If you have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, you may be considering applying for British citizenship. This guide outlines the conditions and steps involved in transitioning from ILR to full British citizenship.
Immediate Eligibility:
Married to a British Citizen: If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you can apply for citizenship immediately after obtaining ILR.
Children Under 18: Children can apply immediately if one parent has ILR.
General Eligibility:
While ILR allows you to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely without immigration control, it does not confer the full rights of a British citizen. British citizenship grants several additional privileges:
Permanent Residence: Your immigration status becomes permanently secured.
Voting Rights: You can vote in general and local elections.
NHS Access: Full access to NHS medical care is granted.
British Passport: You can travel freely in and out of the UK and face no immigration restrictions on return.
Family Benefits: Your children and partner may qualify for British citizenship.
To transition from ILR to British citizenship, you must meet the following criteria:
Residence Requirements: No more than 450 days outside the UK during your qualifying period and no more than 90 days abroad in the last 12 months.
Lawful Conduct: No breaches of immigration laws and no criminal convictions.
Cultural Integration: Pass the 'Life in the UK' test and demonstrate English language proficiency.
Settling Intentions: Show plans to live in the UK permanently.
Online Application: The easiest method is through an online application where you can also upload documents and pay fees.
Documents Needed:
Biometrics Appointment: After submitting your application online, you will need to attend an in-person appointment to provide biometric data.
Processing Time: The citizenship application process can take up to six months, during which you can stay in the UK under your current status.
Citizenship Ceremony: Upon approval, attend the ceremony, swear allegiance to the Queen, and receive your certificate of citizenship.
British Passport Application: You can then apply for your first UK passport. This may require a face-to-face interview to verify your identity.
Navigating from ILR to British citizenship involves careful planning and adherence to specific legal requirements. Ensure all documents are correctly prepared and translated, and keep contact details up-to-date to avoid delays. Attending your citizenship ceremony promptly is crucial, as failure to do so may require reapplication.
Prepared on the information from iasservices.org.uk