British citizenship 2026: Is now the right time to apply?

While more people are applying for British citizenship than ever before, your individual situation is what matters the most when deciding to become British.  If you have been thinking about applying, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding if now is the right time for you. 

Are applications being approved?

Even though more people are applying for citizenship, it does not mean there have been more approvals. The number of people who became British in 2026 is almost the same as in 2025. 

Applications are being refused for a number of reasons such as eligibility issues, missing documentation and more often, the good character requirement. This is something we see in our work with clients. 

The good character requirement is an important part of a British citizenship application, and it is much broader than most realise. It is not only about criminal records. The Home Office also looks at whether you have followed immigration rules, how you manage finances, and how you first entered the UK. The rules were recently updated and makes the requirement more challenging to overcome. 

If anything in your past could be a concern, we recommend seeking legal advice before you apply. 

What if you cannot apply yet?

If you cannot apply for citizenship yet, the government’s earned settlement proposal might be important for you to keep in mind.

The proposal includes increasing the time most people need to wait before they can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five to 10 years. This is important because you need to hold ILR before you can apply for citizenship. If you are currently on a UK work or family visa, these proposals could mean a much longer wait before citizenship becomes an option.

These changes are not yet law but may come into force later this year. 

Three questions to ask yourself

Are you already eligible?

If you have held ILR or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme for at least 12 months, you may be able to apply now. If you are married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you can apply as soon as you get ILR. Our page on British citizenship explains what to keep in mind. To understand the process of making a UK citizenship application read our step-by-step guide. 

Could your history affect your application? 

The good character test is affected by many things, and some of them might not be easy to sport. Recent changes mean that how you originally entered the UK can now affect your application no matter how long ago that was.

Is British citizenship the right option for you? 

If you are not ready to apply for citizenship yet, think about the differences between staying on ILR and getting citizenship. Our guide to Indefinite Leave to Remain vs British citizenship covers the differences in travel rights, security and what it means for you family.