The British citizenship is a dream come true but it takes a long time. After you’ve settled in the UK and have been here for some time, you could apply for British citizenship. It is not instant, but the benefits of being a British citizen are worth the wait. For this article, we’ll go over the primary benefits of British citizenship and in comparison with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
What is the Difference Between British Citizenship and ILR?
For British citizenship applications, a lot of applicants get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is an absolute right to live and work in the UK. But British citizenship has more.
For example:
- British citizenship isn’t movable.
- If you are not in the UK for 2 years or longer you can lose your ILR.
- After you become a British citizen, you can still live in the UK if you ever want to move abroad.
Top Benefits of British Citizenship
Those are the most important benefits of being a British citizen:
1. Right to Live in the UK Forever Until We Die.
For those who are British citizens, you’re not banned from the UK. No visa is required, and you can go there and back there as many times as you like. No immigration checks, no time limit on staying outside the UK.
2. Right to Work and Study
You can study and work in the UK without a work visa or sponsorship if you’re a British citizen. This leaves you more of a choice in what you do and study without having to be worried about visa restrictions or salary caps.
3. British Passport
Britain’s passport is the world passport the most powerful one. You are now free to visit 148 countries without a visa and also have an easier time applying for visas in most of the other countries. A British passport also enables you to visit borders without hassles and long lines.
4. Right to Vote
You’re a British resident who can vote in UK elections – municipal elections as well as general elections. That means you get to decide who runs the country and you can run for public office, too, like local councilor or MP.
5. Access to the NHS
The NHS (National Health Service) is provided free of charge for British citizens. You won’t be billed for private health insurance or the Immigration Health Surcharge. Dental work, for example, and prescription medications can be paid for, but the majority of care is free.
6. Claim Public Benefits
British people are eligible for state aid like Jobseeker’s Allowance or Child Benefit if they need money. These are payments you might receive if you are working, ill, or you have children or an impairment.
What is Better: British Citizenship or ILR?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is for staying and working in the UK for life, but British citizenship comes with several other benefits:
- Probation: British citizens can not vote and hold office outside of the UK. ILR holders cannot.
- Permanent Security: British citizenship is a more permanent immigration status than ILR. It can’t be revoked but you can lose it by visiting too many countries beyond the UK.
- Two Nationalities: You can hold dual citizenship in the UK so you will still have your native nationality, and you will become a British citizen. But there are countries where you can’t have dual citizenship, so make sure to research the policy in your country.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why British Citizenship?
If you’re British then you are allowed to live, work and study in the UK. You’ll also have access to public services such as healthcare and education, the right to vote, and a British passport.
2. Can I Work and Study in Britain with British Citizenship?
The answer is yes, as a British citizen you don’t require a visa or authorization to work and study.
3. Do I get public services such as healthcare and education if I am British?
And British people get the NHS for free and they get state schools. If you are going to college you will also have to pay home student fees, these are a lot less expensive than international.
4. Am I eligible to vote and contest public office if I am British?
No, you can vote in UK elections and be elected as a local councilor or Member of Parliament (MP).
5. Can I visit visa-free with a British passport?
In fact, a British passport is visa-free for 148 countries, and also easy to get visas for other countries.
6. If I have British citizenship, can I sponsor my family to come and be with me in the UK?
That is, if you are a British citizen, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and other able-bodied family members to move to the UK with you.
7. Is British citizenship a gift I can give to my children?
You know, if you are a British citizen then your children (both UK-born and out of the UK) are going to usually be British.
8. How long do I have to be in the UK before I can get British citizenship?
For UK Citizenship generally, you need to have lived in the UK for at least 5 years and all other criteria are met.
To be a British citizen means a lot, from being able to live and work anywhere in the UK, to accessing public goods such as health and education, and voting. It also gives you safety and mobility that ILR doesn’t. if you are thinking about getting British citizenship, then that is something that will transform your life and rights here in the UK.
If you want to know more or need a little support on how to apply Law and Visas is there for you all the way. Call us now to get started!
