Personal Immigration
Settlement and British citizenship
Settlement is the point at which the UK becomes a permanent home. Citizenship is a separate step that usually follows it.
Both depend on your residence, your absences and your immigration history — which is why they are worth reviewing before you apply.
Services
What we advise on
Every service below is a page in its own right, with the requirements, evidence and issues set out in plain English.
Settlement
Before you proceed
The things that most often need checking
- absences from the UK, and whether they are within the limits
- short gaps between grants of permission
- whether the qualifying period is genuinely complete
- good character matters, including driving and financial history
- which of settlement or citizenship should come first, and when
Timing matters
Applying a few weeks early can cost the fee and the application. It is worth confirming the date before you submit anything.
Reconstruct the history first
Most settlement questions are answered by a careful timeline of permission and travel. That is where we start.
Tell us what you need help with
We will tell you how UKU can assist, and what the realistic options are.