British Citizenship – Requirements, Test, and Benefits
British Citizenship allows you to live, work, vote, and travel freely within the UK and to over 190 countries visa-free. The most common way to obtain it is through naturalisation after getting Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
✅ Eligibility
You can apply if you:
- Have ILR for at least 12 months.
- Are married to a British citizen and have lived in the UK for 3 years.
- Were born in the UK to a British parent.
- Have refugee status and meet the residence requirements.
⚖️ Requirements
- Lived in the UK legally for 5 years (3 if married to a Briton).
- Spent no more than 450 days outside the UK in 5 years.
- Passed the Life in the UK Test.
- English language level B1 or higher.
- Good character (no serious crimes or immigration breaches).
🧠 Life in the UK Test
- Duration: 45 minutes
- 24 multiple-choice questions
- Pass mark: 75%
- Official booking: gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test
💰 Fees & Processing
- Fee (2025): £1,630
- Time: 3–6 months
🏆 Benefits
- British passport with visa-free travel to 190+ countries
- Right to vote and stand for elections
- Full access to NHS and education
- Pass citizenship to children
⚠️ Possible Reasons for Refusal
- Immigration violations or long absences
- False information on the application
- Criminal record