So You Finally Have an Indefinite Leave to Remain… Here’s What You Should Do Next

You no longer have to worry about living and working in the United Kingdom. You’re free to study and vote. You can now gain access to healthcare and even public funds. Basically, you’re playing the part of a British citizen, only without the passport!

So, why not making things official? After obtaining your indefinite leave to remain, which has a validity of 5 years, your next step should be to apply for citizenship.

The Process

The only caveat to applying for naturalization is that you should be over 18 and be living in the UK for 12 months with one of the following permits:

• Indefinite leave to remain
• A settled status (an ILR for EU citizens under the EU settlement scheme)
• Indefinite leave to enter the UK (permission to move to the country if you’re from abroad)

Putting these conditions aside, you don’t have to satisfy the 12-month requirement if you’re married to a British citizen.

Paperwork Requirements

Now that you have an ILR, be sure to store your paperwork carefully so you can use it later. For naturalization, you have to have documentation for the following:

• Proof of your knowledge of English, Scottish Gaelic or Welsh
• Proof of a passedLife in the UK test
• Proof of continued living in the UK
• Proof that you’d been in the UK for five years before the day you submitted your application to Home Office
• Proof of sound mind and character

Costs

Along with the total fee of the application £1,330, you will also need to pay £19.20 for biometric information and fingerprinting.

Do You Qualify to Apply for British Citizenship?

Wembley Solicitors in Middlesex can help you get started on your application. Contact us today at 020 3417 3700 or book a consultation at our London office. We are the leading UK lawyers for all visa-related legal matters!