Every official resource you need for UK citizenship and settlement in one place

If you're applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship, you've probably noticed that the information is scattered across dozens of government websites, forums, and solicitor blogs. It's confusing, especially when you're trying to figure out what's official and what's not.

Here's everything you need, organised by what you're trying to do, with direct links to the official sources.

1. The application itself

Where to apply: The Home Office handles all citizenship and settlement applications. Everything starts here:

• Settlement (ILR): gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/settle-in-the-uk
• British citizenship by naturalisation (Form AN): gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain
• Register a child as British (Form MN1): gov.uk/government/publications/register-child-under-18-as-british-citizen-form-mn1

Fees (from April 2025):

• Adult naturalisation: £1,605 + £130 ceremony fee = £1,735 total
• Child registration: £1,214
• Adult registration: £1,446

Processing time: The Home Office aims to decide within 6 months of your biometrics appointment. Straightforward cases can be faster (3 to 4 months). Complex cases can take longer.

2. The Life in the UK test

You need to pass this test for both ILR and citizenship applications (unless you're exempt due to age or medical reasons).

Official test information and booking: gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test

Key facts:

• Cost: £50 per attempt
• Format: 24 multiple choice questions
• Pass mark: 18 out of 24 (75%)
• Time limit: 45 minutes
• You can retake as many times as needed, but must wait 7 days between attempts
• Test centres are located across the UK. You'll need to bring valid ID on the day.

How to prepare: The test is based on the official "Life in the United Kingdom" handbook. You can buy the handbook from most bookshops or read it online. However, most people find that practice tests are more effective than reading the handbook cover to cover.

You can try a free mock test to see how you'd score right now. It's 24 questions in the real exam format with instant results and no signup required.

3. English language requirements

You'll need to prove your English language ability for both ILR and citizenship. There are two ways to do this:

Option A: Pass an approved English language test If your English is at B1 level (CEFR) or above, you can take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider. The main approved providers include Trinity College London and IELTS (UKVI). Tests typically cost £150 or more.

You don't need to take a separate English test if you have a degree taught in English, or if you're a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Option B: Take an ESOL course with citizenship materials If your English is below B1 level (Entry Level 1 or 2), you can take an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course instead. These courses combine English language learning with citizenship knowledge, and a qualification from an approved ESOL course is accepted by the Home Office as proof of both language ability and knowledge of life in the UK. This means you would not also need to take the Life in the UK test separately.

Finding ESOL courses:

• Search for courses in your area at gov.uk by searching "ESOL courses"
• Your local council website will usually list ESOL providers in your area
• Many courses are free or heavily subsidised if you're on benefits, a low income, or have refugee status
• Courses are available at local colleges, community centres, and some charities
• Options include daytime, evening, and weekend classes. Some offer childcare while you learn.

4. Checking your eligibility

Before you spend £1,735 on an application, make sure you're actually eligible. The main requirements for naturalisation are:

• You must be 18 or over
• You must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a British citizen)
• You must have held ILR or settled status for at least 12 months
• You must not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the 5-year period, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months
• You must be of "good character" (no serious criminal convictions, tax issues, or immigration breaches)
• You must pass the Life in the UK test (or ESOL equivalent)
• You must meet the English language requirement

Eligibility checker: gov.uk/check-british-citizenship

5. After your application is approved

Once approved, you'll receive an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony within 3 months. After the ceremony, you can apply for your first British passport immediately.

• Passport application: gov.uk/apply-first-adult-passport
• Passport fee: £88.50 (online)
• Processing time: Approximately 3 weeks standard, or 1 week with Fast Track (£166.50)

6. Other useful official links

• Check your immigration status online: gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
• Find your local citizenship ceremony: Contact your local council directly
• Fee waiver for children under 18: gov.uk/government/publications/fee-waiver-for-citizenship-children
• Good character guidance: gov.uk/government/publications/good-character-nationality

The bottom line

The process can feel overwhelming, but the core steps are straightforward: check your eligibility, pass the Life in the UK test, gather your documents, apply, attend the ceremony, get your passport.

If you want to see where you stand right now, take our free mock test. It takes 10 minutes, and you'll know immediately whether you're ready to book the real test or need more practice.

You can also use our citizenship timeline tool to see a personalised breakdown of each step in your journey.