British citizenship requirements

The checklist (standard adult naturalisation)

• Age & capacity: 18 or over, of sound mind.
• Residence: usually 5 years in the UK plus 12 months holding indefinite leave to remain (3-year route if married to a British citizen), within absence limits.
• Good character: criminal record, immigration history and tax affairs are checked.
• English language: a qualification at CEFR B1 or above, or a degree taught in English, or nationality of a majority-English-speaking country. B2 is coming for settlement in 2027 — check how it affects your timeline.
• Knowledge of life in the UK: a pass in the Life in the UK Test — 24 questions, 45 minutes, pass mark 18. A pass never expires.
• Intention to remain in the UK (for the standard route).

Where the test fits

If you're on the ILR-then-citizenship path, you'll usually take the test once, before ILR — the same pass counts for citizenship later. That makes it one of the few requirements you can permanently tick off early. Get a study plan and clear it while the rest of your paperwork matures.

Exemptions

Under 18, 65 and over, or a long-term physical or mental condition (with evidence) — the knowledge and language requirements can be waived. Details here.