ILR is your milestone in the UK. Once you have it, you can live and work here indefinitely, access public funds and sponsor family. One more year after that: British citizenship. Here is the full roadmap.
How long to qualify?
- Skilled Worker Visa — 5 years continuous residence
- Ancestry Visa — 5 years continuous residence
- Spouse/partner visa — 5 years (2.5 years on each grant)
The continuous residence requirement
You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during the qualifying years. Track your travel carefully.
- Single absences of more than 6 months break continuity
- Going back to SA for more than 2 weeks at a time adds up fast. Keep a travel log.
The Life in the UK Test
Before applying for ILR, you must pass the Life in the UK Test: 24 questions, 45 minutes, multiple choice on British history, culture and values.
- Cost: £50 per attempt. Passing score: 18 out of 24 (75%).
- Book at lifeintheuktestcentres.co.uk
- Many saffas find it surprisingly tricky. Dedicate 2-3 weeks to study.
- The official handbook 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents' is the only official study material.
ILR application
- Apply online at gov.uk. Fee: £2,885 per adult (2026).
- Biometric appointment at a UKVCAS service point.
- Successful applicants receive an eVisa. Processing: typically 2-6 months.
British citizenship
- Apply for naturalisation after 12 months of ILR residence. Fee: £1,500 (2026).
- Must pass the Life in the UK Test (if not already done) and attend a citizenship ceremony.
- Critical: Apply for exemption from the SA Department of Home Affairs BEFORE naturalising if you want to keep your SA passport. Failure to do this before naturalising means you automatically lose SA citizenship.
Information correct as of August 2026. ILR and citizenship fees change annually. Saffa does not provide legal advice.