Citizenship when you already have settlement

What ILR Gives You

Indefinite Leave to Remain is a settled immigration status that allows you to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions. With ILR, you can:

• Work in any job without restrictions
• Access public funds and benefits (the NRPF condition is removed)
• Access the NHS without paying the Immigration Health Surcharge
• Apply for student finance
• Set up and run a business
• Sponsor family members for certain visa types

For many people, ILR provides everything they need. It is a significant milestone and, in practical terms, gives you most of the day-to-day rights of a British citizen.

What ILR Does Not Give You

Despite its name suggesting permanence, ILR has several important limitations compared to British citizenship:

• No British passport: You cannot hold a British passport with ILR. You continue to travel on your existing nationality's passport.
• No right to vote in general elections: Unless you are a Commonwealth or Irish citizen, ILR alone does not give you the right to vote in UK Parliamentary elections.
• It can lapse: If you spend 2 or more continuous years outside the UK, your ILR automatically lapses. You would need to apply for a Returning Resident visa to come back.
• It can be revoked: ILR can be revoked on the grounds of fraud, deception, or if you are convicted of a serious criminal offence and deported.
• Cannot be passed to children born abroad: If you have a child born outside the UK, they will not automatically acquire any right to live in the UK through your ILR.

What Citizenship Adds

British citizenship gives you everything ILR provides, plus additional rights and protections:

• British passport: One of the strongest passports in the world, giving visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.
• Right to vote: You can vote in all UK elections, including general elections, local elections, and referendums.
• Cannot lapse through absence: You can leave the UK for any length of time and return whenever you want.
• Stronger protection from deportation: British citizens cannot be deported. In extreme cases, citizenship can be revoked (deprivation), but this is rare and requires the Home Secretary's personal decision.
• Passed to children: Children born to British citizens (even abroad) may automatically be British citizens by descent.
• Right to stand for public office: You can stand as a candidate in elections.
• Consular protection: You can access British consular services when travelling abroad.

The 2-Year Absence Rule for ILR

This is one of the most important differences between ILR and citizenship, and it is the reason many people choose to apply for citizenship even when they are happy with their ILR.

If you leave the UK and stay abroad for 2 or more continuous years, your ILR automatically lapses. It does not matter that you intended to return. Your settled status simply ceases to exist.

You can apply for a Returning Resident visa to return, but this is not guaranteed. You must convince the Home Office that your absence was not a deliberate choice to leave the UK permanently.

Life is unpredictable. Family emergencies, work assignments, caring for elderly parents, or health issues abroad can all lead to extended absences. If there is any chance you might need to spend significant time abroad, citizenship provides security that ILR does not.

When ILR Might Be Enough

Not everyone needs or wants British citizenship. ILR may be sufficient if:

• You plan to live in the UK permanently and rarely travel abroad for long periods
• Your home country does not allow dual citizenship, and you do not want to give up your existing nationality
• You are a Commonwealth citizen and already have the right to vote in UK elections
• The cost of citizenship (currently £1,839, including the ceremony fee) is a barrier
• You are not concerned about passing British status to future children

There is no obligation to apply for citizenship. Many people live in the UK on ILR for decades without any issues. The decision depends on your personal circumstances and priorities.

When You Should Seriously Consider Citizenship

Citizenship becomes particularly valuable if:

• You travel frequently or might need to live abroad for extended periods
• You want the security of knowing your status cannot lapse
• You want a British passport for easier international travel
• You want to vote in UK elections
• You plan to have children and want them to be British citizens
• Your home country allows dual citizenship, so you lose nothing by becoming British
• You work in a field that requires British citizenship (some government and security roles)

The Citizenship Application Process

If you decide to apply for citizenship, the process is:

1. Wait at least 12 months after receiving ILR before applying for citizenship.
2. Ensure you meet the residency requirements (no more than 450 days absent from the UK in the 5 years before your application, and no more than 90 days absent in the 12 months before).
3. Pass the Life in the UK test (if you have not already passed it for ILR).
4. Meet the English language requirement.
5. Be of good character.
6. Submit your application online and pay £1,839: £1,709 to apply plus the £130 ceremony fee.
7. Attend a citizenship ceremony once approved.

For a detailed breakdown, see our guide to applying for British citizenship.

Dual Citizenship

The UK allows dual citizenship. Becoming British does not require you to give up your existing nationality, as far as the UK is concerned.

However, some countries do not allow their citizens to hold another nationality. If your home country does not permit dual citizenship, you may need to renounce your original nationality before or after becoming British. Check the laws of your home country carefully before applying.

For more details, see our guide to dual citizenship in the UK.

Cost Comparison

The financial aspect is worth considering:

• ILR application: £3,226 (one-off cost, already paid)
• Citizenship application: £1,709, plus a £130 ceremony fee (£1,839 in total)
• British passport: £102 online for a standard adult passport, or £115.50 on a paper form (after citizenship is granted)

The total additional cost of citizenship is around £1,940 including the first passport. Whether this is worthwhile depends on the value you place on the additional rights and security that citizenship provides.

See our detailed citizenship fees breakdown for more information.

Making Your Decision

There is no right or wrong answer. The decision depends on your personal circumstances, your plans for the future, your financial situation, and your feelings about identity and belonging.

If you are unsure, consider this: citizenship gives you everything ILR gives you, plus additional rights and much greater security. The main reasons not to apply are cost, the requirement to renounce another nationality (if your home country does not allow dual citizenship), or simply not wanting to become a British citizen.

If you are eligible and can afford it, most immigration advisers recommend applying for citizenship. The additional security and rights it provides are significant, and you lose nothing by having it.

You may also find our UK Visa Fees: Complete Guide and eVisa Guide helpful.

Questions and answers