ILR to Naturalisation
Find out more about applying for ILR and British Citizenship with our Advice Package.
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Moving from ILR to Naturalisation
ILR to citizenship can be a long and complex process, and it is likely to be one of the most important decisions you ever undertake. One of the main requirements for naturalisation is holding Indefinite Leave to Remain for at least a year before your application. You will need to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain before you start the process of applying for citizenship.
The transition from ILR to naturalisation involves many of the same requirements. These include a good character assessment, residence requirement and Life in the UK test. This means you will not need to pass a second Life in the UK test to apply for British Citizenship.
How can IAS help?
Our expert lawyers have decades of experience in settlement applications and, after ILR we can advise you on how to apply for citizenship. We will ensure you meet the requirements for ILR and then advise you on how to ensure you meet the requirements for British Citizenship once you have held ILR for at least one year.
If you need support, you can get in touch with our London, Manchester, or Birmingham immigration lawyers, or alternatively, use the office finder to find the closest branch to you. To discuss your options or start the process of going from ILR to naturalisation, call us on 0333 363 8577 or make an enquiry using our online contact form.
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Jazzmin
Posted 2 years ago
"I booked an advice appointment and my experience with Niamh Fegan was fantastic. After discussing the circumstances for my partner and me we worked through the visa requirements and I was provided with clear guidance on how to confidently apply for my partner's migration."
Oliver
Posted 2 years ago
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Wael
Posted 2 years ago
Last modified on February 14th, 2023 at 1:44 pm
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The Advice Package
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Our Application Package is designed to help relieve the stress of immigration applications. One of our legal caseworkers will help you throughout the entire process, including establishing your eligibility for your chosen route, completing your application form to the highest standards and organising your documents. We will then submit it and monitor its status on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our premium Fast Track Package is ideal if you need to submit an application quickly, such as if you need to meet a tight deadline. Our lawyers will work closely with you to see that your application is completed to the highest standards and ensure you get your application in on time, helping to take the stress and pressure off you.
The Appeal Package
Visa appeals can be a stressful process, especially if you’re relying on a specific visa to be approved. Our legal team can help you navigate the whole process and maximise your chances of a successful appeal, working alongside you to reach a favourable result. We can also represent you in immigration-related hearings and tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, to be eligible for ILR, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- have spent the last five years in the UK, with no breaches over the limit of 180 days in each of the five years;
- proof that you are of good moral character;
- have passed the Life in the UK test;
- proof that you still meet the requirements of your previous visa category at the time of your application; and
- have evidence of your knowledge of the English language at the relevant level for ILR of B1
In some cases, you may not be able to apply for ILR until ten years of continuous residence. Read more about how to apply for ILR after five years to find out more.
The application for naturalisation has many of the same requirements, including the good character assessment, Life in the UK test and five-year residence requirement. You will also need to show you have held ILR for at least a year.
The most common form for applying for naturalisation from ILR is Form AN. You will need to complete this form correctly and include evidence which satisfies every requirement before you submit it. There is a fee of £1,330 for the application which is non-refundable. The application is extensive and time-consuming, requiring exceptional attention to detail. To ensure you do it right first time, you may wish to seek the help of an immigration professional.
For more information, read our Form AN Guide.
Once you have been naturalised, you will be a full citizen of the United Kingdom. This means you will be able to apply for a UK passport and you will be completely free from immigration restrictions across Great Britain.
You may have the opportunity to apply for your passport at the same time as your naturalisation using the Nationality Document Return Service. This service allows you to take your supporting documents to your local authority and copy them for your application. Using this service will allow you to keep your documents while your citizenship application is processing.
Once you have held ILR for at least one year, you can then make your application for British Citizenship. You will also need to show you have lived in the UK for a continuous residency period of five years.
After making the application for naturalisation, the Home Office will inform you that they have received your application within four weeks. The average processing time is about six months.
As one of the largest and oldest immigration law firms in the country, we understand the importance of settlement applications. We have a proven track record of supporting clients from their first visa all the way through to British Citizenship.
With our ILR to naturalisation service, we will:
- ensure you are eligible and meet the requirements before applying;
- confirm you have the necessary evidence and advise you on alternative documents if necessary;
- advise you on how to remain eligible for British Citizenship following your application for ILR;
- write a personalised Letter of Representation which supports your case for both applications;
- prepare you for tests such as the English language and Life in the UK test;
- maintain contact with the Home Office and inform you as soon as a decision has been made.
For more information about any part of this process, or to get started, call us now on 0333 363 8577 or make an enquiry online using our contact form.