British Citizenship by Registration
A quicker and easier way of becoming a British Citizen for qualifying applicants
If a person at or above 18 has some form of British Nationality, they may ‘register’ as a British Citizen instead, provided they meet the usual residence requirements.
If a child under 18 has at least one British parent, he or she may also ‘register’ as a British Citizen. However, the requirements are more complicated for them.
British Citizenship by Naturalisation
For foreign nationals with settled status in the UK and want to become British Citizens
If you are at or above 18 and wish to apply for British Citizenship, you may do so, if
- You have spent a continuous period of 5 years in the UK up until the date of your application
- You have not been absent from the UK for more than 90 days in each calendar year
- You have not been absent from the UK for more than 450 days in total
- You have been holding Indefinite Leave to Remain for at least 12 months before the date of your application
Settlement
For those who want to be exempt from immigration time restriction
‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’
Route to Permanent Residency chart:
| VISA TYPE | QUALIFYING PERIOD |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 (Investor) | 2, 3, or 5 years depending on the investment |
| Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) | 3 or 5 years depending on the business |
| Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) | 5 years |
| Sole Representative | 5 years |
| Skilled Worker (Sportspersons), (Religious Workers) | 5 years |
| Intra-Company Transfer | Not allowed to settle any more |
| Marriage / Civil Partnership | 5 years |
| Unmarried Partner | 5 years |
| Long residency (Student or a combination of continuous lawful stay in the UK on any visas) | 10 years |
| Continuous unlawful stay in the UK | 20 years |
| Retired Person of Independent Means | Granted upon entry clearance |
| Dependent Child / Adult Relative | Granted upon entry clearance |
5-Year Route
The old Work Permit and Highly-Skilled Migrant schemes are now closed to new applicants. The Home Office has introduced new categories in Tiers 1 and Skilled Worker visa, and the ancestry visa to allow migrants to settle after residing in the UK for a continuous period of 5 years (Does not apply to students). In some cases, applicants may be allowed to combine the times spent under different work visas to make up those 5 years. Dependents may also apply for settlement along with the main applicant.
10-Year Route
If a person has spent a continuous period of 10 years in the UK on any visa types (for example a Student Route visa) without any break in residence, they may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Dependents cannot apply in line with the main applicant.