Settlement & Citizenship Guide
Your complete route to settling in the UK — ILR routes, continuous residence, English language, documents, good character, the application and the ceremony.
Everything about settlement, organised
Routes to ILR
The five main routes to Indefinite Leave to Remain — Skilled Worker, Family, Student, and others — plus the qualifying period and fees for each.
Continuous Residence
The continuous residence rule — how long you must have lived in the UK, the absence limits, and how to calculate your qualifying period.
English Language Requirement
You must prove your English ability for both ILR and citizenship. Learn which tests are accepted, the required levels, and who is exempt.
Documents & Evidence
The documents you need for ILR and citizenship — passports, payslips, P60s, tenancy agreements, and how to organise your evidence.
Good Character Requirement
The good character requirement for British citizenship — criminal records, immigration history, tax compliance and what the Home Office checks.
Citizenship Application
How to apply for British citizenship — eligibility, the application form, referees, fees and processing times.
Ceremony & After
The citizenship ceremony — what happens, the oath of allegiance, and what you can do once you become British.
When can you apply for ILR?
Use our free calculator to find out your earliest ILR eligibility date based on your visa route and time in the UK.
Pass the Life in the UK Test first
You need to pass the Life in the UK Test for both ILR and citizenship. Start practising with free exam-style questions.