Highlights: Differences between UK ILR vs. British Citizenship

• The UK ILR is an immigration status for non-British citizens to reside, work, and study in the UK without limitations.
• British Citizenship allows individuals to live and permanently settle in the UK without immigration limitations.
• So far this year, in 2024, nearly 137,020 people have been granted an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a 17% increase from the previous year.
• As of June 2024, around 246,488 migrants were granted British citizenship. 

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What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?

The Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK is a type of permanent residency issued to foreign nationals who have lived in the UK for an extended period. With an ILR, you can live, work, and study in the UK without immigration restrictions.

• You can apply for an ILR in the UK if you have:
• Family members who are either citizens or ILR holders in the UK
• Been working in the UK for at least 5 years
• Been legally residing in the UK for 10 years
• Are a citizen of the Commonwealth countries

*Want to apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK? Y-Axis is here to assist you with the process.

What is British Citizenship?

British Citizenship is the naturalization process through which an individual becomes a lawful citizen of the UK. As a British citizen, you can get complete rights to reside in the UK permanently.

The eligibility requirements to qualify for British Citizenship are as follows:

• Be above 18 years of age
• Proof that you have been residing in the UK for at least 5 years before applying
• Are proficient in the English, Scottish, Gaelic, or Welsh languages
• Qualify in the Life in the UK test
• Have the intention to reside in the UK
• Character certificate

If you have obtained any of the below legal statuses in the last 12 months:

1. Indefinite leave to remain in the UK

2. Indefinite leave to enter the UK

Note: If you are married to a British citizen, you may not have to wait 12 months to apply for British Citizenship.

*Want to know more about British Naturalization? Y-Axis is here to provide step-by-step assistance.

UK ILR vs. British Citizenship

An Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Citizenship are similar in that they grant individuals the right to reside, work, and study in the UK without limitations, but they are not the same. A UK ILR lets you live in the country indefinitely without any immigration restrictions, while Citizenship in the UK gives you all the rights of a British citizen.

The differences between the UK ILR and British Citizenship are given in the table below:

UK ILR	British Citizenship
Can apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after living in the country for 5 years.	Can apply for British citizenship after living in the country for 5 years and having a UK ILR for 12 months.
If an individual stays outside the UK for 2 years or more, their UK ILR can lapse.	The British Citizenship does not lapse regardless of how long the individual has been outside the UK.
UK ILR holders cannot vote or participate in the elections.	British citizens can vote or participate in the elections.
Children born to UK ILR holders must apply for citizenship after turning 18	Children born to British citizens are automatically considered legal British citizens upon birth.
UK ILR holders are not issued a UK passport	Naturalized British citizens are issued a UK passport

 

What are the Similarities between UK ILR and British Citizenship?

Some of the similarities between an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Citizenship are as follows:

• Right to residence in the UK
• Get complete access to the NHS in the UK
• Right to study in UK
• Right to work in UK
• Sponsor your spouse and children to the UK

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with UK Immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the leading overseas immigration consultants in the UK for end-to-end guidance.