What are the main requirements for applying for British citizenship?

To be eligible, you generally need five years of residence, or three if married to a British citizen. You must have held Indefinite Leave to Remain or EUSS settled status for 12 months, kept absences within limits, passed the Life in the UK test and English B1, and meet good character requirements.

What happens after I submit my citizenship application?

After submitting your application, you will attend a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS service point. The decision on your application typically takes four to six months. If your application is refused, you may be able to request an administrative review or seek judicial review.

What happens once my citizenship application is approved?

If your application is approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony within 90 days. During the ceremony, you will make an oath of allegiance and a pledge. Following this, your certificate of naturalisation is issued, after which you can apply for a British passport.

Who is this naturalisation process intended for?

The naturalisation process is designed for holders of Indefinite Leave to Remain or EUSS settled status who wish to become British citizens. It covers the entire journey from the initial eligibility check through to the final citizenship ceremony, which includes verifying residence, language, and character requirements.

All Legal Journeys

Immigration Law

UK-wide

5 stages

6–12 months

Reviewed 2026-05-22

Naturalisation journey

From eligibility check (ILR + residence + Life in UK + English) to citizenship ceremony.

This page covers UK-wide law. Where local procedure differs (e.g. courts or tribunals), this is noted in the relevant section.

Who Uses This Journey

Holders of Indefinite Leave to Remain (or EUSS settled status) seeking to become British citizens.

Stage-by-Stage Timeline

Eligibility check

5 years' residence (3 if married to British), 12 months' ILR, absences within limits, Life in UK + English B1, good character. Use our citizenship checker.

Form AN

Apply on Form AN. Adult fee £1,709 (biometric enrolment is free).

Biometric appointment

At UKVCAS service point.

Decision

Decision typically 4–6 months. Refusals reviewable or judicially reviewable.

Possible Outcomes

Approved
Refused (administrative review or JR)

Citizenship ceremony

Within 90 days of approval. Oath of allegiance + pledge. Certificate issued; passport application thereafter.

Official Sources

Apply for British citizenship

Frequently asked questions

What are the main requirements for applying for British citizenship?: To be eligible, you generally need five years of residence, or three if married to a British citizen. You must have held Indefinite Leave to Remain or EUSS settled status for 12 months, kept absences within limits, passed the Life in the UK test and English B1, and meet good character requirements.
What happens after I submit my citizenship application?: After submitting your application, you will attend a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS service point. The decision on your application typically takes four to six months. If your application is refused, you may be able to request an administrative review or seek judicial review.
What happens once my citizenship application is approved?: If your application is approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony within 90 days. During the ceremony, you will make an oath of allegiance and a pledge. Following this, your certificate of naturalisation is issued, after which you can apply for a British passport.
Who is this naturalisation process intended for?: The naturalisation process is designed for holders of Indefinite Leave to Remain or EUSS settled status who wish to become British citizens. It covers the entire journey from the initial eligibility check through to the final citizenship ceremony, which includes verifying residence, language, and character requirements.