If you hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, you may be wondering how to take the next step toward British citizenship and obtaining a UK passport. While ILR allows you to live and work in the UK indefinitely, it does not grant you British nationality. To apply for a British passport, you must first complete the naturalization process to become a British citizen.
In this detailed guide, we will cover:
✅ Eligibility for British citizenship after ILR
✅ Step-by-step process to apply for naturalization
✅ How to apply for your first UK passport
✅ Processing times, fees, and common mistakes to avoid
1. Can You Apply for a British Passport with ILR?
Many people assume that Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) automatically qualifies them for a British passport, but this is not the case. ILR only grants permanent residency, not citizenship. To obtain a UK passport, you must first become a British citizen through naturalization.
Who Can Apply for British Citizenship After ILR?
You may be eligible to apply for British naturalization if:
✔️ You have held ILR for at least 12 months (unless married to a British citizen).
✔️ You have lived in the UK for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a British citizen).
✔️ You have not spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the last 5 years.
✔️ You have not been absent for more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
✔️ You have good character, meaning no serious criminal convictions or immigration violations.
✔️ You pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirements.
Once your British citizenship application is approved, you can apply for a British passport.
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a British Citizen After ILR
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents for Naturalization
To apply for British naturalization, you will need:
✔️ Your ILR biometric residence permit (BRP)
✔️ Your passport or travel documents
✔️ Proof of UK residency for the past 5 years (or 3 years if married to a British citizen)
✔️ Life in the UK test certificate
✔️ English language test results (if required)
✔️ Two referees who meet the UK Home Office criteria
✔️ Proof of good character (criminal record checks, if necessary)
Step 2: Submit Your British Citizenship Application
You can apply for naturalization online via the UK Home Office website.
📌 Application Fee: £1,500
📌 Processing Time: 3 to 6 months
Once you apply, you will need to book a biometric appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center.
Step 3: Attend Your Citizenship Ceremony
If your application is approved, you will receive an invitation to a British citizenship ceremony, where you will take an oath of allegiance. After the ceremony, you will receive your Certificate of British Citizenship—a crucial document required for your British passport application.
3. How to Apply for a UK Passport After Becoming a British Citizen
Once you have your Certificate of British Citizenship, you can apply for a UK passport through the HM Passport Office.
Step 1: Complete Your Passport Application
You can apply for your first British passport in two ways:
✅ Online Application – Faster and more convenient.
✅ Paper Application – Available at UK Post Offices.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
For a first-time British passport application, you will need:
✔️ Your Certificate of British Citizenship
✔️ Your ILR Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (which must be returned after obtaining citizenship)
✔️ A valid photo ID (driving license, national ID)
✔️ Two passport-sized photos that meet UK passport photo standards
✔️ The details of a referee who can verify your identity
Step 3: Pay the Passport Fee and Submit Your Application
📌 Standard Passport (10-year validity) – £88.50 (processing time: 3-6 weeks)
📌 Fast-Track Passport Service – £155 (processing time: 1 week)
📌 Premium Same-Day Service – £193.50 (not available for first-time applicants)
Step 4: Attend a Passport Interview (If Required)
For first-time British passport applicants, the HM Passport Office may require an interview to confirm your identity.
Step 5: Receive Your British Passport
Once approved, your UK passport will be sent to you by secure delivery.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a British Passport After ILR
❌ Applying for a passport before obtaining British citizenship – ILR does not grant automatic nationality.
❌ Not meeting residency requirements – Ensure you meet the time limits for absences from the UK.
❌ Providing incorrect or incomplete documents – Double-check your application before submission.
❌ Not returning your ILR Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) – Failure to do so may result in a fine.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Applying for a British Passport After ILR
❓ Can I apply for a British passport if I have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
No, ILR only grants permanent residency, not British nationality. You must first apply for naturalization to become a British citizen before applying for a UK passport.
❓ How long does it take to get a British passport after ILR?
The process involves two stages:
📌 Naturalization as a British citizen – 3 to 6 months
📌 Passport application process – 3 to 6 weeks
❓ How much does it cost to apply for British citizenship and a UK passport?
📌 British naturalization fee – £1,500
📌 First adult British passport fee – £88.50
❓ Do I need to return my ILR card after getting a British passport?
Yes, once you become a British citizen, you must return your ILR Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to the Home Office within 5 days.
Final Thoughts: How to Secure Your British Passport After ILR
Applying for a British passport after ILR is a two-step process—you must first become a British citizen through naturalization, and then you can apply for a UK passport. Ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, submit the correct documents, and follow the official process will help you achieve your goal smoothly.At Ace Immigrations, our highly experienced immigration lawyers have in-depth knowledge of visa requirements and the expertise to prevent or minimize delays. We proactively identify potential legal hurdles, ensuring that even straightforward applications are processed smoothly without unnecessary complications.
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