1. Overview of Applying for British Citizenship After ILR
Once you’ve held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK for at least 12 months (unless you’re married to a British citizen), you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship by naturalization. After becoming a British citizen, you can then apply for a British passport. This two-step process requires specific fees for each stage.
2. Steps to Apply for a British Passport After ILR
Step 1: Apply for British Citizenship
To obtain a British passport, you first need to become a British citizen. The British citizenship application fee and requirements are separate from the passport application itself.
- Eligibility: Hold ILR for at least 12 months (or apply immediately if married to a British citizen).
- Residency Requirement: Meet residency requirements, including days spent in the UK.
- Fees for Citizenship: £1,330 for the application, plus £19.20 for biometric submission.
- Processing Time: Usually takes around 6 months.
Upon approval, you’ll attend a citizenship ceremony to officially become a British citizen. The citizenship ceremony fee is £80.
Step 2: Apply for a British Passport
Once you have your certificate of naturalization, you can proceed with your British passport application.
3. British Passport Application Fees After Naturalization
The fees for a British passport application are as follows:
- Standard Adult Passport (34 pages): £82.50 (online) or £93 (paper application)
- Jumbo Adult Passport (50 pages): £93.50 (online) or £104 (paper application)
- Processing Time: Approximately 10 weeks for standard service, but priority services are available for faster processing.
4. Documents Required for British Passport Application
After naturalization, gather these documents for the passport application:
- Naturalization Certificate: Proof of British citizenship
- Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos
- Proof of Identity: Previous passport or valid photo ID
- Completed Application Form: Fill out online or obtain a paper form from the Post Office
5. Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply for a British passport immediately after ILR?
No, you must first apply for British citizenship, which typically requires holding ILR for at least 12 months. - What is the total cost to become a British citizen and get a passport?
The combined cost is approximately £1,492.50: £1,330 for citizenship, £19.20 for biometrics, £80 for the ceremony, and £82.50 for the passport application. - Can I use ILR to travel as a British national?
No, ILR allows residency but does not grant British nationality. A British passport requires citizenship. - How long does it take to receive a British passport after naturalization?
It takes around 10 weeks for standard processing, though priority services may reduce wait times. - Can my children apply for British passports after I get citizenship?
Children may also be eligible, depending on their residency and status. Separate applications are required for each applicant.
6. Conclusion
Applying for a British passport after ILR is a two-step process, beginning with naturalization and followed by the passport application itself. By understanding the fees and steps involved, you can streamline the application process and enjoy the benefits of British citizenship, including the right to hold a UK passport.