Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a route to British citizenship

Gaining British citizenship is a dream of millions across the globe.It is the most talked about immigration journey.

There are many routes that lead up to obtaining British citizenship, but the most popular one is through the process of Naturalisation.

Naturalisation is an immigration route by which overseas nationals are able to become British citizens if they meet all the requirements written in the law.

An important requirement for Naturalisation application is to have a current Indefinite leave to remain (ILR UK) and a good character requirement.

Requirements for Naturalisation application British citizenship

• You must have met residency requirements
• You must have a good character and sound mind
• You must have full capacity to become a UK resident
• You must have 2 referees to endorse your application for naturalisation UK
• Fill form AN for naturalisation online and pay the fee
• You also need to make a biometrics appointment at the nearest visa and application centre.
• Wait for the decision to be made by the Home Office.

You must also be free from immigration restrictions for 12 months before making the naturalisation application.

Additional information on requirements

• You must have cleared the Life in the UK test
• You must lived in the UK for at least  years in continuous residence
• You must have never stayed outside the UK for more than 450 days in last 5 years of your residence
• You must have never stayed outside the UK for more than 90 days in last qualifying year with ILR(this is for British citizenship)
• You must have a sound knowledge of English language
• You must have never broken any UK law
• You should have a strong intention to live in the UK

Routes that lead to ILR

There are many routes that lead to ILR. The most sought-after ones are:

1. UK Spouse visa- it is said to provide the shortest way to Indefinite leave to remain. This visa allows you to gain ILR after 3 years.
2. Sole representative visa- this visa allows you to stay in the Uk for 3 years initially, then you can extend your stay for 2 more years and gain ILR.
3. Skilled worker visa- allows you to stay and work for 5 years after which you can gain ILR
4. Global talent visa- allows you to study or work in the UK for 3 years, and then extend to 2 more years and then gain ILR

British citizenship application processing

You must wait for at least 6 months before getting a decision on your application.

If your application is accepted and approved, you need to plan your British citizenship ceremony.

You will be pronounced a British citizen and handed a citizenship certificate.

Your fee charged for your application is £1,330. Citizenship fee is £80. Biometrics fee is  £19.20. The Home Office charges £1,206 for adult registration and £1,012 for child registration.

You must seek legal advice before making a decision to become British citizenship. Immigration experts, A Y & J Solicitors are experts in British citizenship and can help you represent your case to the UK Home Office.