Naturalisation timeline: from settlement to passport

Most people take between eighteen months and two years from getting settlement to holding a British passport. This is the sequence and where the time goes.

1. Settlement

Indefinite leave to remain or settled status is the starting point. For most people the clock to citizenship starts here; see indefinite leave to remain.

2. The waiting period

• Standard route: you must have held settlement for 12 months before applying, and have lived in the UK for the five years before the application.
• Married to a British citizen: no 12-month wait; three years' residence is enough.

During this period you must stay within the absence limits (450 days in five years and 90 in the last year; 270 in three years and 90 in the last year for spouses).

3. Preparing

Life in the UK test, English evidence if you do not already hold it, two referees, and a full travel history. This takes a few weeks if the documents are in order. See naturalisation for the requirements.

4. Applying

Online application, fee of £1,839 (including the ceremony fee), then a biometrics appointment. The six-month decision period runs from the biometrics date.

5. The decision

Usually within six months; see citizenship processing times.

6. The ceremony

Within three months of the invitation, at the local council. You become British on the day of the ceremony and receive your certificate.

7. The passport

Apply to HM Passport Office with the certificate. Allow several weeks, longer in peak seasons.

Children

Children can be registered at the same time as a parent naturalises, or afterwards; see registering a child as a British citizen.

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