What should I do in my first week in the UK?

In your first week, register with a GP, open a bank account, apply for a National Insurance number, set up a mobile phone, explore your local area, and check your police registration requirement if applicable.

How long does it take to get ILR?

Most visa routes require 5 years of continuous residence before you can apply for ILR. Some routes (like the Spouse visa) also require 5 years. The 10-year long residence route is available if you have been lawfully resident for 10 years.

When can I apply for British citizenship?

You can apply for citizenship 12 months after receiving ILR (or settled status), provided you have been resident in the UK for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a British citizen) and meet absence limits, English language, and Life in the UK test requirements.

When can I buy property in the UK?

You can buy property at any time regardless of your visa status. There are no immigration restrictions on property ownership. However, getting a mortgage may be more challenging on some visa types. See our guide on buying property as a visa holder.

Settling in the UK Timeline: From Arrival to Citizenship

From your first week in the UK to British citizenship, there are key milestones and tasks at each stage. This timeline guide helps you plan ahead, whether you are just arriving or have been here for years.

First Week

Your first week in the UK sets the foundation for everything that follows. Key tasks:

Register with a GP near your home.
Open a bank account.
Apply for a National Insurance number.
Set up a UK mobile phone.
Complete police registration if required.
Start exploring your local area and community resources.

First Month

Register for council tax at your local council.
Understand the council tax system and any exemptions you qualify for.
If you drive, look into exchanging your driving licence.
Arrange childcare and school places if you have children.
Set up utilities and broadband at your home.

First Year

During your first year, focus on integration and building your life:

Understand your tax obligations and register for self-assessment if needed.
Start tracking your UK absences. This matters for both ILR and citizenship.
Build your relationship evidence if on a Spouse visa.
Join local groups and activities to build your social network.
Start saving towards future visa fees (extensions, ILR, citizenship).

Years 2-4: Building Towards ILR

During this period:

Apply for visa extension if required (Spouse visa at 2.5 years, Skilled Worker if changing jobs).
Continue tracking absences. For ILR, you must not be absent for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.
Study for the Life in the UK test and take it.
Ensure your English language evidence is in order.
Consider buying property if your circumstances allow.

Year 5: Applying for ILR

After 5 years of continuous residence on a qualifying route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain:

Check you meet all ILR requirements including absences, salary, and character.
Gather your ILR documents.
Apply up to 28 days before your qualifying date.
After ILR, your immigration restrictions are removed. You can live, work, and access services without limitation.

Year 6+: British Citizenship

12 months after receiving ILR, you can apply for British citizenship:

Check your residence and absence history.
Gather citizenship documents.
Apply online and attend a biometrics appointment.
After approval, attend a citizenship ceremony.
Apply for your British passport.

Next Steps

Wherever you are on this timeline, plan ahead. The GOV.UK settlement page has the official route information. Start tracking absences from day one. Save for future application fees. Gather evidence as you go rather than scrambling at the last minute.

Related guides:

Settling in the UK: Your Timeline from Arrival to Citizenship