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.