You may have heard some chatter recently about Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and potential rule changes.

We want to assure you right away that, as yet, nothing has been set in stone. We haven’t seen any official changes confirmed.

However, we totally understand that public discussions like this can make you want to get your ducks in a row and review your long-term plans. If you’ve been considering the final step on your immigration journey, now’s a great time to brush up on the requirements for British Naturalisation.

A Straightforward Summary

For those ready to move from settled status to full British Citizenship, here’s a straightforward summary of the process and what you’ll need:

An Essential Check Before You Start

So you don’t risk losing your current citizenship, please confirm with your current nationality’s Consulate whether you are permitted to hold Dual Citizenship before you apply for British Naturalisation.

1. Documents & Timing

You’ll need to submit your current passport (even if it’s expired) and any old or cancelled passports you’ve used since you started living in the UK. The good news is, you get to keep your passports and can travel if you need to while your application is being processed, provided you have valid ILR status (E-Visa) and a valid passport.

Just be aware that the Home Office is currently taking up to 6 months to process these applications.

2. Your ILR & Residency Timeline

The specific amount of time you need to have held ILR before applying for Naturalisation depends on your relationship status:

Standard Route
If you’re not married to or in a civil partnership with a British Citizen, you must have held your ILR status for a minimum of 12 months before you can submit your application.
Spousal Route
If you are married to a British Citizen, you can apply as soon as your Indefinite Leave to Remain is granted—no need to wait the extra 12 months.

There’s also a rule about your physical presence in the UK on a specific date in the past:

5-Year Route
You must have been physically present in the UK exactly 5 years ago on the day the Home Office receives your application.
3-Year (Spousal) Route
You must have been physically present in the UK exactly 3 years ago on the day the Home Office receives your application.

3. Referees & Knowledge Checks

Referees
You’ll need two suitable people to act as referees. One must hold a British Passport and be either a professional or over the age of 25.
Life in the UK Test
If you’re between 18 and 65, you need to pass this (unless you qualify for a KOLL exemption).
English Language
You must meet the English Language Requirement at Level B1. You might be able to use the same tests you passed for your ILR application if you took them after October 2013.

International Degrees
If your degree (Masters, Bachelors, PhD) is from outside the UK, you’ll need to have it confirmed by ECCTIS as equivalent to a UK degree.
Exemptions
If you are under 18 or over 65, or if you are from a majority English-speaking country, you are exempt. A Masters, Bachelors, or PhD from a UK University also counts!
Waivers
If a physical or mental health reason prevents you from sitting the tests, a KOLL waiver can be completed by a registered GMC practitioner.

Image: Epsom, UK, Photo by Hao Dong on Unsplash

4. Fees & How We Can Help

The Home Office charge a fee for applications.

Home Office Fees

Applicant	Fee per applicant
Adult	£1,735.00
Child (under 18)	£1,214.00

Note: The Home Office Adult fee covers the cost of your Citizenship Ceremony. If a child turns 18 during processing, the Home Office will ask for an extra £130 for their ceremony fee.

If you choose to work with Nexus Visas, we’ll handle the stress for you – we complete the forms, check your documents, and manage communications with the Home Office until you get a decision. We charge a fee for this service and can provide a quote on request.

5. After the Ceremony: Passport Essentials

Once your application is successful, you’ll be invited to a Naturalisation ceremony at your local council’s Registry Office to receive your certificate.

A Key Point for Travel once Naturalised
After your ceremony, your ILR status immediately becomes void. You cannot use it to travel anymore! You MUST get your physical British Passport to enter and leave the UK, as the Naturalisation certificate is not a travel document.
Apply for Your British Passport
Once you have your certificate, you’ll need to apply and pay for your British Passport through the HMPO Online service. We can’t assist you with this so please be sure to plan for thios.

We hope this helps gives you a better understanding of your Ready to explore your options or get started? Let us know!

Featured Image: Photos by E R on Unsplash & Laura Lezman on Unsplash

How Nexus Visas Can Help

We are here to guide you through your Immigration Journey and help you over any hurdles. If it’s UK Immigration advice you require, our London based Advisors can assist you with most Level 1 IAA related queries and applications.

British Naturalisation: Application Checklist