Useful Info · 8 guides
Settlement & Citizenship
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR), British citizenship, the Life in the UK test, the English requirement and dual citizenship.
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- Do I lose Turkish citizenship if I become British? What are dual citizenship and the Mavi Kart (Blue Card)?2 reads
- The B1 English test (SELT): B1 for ILR and citizenship, approved providers, booking, the 2-year validity, preparation tips and free resources1 read
- I am a British citizen with a second passport: which document do I use to enter the UK? Do I need an eVisa?1 read
All guides on this topic (8)
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The B1 English test (SELT): B1 for ILR and citizenship, approved providers, booking, the 2-year validity, preparation tips and free resources
GOV.UK: ILR and citizenship need only a speaking and listening test (SELT); results last 2 years. Approved providers: Trinity, IELTS SELT, LANGUAGECERT, Pearson, PSI. The ILR level rises from B1 to B2 from 26 March 2027. Preparation: British Council LearnEnglish.
The Life in the UK test: who takes it, 24 questions in 45 minutes, the pass mark, the £50 fee, booking and ID, official study resources
GOV.UK: the Life in the UK test has 24 questions in 45 minutes; you need 75% (18 correct) to pass. It costs £50 and is booked at least 3 days ahead on the official site. Questions come only from the official Guide for New Residents. If you fail you can retake, paying each time.
What changes when you become a British citizen? Passport (£102), voting, registering children (£1,000), bringing family, dual citizenship and differences from ILR
GOV.UK: naturalisation costs £1,709 plus a £130 ceremony fee; registering a child is £1,000. An adult passport is £102 online. Citizens can vote in general elections; dual citizenship is allowed. For partner sponsorship ILR and citizenship both suffice.
What changes when you get ILR? Work, benefits, applying for citizenship, the 2-year rule for time abroad, voting and the limits of ILR
GOV.UK: ILR lets you live, work and study without a time limit and apply for benefits if eligible. For most people it lapses after more than 2 continuous years abroad (Returning Resident visa £726). You can apply for citizenship (£1,839) after 12 months; ILR gives no vote in UK general elections.
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I am a British citizen with a second passport: which document do I use to enter the UK? Do I need an eVisa?
GOV.UK says a British citizen can enter with a valid UK passport, a Gibraltar identity card or a certificate of entitlement. British and Irish nationals do not need an eVisa. Entry on another country’s passport is described separately.
British citizenship application: days spent abroad, the 12-month wait and the new "priority service"
GOV.UK says that after ILR you usually wait 12 months; this does not apply to the spouse of a British citizen with ILR. Check the current Form AN guide for the days-abroad limits. Law firms report a £500 faster decision option since July 2026.
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Do I lose Turkish citizenship if I become British? What are dual citizenship and the Mavi Kart (Blue Card)?
As of October 2026 the general rule is: becoming British does not by itself end Turkish citizenship. The UK allows dual citizenship, and Turkish law records the new citizenship as “multiple citizenship”. The Blue Card (Mavi Kart) is for people who gave up Turkish citizenship with permission.
What is the status of the UK "10-year earned settlement" rule, and which settlement rules apply today?
As of October 2026 the government has announced a 10-year starting point for most people. The consultation outcome and the details are not yet published. GOV.UK still says usually 5 years on work routes.