Citizenship eligibility
When can I apply for British citizenship?
Tell us your visa route and how long you've been in the UK. We'll show your earliest ILR and citizenship dates, plus what else you need to have ready.
Most working visa holders need 5 continuous years on the route before applying for ILR.
Your timeline
Standard wait: 5 years on this route.
Standard wait: 1 year after ILR.
- ✗Pass the Life in the UK Test (£50 · once per pass). Start free practice →
- ✗Meet the B1 English language requirement (or be a citizen of a majority-English-speaking country).
- •Stay within absence limits (no more than 180 days outside the UK in any year).
- •Have a clean immigration record and good character.
| ILR application fee | £3,029 |
| Citizenship application fee | £1,630 |
| Life in the UK Test | £50 |
| Biometrics (each application) | £19.5 |
| Estimated total | £4,748 |
Home Office fees change every April. Always confirm current fees at gov.uk before applying.
Frequently asked
How long does it take to get British citizenship?+
Most routes need 6 years total: 5 years to ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain), then 1 more year before applying for citizenship. The exception is spouses of British citizens — same-day eligibility for citizenship the day ILR is granted. UK Ancestry visas, Skilled Worker visas, and most family routes are 5+1. Long residence is 10 years to ILR.
How much does British citizenship cost in 2026?+
The naturalisation fee alone is £1,630 (April 2026). Add £19.50 biometrics and the citizenship ceremony fee. Most applicants also pay £3,029 for ILR earlier in the process. Total realistic cost from start to British passport: £4,700-£5,200 in government fees, before any solicitor costs.
What's the difference between ILR and British citizenship?+
ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) is permanent residency — you can stay in the UK indefinitely but you can't vote in general elections, can't get a British passport, and ILR is lost if you spend more than 2 years outside the UK. British citizenship is a stronger status — you get a passport, voting rights, and can never be removed.
Does this calculator give legal advice?+
No. This is reference information only. Immigration cases can be complex — if you have overstays, gaps in residence, dependent visas, or a criminal record, you should consult a regulated UK immigration solicitor.