ILR and citizenship in the UK — who gets it?
ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain, usually after 5 years) and naturalisation. Home Office figures for 12 countries.
ILR and citizenship by 12 countries — the numbers
Three charts — three questions. Your country is highlighted.
Who gets ILR?
Number of ILR issued by 12 countries, 2025. Sorted descending.
Who gets citizenship?
Number of naturalisations by 12 countries, 2025.
Path asylum → ILR → citizenship (5+5 years)
Approximate funnel for the selected country based on recent years' figures.
Frequently asked questions
What is ILR?
Indefinite Leave to Remain — permanent residence in the UK. After 5 years in the country on a work/family visa or 5 years after receiving refugee status. It gives you the right to live and work without visa restrictions.
How many years after asylum can I apply for ILR?
5 years from the date you got refugee status or humanitarian protection. For example: status granted in January 2021 → you can apply for ILR in January 2026.
How many years before I can apply for citizenship?
At least 12 months after ILR (or 3 years if ILR through marriage to a UK citizen). Requirements: Life in the UK test (B1+), English B1, no criminal issues, spend most of your time in the UK.
Should I become a citizen?
It is your choice. The UK recognises dual citizenship — a British passport does not cancel your country’s citizenship (but your country may not recognise it — check). A British passport gives visa-free travel to ~190 countries.
How much does it cost?
As of 2026: ILR application £3,029, citizenship £1,500 + £130 ceremony fee + Life in the UK test £50. Children have separate fees.
Where do these numbers come from?
Home Office release 21 May 2026, year ending March 2026.
Data: Home Office, release 21 May 2026. ILR and citizenship — settlement-datasets + citizenship-datasets, year ending March 2026. Page updated: 21 May 2026.