Settlement and Citizenship

Expert Legal Services for UK Settlement and British Citizenship

Our specialist immigration solicitors provide comprehensive support for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) applications and British citizenship. From long residence claims to naturalisation, we guide you through every step to secure your permanent status in the UK. Contact us today: 0203 909 8399 | Book a Consultation

What Is UK Settlement?

Settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), grants permanent residence in the UK without time restrictions. It’s the final step before British citizenship, allowing you to live, work, and access public services without immigration control. Our experienced team ensures successful applications through all settlement routes.

When Do You Need Settlement Support?

You need our settlement expertise when:

Completing 5 years on a qualifying visa
Applying for long residence (10 or 20 years)
Seeking British citizenship through naturalisation
Registering children as British citizens
Applying for Right of Abode
Returning as a settled resident

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

5-Year Routes to Settlement

Skilled Worker visa: After 5 years employment
Family visas: Spouse, partner, parent routes
Tier 1 visas: Investor, Entrepreneur (closed)
UK Ancestry: Commonwealth citizens
Global Talent: 3 or 5 years depending on category
Innovator Founder: Business route

ILR General Requirements

Continuous residence in UK
No more than 180 days absence per year
Pass Life in the UK test
Meet English language requirement
Good character assessment
No breach of immigration laws

Financial Requirements

Different routes have varying requirements:

Skilled Worker: Meet salary threshold throughout
Family routes: Income requirement continues
Investor route: Maintain investment
Self-employed: Show ongoing business

Long Residence Routes

10-Year Lawful Residence

Continuous lawful residence for 10 years
Various visa categories acceptable
No single absence over 6 months
Total absences under 18 months
Good character requirement
Life in the UK test required

20-Year Long Residence

20 years continuous residence
Can include unlawful periods
Strong ties to UK
Good character assessment
English language requirement
Integration into UK society

7-Year Child Concession

Children with 7 years UK residence
Best interests consideration
Family life assessment
Educational continuity
Parent settlement often follows

British Citizenship

Naturalisation Requirements

Hold ILR for 12 months (most cases)
5 years UK residence (6 for spouses)
Good character requirement
English language proficiency
Life in the UK test passed
Intention to live in UK

Residence Requirements

For standard naturalisation:

5 years residence before application
No more than 450 days absence
No more than 90 days in final year
ILR held for 12 months

For spouse/civil partner:

3 years residence before application
No more than 270 days absence
No more than 90 days in final year
ILR not required for full 12 months

Good Character Assessment

Factors considered include:

Criminal convictions and cautions
Immigration history compliance
Financial soundness (bankruptcy, debt)
Tax compliance
NHS debt
Deception or false information

Registration as British Citizen

Children’s Registration

Born in UK to settled parents
Born abroad to British citizens
Children of newly naturalised parents
10-year residence route
Stateless children
Foundlings

Adult Registration

Limited circumstances including:

British Overseas Territories citizens
British subjects
British protected persons
Historical registration rights
Chagossian descent

Life in the UK Test

Test Requirements

Required for ILR and citizenship
24 questions in 45 minutes
Pass mark: 75% (18 correct)
Covers British history, culture, laws
Book test online
£50 test fee

Exemptions

Under 18 years old
Over 65 years old
Physical or mental condition
Degree taught in English (ILR only)

English Language Requirements

Acceptable Proof

Approved English test (B1 level)
UK degree or equivalent
Majority English-speaking country national
Academic qualifications taught in English

Test Providers

Trinity College London
IELTS SELT Consortium
LanguageCert
Pearson

Right of Abode

Who Qualifies

All British citizens automatically
Some Commonwealth citizens if:
Parent born in UK
Married to UK-born person pre-1983
Citizenship through UK connection

Certificate of Entitlement

Proves Right of Abode
Placed in foreign passport
No time limit on stay
Full work rights
Access to public funds

Returning Residents

Returning Resident Visa

For those who’ve lost ILR through absence:

Previous ILR holders
Absent over 2 years
Strong UK ties demonstrated
Reasons for absence
Intention to return permanently

Automatic Loss of ILR

ILR lost if:

Outside UK for 2+ continuous years
Deportation order made
Obtained through deception
National security grounds

Application Process

ILR Application Steps

Check eligibility and timing
Book Life in the UK test
Arrange English test if needed
Gather supporting documents
Complete online application
Pay fees and IHS (if applicable)
Book biometric appointment
Await decision (6 months standard)

Citizenship Application Steps

Confirm 12 months with ILR
Calculate qualifying residence
Obtain referees
Complete online form
Pay naturalisation fee
Submit biometrics
Await decision (6 months)
Attend citizenship ceremony

Current Fees (2025)

Settlement Fees

ILR applications: £2,885
ILR dependents: £2,885 each
Life in the UK test: £50
English language test: £150-200
Super Priority service: £1,000

Citizenship Fees

Adult naturalisation: £1,580
Child registration: £1,214
Ceremony fee: £80
Right of Abode certificate: £372
Citizenship renunciation: £372

Common Challenges

ILR Refusal Reasons

Excess absences from UK
Failed Life in the UK test
English requirement not met
Criminal convictions
Immigration breaches
Incorrect application route

Citizenship Refusal Reasons

Good character concerns
Residence requirement not met
False information provided
Outstanding HMRC debts
Recent bankruptcy
Serious criminality

Our Settlement Services

ILR Applications

Eligibility assessments
Absence calculations
Document preparation
Test booking assistance
Application submission
Super Priority service

Citizenship Support

Naturalisation applications
Child registrations
Good character assessments
Referee guidance
Ceremony arrangements
Dual nationality advice

Complex Cases

Excessive absence cases
Criminal record applications
Long residence claims
Statelessness applications
Historical injustice cases
Appeals and reconsiderations

Why Choose Connaught Law

SRA regulated solicitors
Settlement specialists
Complex case expertise
Same-day service available
Fixed fee arrangements
Multi-language support

Our Expertise

Thousands of successful ILR applications
Nationality law specialists
Former Home Office caseworkers
Published immigration experts
Judicial review experience
Appeals tribunal advocates

Client Support Services

Pre-application consultation
Document checking service
Mock Life in UK tests
English test preparation
Biometric appointments
Post-decision support

Next Steps

Secure your permanent future in the UK with expert settlement and citizenship guidance. Our specialist solicitors provide comprehensive support from ILR applications through to British citizenship ceremonies. We ensure meticulous preparation for successful outcomes. Call 0203 909 8399 or Book Online for your settlement consultation.

Fixed fees available. Payment plans offered. Priority services for urgent applications. Free initial eligibility assessment.