Good character is a legal requirement for British citizenship, and holding indefinite leave to remain or settled status does not mean you have already met it. Naturalisation is a separate, discretionary application. The Home Office must be satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that you are of good character before it grants citizenship.
The requirement comes from the British Nationality Act 1981, but the Act does not define “good character”. The detail is set out in the Home Office good character guidance, which was most recently updated for Home Office staff on 30 April 2026. Caseworkers look at criminality, immigration history, honesty, financial conduct and any behaviour that could call your character into question.
The current adult naturalisation fee is £1,839. The fee includes the citizenship ceremony fee where a ceremony is required. The processing element is not refunded if your application is refused or withdrawn after it has been considered, so it is worth checking any risks before you apply. You can check the latest citizenship fees on GOV.UK.
Moving from settlement to citizenship means passing a fresh test. Our guide to British citizenship after ILR explains where applicants often trip up on absences, tax, timing and evidence, while our overview of British citizenship applications covers the wider process. Many applicants reach this point after years on a Skilled Worker visa or through the self-sponsorship route, but the final step is not automatic.
What the good character check covers
| Area | What caseworkers look at | What to check before applying |
|---|---|---|
| Criminality | Convictions, cautions, fixed penalties and sentencing history | Disclose accurately and check whether any offence is still relevant |
| Immigration history | Illegal entry, overstaying, absconding or breaches of visa conditions | Review your full UK immigration timeline |
| Honesty | False information, deception or inconsistent evidence in earlier applications | Make sure your new application matches past records |
| Finances | Unpaid tax, significant debt, NHS debt, bankruptcy issues or fraud | Clear arrears and keep evidence of payments |
| Public conduct | Notoriety, extremism, war crimes, association concerns or serious misconduct | Take advice if anything could raise concern |
An example makes the risk clearer. You may have held ILR for 6 years with no criminal record, but still face questions if you have unresolved HMRC arrears, a significant unpaid NHS debt, or a past immigration breach that was not explained properly. The Home Office treats failure to pay tax or debts to public bodies as evidence that a person may not have met their responsibilities.
Get your documents in order before applying, including proof of status if your BRP has expired, evidence of tax compliance where relevant, and suitable citizenship referees.
Timing also differs by route. If you are married to a British citizen, the qualifying residence period is usually shorter, as explained in our guide to British citizenship for spouses of British citizens. Coming to the UK only to marry is a separate route and may point to a marriage visitor visa instead. Any delay to settlement, including the proposed settlement changes, can also push citizenship further away.
The illegal entry change
The most contested recent change took effect on 10 February 2025. For applications made from that date, a person who previously entered the UK illegally will normally be refused citizenship, regardless of how long ago the illegal entry happened. The same approach can apply where someone arrived without required entry clearance or electronic travel authorisation after making a dangerous journey, such as by small boat or concealed in a vehicle.
The 30 April 2026 guidance added important limits. Illegal entry or arrival without required permission should normally be disregarded where it was outside the person’s control, including where there is reliable evidence of trafficking or where the person was a child. A refugee with a valid section 31 defence should not be refused citizenship solely because of the illegal entry or overstaying covered by that defence.
This policy is still legally sensitive. In June 2026, the Home Office withdrew several refusals after legal challenges concerning the good character policy. Applicants affected by this issue should take advice before applying or reapplying.
If you are refused
There is no general right of appeal against a citizenship refusal. Your options are usually a reconsideration request, a fresh application, or judicial review where the decision appears legally flawed. A fresh application is judged under the rules and guidance in force when you reapply, so a refusal is not always the end of the matter.
Frequently asked questions
Does indefinite leave to remain guarantee citizenship?
No. Naturalisation has its own good character, residence, English language and Life in the UK requirements.
Does a minor traffic fine affect my application?
A one-off fixed penalty that did not go to court is not usually a problem if paid. Repeated, unpaid or court-related penalties can carry more risk.
Can I appeal if I am refused?
Usually no. You may be able to request reconsideration, apply again, or challenge the decision by judicial review, depending on the facts.
Get advice before you apply
Good character decisions depend on the full picture, and the rules keep moving. If you have an old refusal, a complex history, or any doubt about how your record may be read, speak to the immigration solicitors in London at Garth Coates before you spend the fee.
