Path to a British Passport

GOV.UK One Login — a single account for all government services: taxes, eVisa, Universal Credit, ILR and citizenship applications.

Replaces the old Government Gateway. Over time all services will move to One Login.

How to create:

• Go to sign-in.service.gov.uk
• You need an email and phone number
• For verification: passport or BRP
• Download the GOV.UK ID Check app

Tip: create an account as soon as you receive your status — you will need it for everything.

Good character — a mandatory requirement for ILR and citizenship. The Home Office checks your entire history while in the UK.

What can harm your application:

• Criminal convictions (any, even minor)
• Tax debts to HMRC
• False statements in documents
• Unpaid fines (council tax, TV licence)
• Immigration rule breaches
• Bankruptcy

What does NOT affect it:

• Parking tickets (if paid on time)
• Minor fines under £100 (if paid)
• Speeding fines (if paid)

How to check: order a DBS check (£18 basic) at gov.uk. Check HMRC — make sure you have no debts.

💡 The main rule: look after your good character FROM DAY ONE after receiving status. Pay your taxes, don't break the law, pay all bills on time.

Employed? Your employer pays taxes automatically through PAYE. You don't need to do anything.

Self-employed or additional income? You must file a Self Assessment by 31 January every year.

NI Number (National Insurance) — arrives automatically from HMRC after you get status. If it hasn't arrived within 8 weeks — call 0800 141 2075.

P60 — an annual tax certificate from your employer. Keep ALL P60s — they are needed for ILR!

Where to file: via GOV.UK Personal Tax Account

⚠️ Not filing a tax return = debt to HMRC = problem for good character = refusal of ILR or citizenship.

Sole Trader — the simplest option. Free registration at gov.uk/set-up-sole-trader. You must file Self Assessment.

Limited Company — a separate legal entity. More paperwork, but limited liability. Registration at Companies House (£12).

Obligations: Self Assessment every year, keep records of income and expenses, store receipts and invoices for 5 years.

Support for refugee entrepreneurs:

• TERN — The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network. 750+ founders. Free programmes, mentors, community
• Start Up Loans — up to £25,000 at 6% per year + free mentor
• Prince's Trust — grants and support for ages 18-30

For ILR you need 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.

Absence rules:

• Maximum 450 days over 5 years in total
• Maximum 90 consecutive days in a single trip
• If you exceed these — submit an explanatory letter

How to prove residence:

• Passport stamps
• Boarding passes and tickets
• Bank statements (transactions in the UK)
• Council tax bills, utility bills
• P60, payslips

💡 Keep a spreadsheet of all trips abroad: departure date, return date, country, purpose. It will be useful when applying for ILR.

A mandatory test for ILR and citizenship. 24 questions in 45 minutes, you need 18+ correct answers.

Cost: £50

Book it: gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test

What to study: the book "Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents" (£12.99 on Amazon). It covers UK history, politics, rights, and culture.

Practice: free tests at lifeintheuktestweb.co.uk

📌 The test is available in English only. First bring your language up to B1, then prepare for the test.

Currently: B1 speaking & listening is required for ILR and citizenship.

⚠️ From January 2026 work visas already require B2. The same may be introduced for citizenship — check gov.uk/english-language

Accepted tests:

• IELTS Life Skills B1 (~£150)
• Trinity College GESE Grade 5 / ISE I (~£200)

Exemptions (no test needed):

• Citizens of English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, Australia, etc.)
• Hold a degree taught in English (confirmation from ECCTIS required)
• Age 65+ or medical grounds

Free ESOL: How to enrol in courses →

When: after 5 years of continuous residence since receiving status.

Form: SET(AC) — Settlement for Refugees

Cost: £2,885 + £19.20 (biometrics)

Documents:

• eVisa / BRP
• P60 for every year
• Tax returns (if self-employed)
• Payslips for the last year
• Council tax bills
• Bank statements
• Life in the UK test certificate
• English B1 certificate

Submit: online via GOV.UK

Processing time: ~6 months. Super-priority service: +£800 = decision in 1 working day.

When: 1 year after receiving ILR.

Form: AN (Application for Naturalisation)

Cost: £1,580 (£1,330 application + £80 ceremony + £19.20 biometrics + ~£150 English test)

What you need:

• 2 referees — British citizens who have known you personally for 3+ years
• Life in the UK test — already passed for ILR
• English B1 — already confirmed for ILR
• Good character — clean record
• Continuous residence — max 450 days absent, max 90 consecutive days

Processing time: ~6 months.

Ceremony: oath or affirmation of allegiance, you receive a naturalisation certificate. After that you can apply for a British passport.