Citizenship & ILR Planning
Are you preparing to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain or British citizenship? The requirements depend on your immigration route, residence history and personal circumstances.
Tell us where you are in the process and what you hope to do next. We’ll first understand your situation, then explain how AHJ Immigration may be able to help.
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also called settlement, allows you to live in the UK without a time limit on your stay. It can give you the freedom to work and study without the conditions attached to a temporary visa.
The requirements depend on your current and previous visa routes. Some people may qualify after five years on a particular route. Other routes have different qualifying periods and requirements. You’ll need to check the rules for your own route before applying.
ILR is not the same as British citizenship. If you receive ILR, you remain a citizen of your country of nationality. You may be able to apply to naturalise as a British citizen later if you meet the separate citizenship requirements.
For an overview of the settlement process, read our guide to Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
What will an ILR application depend on?
The requirements vary by route, but your application may involve checking:
- Whether your visa route leads to settlement
- How long you have held permission on that route
- Whether your residence has been continuous
- Your absences from the UK
- Whether you still meet route-specific requirements
- Whether you need to meet the English language and Life in the UK requirements
- Whether your immigration history raises any issues that need to be considered
For example, the requirements for someone applying after a Skilled Worker visa may differ from those for someone applying after a Spouse or Partner visa.
Applying for British citizenship
British citizenship by naturalisation is a separate application from ILR. Many applicants need to have lived in the UK for five years and held settled status, such as ILR, for at least 12 months before applying.
If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, different residence and settled-status requirements may apply. You may be able to apply without waiting 12 months after receiving ILR, if you meet the other requirements.
A citizenship application may also involve:
- Residence and absence calculations
- Your immigration history
- The good character requirement
- English language evidence
- The Life in the UK Test
- Being physically present in the UK on the required date
The exact requirements depend on your circumstances. Read our guides to British citizenship after ILR and British citizenship through marriage for more information.
How AHJ Immigration can help
We can help you understand the application route, identify the information you may need and prepare your application within the scope of our adviser’s authorisation.
Depending on your circumstances and the service agreed, support may include:
- Checking the route and requirements
We discuss your immigration history and explain which requirements may apply. - Reviewing your information
We look at relevant details such as your residence dates, absences and route-specific evidence. - Preparing the application
Where we accept your case, we can help prepare the application and supporting documents within our authorised scope. - Explaining the next steps
We explain what happens after submission and what to do if the Home Office contacts you.
We check the scope and suitability of each matter before accepting instructions. If your case needs advice or representation outside our authorised scope, we’ll explain this and discuss whether referral to a solicitor is appropriate.
Issues to check before applying
Errors in dates, residence calculations or application answers can cause problems. Before applying, check that you understand:
- Which qualifying period applies to your route
- Whether your absences affect continuous residence
- Whether your immigration history needs to be disclosed
- Which English language and Life in the UK requirements apply
- Whether previous refusals, overstaying or other issues need closer consideration
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you can ask an immigration adviser a focused question or send us details of your case.
Helpful guides on ILR and citizenship
- Indefinite Leave to Remain: how to settle in the UK
- ILR after a Spouse visa
- Moving from a Skilled Worker visa to ILR
- ILR applications for families and dependants
- The 10-year long residence route
- Life in the UK Test and English language requirements
- How to apply for British citizenship after ILR
- British citizenship through marriage
- From ILR to British citizenship: what changes
- Life after ILR: preparing for British citizenship
How do you get started?
If you’re considering an ILR or citizenship application, tell us about your current status, your route and what you want to apply for. We’ll check whether your matter is suitable for our service and explain the next step.
If you have one focused question, you can ask an immigration adviser. If you prefer to speak first, request a call back.
Citizenship and Settlement: FAQs
How long do I need to live in the UK before applying for ILR?
There isn’t one qualifying period for every applicant. The period depends on your immigration route and circumstances. Some routes commonly have a five-year qualifying period, while others have different requirements.
Can I apply for British citizenship as soon as I get ILR?
Many applicants need to hold ILR for 12 months before applying. If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you may be able to apply sooner, provided you meet the relevant residence and other requirements.
Do I need to pass the Life in the UK Test and an English test?
Many adult applicants need to meet both requirements, but exemptions may apply. Check the requirements for your route and circumstances before applying.
How long will an ILR or citizenship application take?
Processing times can change and vary between applications. Check the current Home Office information when you are ready to apply. We cannot guarantee how quickly a decision will be made.
What if my application is refused?
The next step depends on the decision and your circumstances. We can first check whether the matter falls within our authorised scope. Some refusal matters require higher-level advice or referral to a solicitor.
