British citizenship application will be refused if you committed a serious crime and served a sentence for over 4 years. Similarly, any non-prison conviction within the last 3 years can hurt your chances of obtaining British citizenship. The UK immigration authorities will also assess your integrity and honesty in the information you disclosed in your previous immigration applications.
UK Naturalisation Process
Overview
Foreign nationals intending to obtain British citizenship can follow the UK naturalisation process. Here are the steps individuals seeking UK naturalisation can take:
- Seek legal assistance: An immigration lawyer can ensure you meet the language, residency and other requirements. An immigration lawyer will also guide you on each step leading to the submission of a comprehensive application.
- Gather your documents: Bring all the documents you need to support your application.
- Complete the appropriate online British citizenship application form (Form AN for naturalisation) with all the required information accurately.
- Schedule and attend a biometric appointment to submit the digital scan of your fingerprints, photograph and signature.
- Pay the required fees.
- Complete and submit your application online.
- Await a decision on your application: You will be issued an approval letter upon successful application.
- Citizenship ceremony: You will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony to receive the certificate.
- Return your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 5 days working days of receiving your citizenship certificate.
Individuals seeking British citizenship by marriage must also undergo the naturalisation process. The naturalisation timeline differs according to each applicant’s visa type and situation. For instance, if you’re a Global Talent visa holder with exceptional talent, you can qualify for ILR after 3 years and apply for naturalisation. However, individuals holding a Global Talent visa with promising talent must spend 5 years in the UK before getting ILR to apply for naturalisation.
Similarly, foreign nationals married to or in civil partnership with a British citizen can apply for citizenship through naturalisation after spending 3 years in the UK and obtaining ILR. However, foreign nationals not married or in civil partnership with a UK citizen must stay in the UK for 5 years and obtain ILR to qualify for citizenship through naturalisation.
Supporting Documents for Naturalisation Application
Each applicant must provide some documents to prove their eligibility for a naturalisation application. The documents you must provide depend on your situation, including:
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
- Proof of life in the UK test.
- Your last 5 years’ travel documentation to prove continuous residency.
- Confirmation of UK residence
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Confirmation of your identity and permanent residency status such as birth certificate, passport or other travel documents.
- Proof that you’re not subject to immigration control in the UK or your indefinite leave to remain authorisation.
Travel and Passport Details
After applying for your UK citizenship, you can continue to travel. However, you must plan your travel adequately to attend a biometric appointment. Also, your trip should not exceed the allowable days of continuous absence from the UK before naturalisation.
Submitting Fingerprints for UK Citizenship
You can apply for UK citizenship within the United Kingdom through the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS). You can book an appointment online through the GOV.UK portal or UKVCAS official website to submit your biometric information (fingerprints, digital photograph and signature).
You must attend the appointment with your confirmation email alongside all other required documents. Ensure you attend this appointment and submit your biometric information within 45 days of your British citizenship application. On the day of your appointment, you should be at the venue at least 15 minutes earlier. Your application will be denied if you cannot provide your biometric information within the period.
Passport Retention During UK Citizenship Application
You can retain your passport during the UK citizenship application unless required to submit it. Alternatively, provide certified copies of your passport pages to prove your travel history and residency compliance. This will allow you to continue travelling with your original passport while the authorities review your citizenship application.
Dual Nationality and Outcome Details
Overview
The UK allows dual citizenship, permitting individuals to hold British citizenship alongside another nationality. If you’re a foreign national resident in the United Kingdom, you’re not required to renounce your original citizenship when naturalising as a British citizen.
However, some countries don’t permit dual citizenship. Hence, you must check the law of your home country before applying for naturalisation in the UK. As a dual citizen, you will enjoy the rights of British citizens and obey the laws of both countries when travelling or living abroad.
Granted British Citizenship Outcomes
If the UK government grants you British citizenship, they will invite you to attend the citizenship ceremony in 90 days. You will receive a Certificate of Naturalisation at the ceremony. With the naturalisation certificate, you will be entitled to several benefits, including to:
- Apply for a British passport
- Vote in UK elections
- Access public services
Loss of British Citizenship
If you lose British citizenship status, you will be denied all the rights UK indigenes enjoy. Furthermore, your immigration status will be annulled and you will be removed from the UK. If you travel abroad after losing your British citizenship status, you will be refused entry to the country and your British passport will become invalid.
You can lose your British citizenship for many reasons, including if the Home Secretary believes that:
- You obtained your status by withholding relevant information or fraud
- You committed a serious criminal offence
- You threaten public safety
Tracking British Citizenship Application Status
It’s essential to track the progress of your British citizenship application status after submitting it. You can track it by:
- Having legal assistance: An immigration lawyer can help you track your citizenship application. At London Immigration Lawyers, we can help you track your citizenship application status by following up on your application and ensuring the Home Office receives further details on your case if needed.
- Following the processing timeline: Knowing the processing time helps you expect a response from the Home Office within a given period.
- Contacting the Home Office or the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS).
How London Immigration Lawyers Can Help
Obtaining British citizenship through naturalisation can be overwhelming if you don’t know the appropriate steps. Hence, you should seek legal assistance from a professional immigration lawyer. Our specialised advisers at London Immigration Lawyers can help you to obtain British citizenship. Our immigration lawyers are well-versed in the UK immigration laws and can ensure you meet all the requirements for British citizenship.
We can also help you gather all the documents needed to process your citizenship application. Our immigration lawyers can represent you and communicate with the Home Office efficiently to ensure they have all they need to ensure a smooth application process. Additionally, our immigration lawyers can help you appeal an unfavourable decision (if applicable). Otherwise, we can seek an administrative or judicial review depending on your situation.
We can ensure you follow the timelines in the UK naturalisation process to meet deadlines. To learn how we can assist you in the British citizenship application process, message us or schedule an in-person meeting with one of us at London Immigration Lawyers. Alternatively, call us at 0204 502 8582 or complete our online enquiry form for immediate assistance.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at London Immigration Lawyers before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on December 12th, 2025 at 1:58 pm
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Frequently Asked Questions
There is no priority service for UK naturalisation to fast-track your British citizenship application. However, engaging the services of a professional immigration lawyer can ensure you avoid delays in your application process.
The speed of obtaining British citizenship is determined by certain factors, including:
- The workload of the Home Office
- Incorrect information in your application
- Incomplete documentation
- Complex cases
- External checks required by the Home Office
- Criminal conviction/record
