Life in the UK Prep ILR vs British citizenship: what's the difference?
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ILR lets you live in the UK permanently but keeps your existing nationality and can lapse after 2 years abroad. British citizenship gives you a British passport and full voting rights, and doesn't lapse. Both usually need the Life in the UK test, which you only pass once.
ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and British citizenship are often confused, but they’re different statuses with different rights. Most people get ILR first and then, a year or more later, apply to become British.
Side by side
| ILR | British citizenship | |
|---|---|---|
| Live and work in the UK permanently | Yes | Yes |
| British passport | No | Yes |
| Vote in general elections | Only Commonwealth and Irish citizens | Yes |
| Can lapse if you live abroad | Yes, usually after 2 years | No |
| Can be passed to children born abroad | No | Often, for one generation |
| Life in the UK test | Usually required | Usually required (same pass) |
| English requirement | Usually B1 | Usually B1 (same evidence) |
Why get citizenship if you have ILR?
- Security: citizenship doesn’t lapse if you move abroad for a few years.
- Travel: a British passport offers visa-free travel to many countries.
- Voting and public life: you can vote in all elections and stand for most public offices.
- Family: children born abroad to a British citizen can often be British too.
Why some people stay on ILR
- Their home country doesn’t allow dual nationality.
- The citizenship application fee is significant.
- They already have the rights they need day to day.
The tests for each
The good news: you only prepare once. The Life in the UK test and the English language requirement you meet for ILR are reused for citizenship. If you haven’t taken the test yet, start with our Life in the UK test guide and a sample mock test.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need ILR before British citizenship?
Most people do. You usually need ILR or EU settled status, and to have held it for 12 months, before applying to naturalise. Spouses and civil partners of British citizens can apply as soon as they have ILR.
Do I need to retake the Life in the UK test for citizenship?
No. The pass you used for ILR also counts for citizenship.
Can I keep my other nationality if I become British?
The UK allows dual nationality, but your other country may not. Check your home country's rules before applying.
This is general information, not immigration or legal advice. For advice about your own situation, speak to a regulated immigration adviser. Immigration rules change, so always check GOV.UK before you apply.