It generally takes about six months to process a UK citizenship application after submission of biometrics, though it can be shorter (3-4 months) or longer depending on the complexity of the case and Home Office workload. Before applying, an individual must typically have lived in the UK for 5 years and have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status for at least 12 months, unless married to a British citizen, in which case the wait for ILR duration may be waived. The entire process, including residency requirements before application, can take around 6 to 7 years in total.
Timeline for UK Citizenship
- Residency in the UK for 5 years before applying.
- Holding ILR or settled status for 12 months (or immediate application if spouse of a British citizen).
- Application processing takes usually up to 6 months from biometric enrolment.
- Citizenship ceremony following approval.
- Additional time for passport application after citizenship is granted.
Key Factors Affecting Duration
- Completeness and accuracy of application and documents.
- Home Office workload and staffing.
- Any additional requests for evidence or clarification.
- Individual circumstances like absences from the UK or criminal record checks.
Summary
The naturalisation process involves a significant residency period (5 years), a 1-year wait after ILR (except for spouses), then up to 6 months for Home Office processing, with possible variations based on case complexity. This means from starting to live in the UK as a resident to obtaining citizenship, the process commonly spans about 6 to 7 years. References:
- Typical processing within 6 months after biometrics.
- Residency and waiting periods before application.
- Overview of the entire timeline including residency and ceremony.
