FAQ

I have recently received my settled status and I need to wait one year to apply for citizenship. Is there anything I can start doing to speed up the process?

If you are married to a British citizen, you do not need to wait a year before applying.

If you are not married to a British citizen, then you need to be ‘free from immigration time restrictions’ for a year before applying. Following a High Court ruling in 2022, the Home Office changed its caseworker guidance for Naturalisation as a British citizen in July 2023 to include the following way of being free from immigration restrictions: “hold an automatic right to reside in the UK permanently under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, having previously been granted LTE/R (pre-settled status) under the EUSS. Please refer to the qualified persons guidance to assess whether a Withdrawal Agreement right to permanent residence is held.” 

See also our FAQ What does it mean to have permanent residence rights under the Withdrawal Agreement?

You may want to seek immigration advice to check whether you are eligible to apply for citizenship with permanent residence rights.

In the meantime, you can use this time to pass the Life in the UK test and the English language test (if required), which you need before submitting your application.