5 years (proposed increase to 10 years under 2025 white paper) → 3 processing steps → passport
Average Total
6.5mo
Range
4–16mo
Speed Rank
#1 of 19
Residency Req.
5 years (proposed increase to 10 years under 2025 white paper)
Background checks, Life in the UK test verification
Must pass Life in the UK test and meet English language requirement. Dual citizenship allowed. Major policy changes expected under 2025 immigration white paper.
Average naturalization processing time, all 19 countries. United Kingdom highlighted.
ILR qualifying period may increase to 10 years (2025 white paper)
Based on 200 community-tracked data points.
Source: Home Office published processing times, GOV.UK · Last updated: 2026-02