Citizenship & Settlement
From visa to settlement to British citizenship — the complete step-by-step route. ILR, the Life in the UK Test, good character, documents, the application and the ceremony.
Your route to settlement, step by step
Work through each stage in order. Every step links to the guides you need.
Visas & entry
Skilled worker, graduate, family and spouse routes — your first step to a life in the UK.
Indefinite Leave to Remain
The settlement stage — requirements, documents, fees and the timeline to ILR.
Life in the UK Test
The test you must pass for both ILR and citizenship — requirements, booking, cost and results.
Good character
Criminal records, immigration history and the good character requirement.
Documents
Everything you need to prepare — proof of residence, English language, identity and more.
Apply for citizenship
The application itself — routes, requirements and what the Home Office looks for.
Ceremony & after
The citizenship ceremony, oath and what happens once you are British.
When can you apply for ILR?
Enter your visa route and start date to see your earliest ILR application date — and how long after that you can apply for citizenship.
Check your eligibility datePreparing for the Life in the UK Test?
Free practice exams, flashcards and study guides for every part of the official handbook.