UK citizenship offers many advantages, from the right to live and work in the UK to the ability to apply for a British passport. There are several routes to apply for citizenship based on your specific circumstances, including indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or marriage to a British citizen. Let’s explore the main pathways for eligibility.
Requirements for UK Citizenship
To apply for UK citizenship, you need permission to stay in the UK until your citizenship is granted. If you already have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, this fulfills the requirement.
Born in the UK – Are You Automatically a Citizen?
Being born in the UK does not always mean automatic citizenship. Your eligibility depends on when you were born and your parents’ status. Check your circumstances to see if you qualify for citizenship.
Citizenship by Marriage or Civil Partnership
If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you may be eligible for citizenship after three years of living in the UK. Additionally, you need either ILR, settled status, or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Applying for Citizenship with ILR
Typically, you can apply for ILR after living in the UK for five years. To qualify for citizenship, you must have held ILR for at least 12 months.
Eligibility with Settled Status
Under the EU Settlement Scheme, you need to have settled status for a minimum of 12 months before applying for citizenship.
Other Routes to UK Citizenship
There are alternative ways to qualify for citizenship, including:
- Having a British parent or a parent with British overseas territories citizenship.
- Holding another type of British nationality.
- Being stateless or a Chagossian descendant.
- Regaining citizenship if you previously renounced it.
Commonwealth Citizens and the Windrush Scheme
If you or your parent arrived in the UK before 1973 and have maintained residence, you may be eligible under the Windrush Scheme. If your parent arrived before 1973, you must have either been born in the UK or entered the UK before turning 18.