From ILR to British Citizenship – What Changes and How to Apply (2025 Guide)

Take the final step towards full belonging

You’ve achieved Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — a major milestone that gives you the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions. The next and final step on your immigration journey is applying for British citizenship.

Becoming a British citizen gives you the right to vote, hold a British passport, and truly call the UK your permanent home. This guide explains how to apply for citizenship after ILR, what changes, and how to make the process smooth and successful.

Who this guide is for

This article is for:

• ILR holders ready to apply for citizenship
• Skilled Worker or Family Visa holders who have completed five years in the UK
• Long-term residents looking for full settlement and British nationality

If you’re thinking about your next step after ILR, this guide will help you understand what’s required and how to apply correctly.

What changes after ILR

Rights and freedoms

Once you receive ILR, you can live in the UK permanently — but you’re still a citizen of another country. ILR can lapse if you stay outside the UK for two years or more.

By becoming a British citizen, you gain:

• The right to vote in all UK elections
• The ability to apply for a British passport
• Full protection under UK law as a national
• Freedom from immigration conditions or sponsorship
• The ability to pass citizenship to children born abroad

Responsibilities

With citizenship comes civic responsibility. You’ll be expected to respect UK laws, pay taxes, and participate fully in British society.

Key eligibility requirements in 2025

Residency and ILR requirement

You can apply for British citizenship 12 months after receiving ILR, unless you’re married to a British citizen — in that case, you can apply immediately.

You must also show:

• Five years of lawful residence in the UK (three years if married to a British citizen)
• No more than 450 days outside the UK during those five years (270 days for spouses)
• No more than 90 days outside the UK in the final year before applying

Knowledge of Life and Language

You must pass both:

• The Life in the UK Test
• An approved English language test at B1 level or higher (unless exempt)

If you took these tests for ILR, you can reuse the same certificates.

Good character requirement

Applicants must have a clean immigration and criminal record. Minor offences may not affect the outcome, but serious offences or deception can result in refusal.

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

Check your ILR date and ensure you meet the residence and absence limits.

Step 2: Prepare your documents

You’ll need:

• Passport and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• Proof of ILR status
• Life in the UK and English language certificates
• Evidence of residence (e.g. P60s, utility bills, council tax)
• Marriage certificate (if applying as a spouse)

Step 3: Submit your online application

Complete your citizenship application via the official UK Government website.

Step 4: Pay the fees

• Application fee: £1,580 per person (as of 2025)
• Ceremony fee: Included for adult applicants

Step 5: Attend your biometric appointment

You’ll provide fingerprints and a photo at a UKVCAS service centre.

Step 6: Wait for a decision

The Home Office usually decides within 6 months, though some applications may take longer.

Step 7: Attend your citizenship ceremony

Once approved, you’ll receive an invitation to attend a ceremony where you take an Oath of Allegiance and receive your certificate of British citizenship.

Timeline summary

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying too soon after ILR

You must wait 12 months after ILR unless applying as a spouse of a British citizen.

Missing travel evidence

Keep accurate records of time spent outside the UK.

Failing the good character test

Unpaid taxes, driving fines, or undeclared criminal matters can delay approval.

Submitting incomplete documents

Ensure all required evidence is included, especially your ILR proof and test certificates.

Life after British citizenship

Once you become a British citizen, you can:

• Apply for a British passport
• Register to vote
• Access benefits and public services (subject to eligibility)
• Leave and re-enter the UK without restrictions

However, you’ll lose your ILR status and may no longer be considered a citizen of your original country if that country does not allow dual nationality.

How AHJ Immigration helps you apply successfully

At AHJ Immigration, we guide you through every stage of your citizenship application — from eligibility checks to ceremony preparation.

We help you:

• Review your ILR and residence history
• Gather and verify documents
• Submit a complete and compliant application
• Resolve complex or delayed cases

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to speak to our citizenship specialists today.

Book your consultation

Free 30-minute consultation

Get an overview of British citizenship eligibility, residence rules, and the application process.

Book here:

Or call 0121 828 2224 to book by phone.

Paid 1-hour consultation (£120)

After your free session, you can book a 1-hour consultation where we:

• Review your documents and residence history
• Check eligibility and travel limits
• Provide written, step-by-step advice

The £120 fee is deducted from your final application cost if you continue with us.

FAQs

1. How long after ILR can I apply for British citizenship?
You can apply 12 months after ILR, or immediately if you’re married to a British citizen.

2. Do I need to take the Life in the UK Test again?
No. You can reuse your previous pass certificate from your ILR application.

3. Can I include my children?
Yes. Children can apply for registration as British citizens, depending on their circumstances.

4. How long does the process take?
Most applications are processed within 6 months, though some take longer.

5. Do I need to attend a citizenship ceremony?
Yes. It’s mandatory for all successful applicants aged 18 and over.

Our process

1. Free Consultation – Overview of your situation and eligibility.
2. Paid Consultation – Detailed review of your documents and written advice.
3. Gathering Documents – Templates, checklists, and consultant support.
4. Application Stage – Review and submission of your application.
5. Waiting Phase – Monitoring progress and handling Home Office updates.
6. Decision Phase – Support through approval, ceremony, and next steps.

Disclaimer

Fees and requirements are always subject to change as UK immigration is ever-evolving. The information provided is correct at the time of publishing. We regularly update our guides to reflect the latest Home Office guidance.

Become a British citizen with expert guidance

Applying for British citizenship is a proud moment. With AHJ Immigration, you’ll have professional support from start to finish — ensuring your application is accurate, compliant, and stress-free.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or book your free consultation today.

After your free call, book a paid 1-hour consultation (£120) for detailed, written advice — and we’ll deduct the fee from your final application cost if you continue with us.

Your journey started with a visa. Let’s finish it with citizenship.