Shabana Bukhari 
In this blog learn how to turn your Spouse, Skilled Worker, or Student visas into British citizenship fast! Citizenship allows you to gain many great benefits, such as the right to work and access to state benefits which you do not want to miss out on British citizenship comprehensive guide. Many clients do not even know they are eligible. So, what are you waiting for?
What is ILR?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as ‘settlement’ allows you to work and live in the UK permanently without being subject to immigration control.
Once ILR is acquired you can use it for naturalising as a British citizen!
How to turn your Visa into British citizenship?
Step 1: The key is the residence requirement which states that an applicant must be living in the UK for 5 years on one of the three visas discussed below to be able to apply for ILR.
Let’s discuss how to achieve Step 1…
- Spouse Visa
This visa comes under the Family Category and enables foreign nationals (“applicant”) to live with their British partners (“sponsor”) in the UK.
The initial Spouse visa application will allow you to remain in the UK for 30 months. Then you must apply for an extension which allows for an additional 30 months. After the expiration of this extension, you would have lived in the UK for 5 years and now you can apply for ILR.
Note that applicants under this visa should not have more than 180 days absence from the UK.
Check out the other remaining requirements to apply for ILR on a Spouse visa: https://www.gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain-family/partner-family-visa.
- Skilled Worker Visa
This visa is for those coming to the UK to take up a job offer from a UK employer who holds a sponsor licence.
Skilled Worker visas are issued for up to a period of 5 years which means that the earliest you can apply for ILR is up to 28 days prior to the end of this period.
Note that applicants under this visa, similarly to those under Spousal visas, should not have more than 180 days absence from the UK during any consecutive 12-month period within the 5 years to be able to meet this continuous residence requirement.
Check out the other remaining requirements to apply for ILR on a Skilled Worker visa: https://www.gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain-tier-2-t2-skilled-worker-visa.
- Student Visa
This visa (tier 4) if for those offered a secure place on a UK course by a Home Office licensed student sponsor.
Student visas are issued for up to a period of 5 years. However, time spent on this visa will not count towards ILR under the 5-year route. It may count towards the 10-year route (also known as “long residence”).
Instead, to qualify under the 5-year route you must switch to another visa that does provide a route to settlement. For instance, applicants can switch to a Skilled Worker visa (tier 2).
…So, I have gained ILR, what is next?
Step 2: After applicants have secured ILR they can make an application to naturalise as a British citizen. [Follow our comprehensive guide on naturalisation].
If you are married to a British citizen, you must wait 12 months before applying for British citizenship.
However, those that are married to a British citizen may apply straight away!
FAQs
Does marriage to a British citizen automatically grant the non-UK spouse citizenship?
No. Instead, applicants must meet the Home Office’s eligibility requirements for naturalisation.
Are there any other ways to achieve ILR other than the 5-year route above?
Yes! Applicants can follow the 10-year route which allows you to apply for ILR if you show continuous residence in the UK for 10 years. It doesn’t matter if this has been under different visas. The only negative is that unfortunately this route takes longer to achieve.
Does ILR expire?
Not technically but be careful! For ILR to remain valid an applicant must live in the UK, and you may lose it if you are absent from the UK for more than 2 continuous years.
Summary
In this blog we have discussed how to turn Spouse, Skilled Worker, and Student visas into British citizenship. The first step is to acquire ILR under either the 5- or 10-year route and the second step is to make an application for naturalisation.
Please contact our expert team of immigration lawyers at Henleaze Law on 0117 908 4625 for legal assistance on whether the 5- or 10-year route is better for you. Our team can review and even handle the entire application process for you. Solving any refusals and appeals.
Join the many that have made a smooth transition to becoming British citizens today!
