Query Regarding Eligibility for UK Passport Application

[adeelrafiq]

Dear fellows,

I hope you’re well. I’m reaching out for clarification on my eligibility to apply for a UK passport.

I first arrived in the UK in the first week of March 2022, and that was my very first entry into the country. I was granted ILR in the 3rd week of February 2025. Based on this timeline, I’m unsure whether I can submit my passport application in February 2026 or if I must wait until I have completed a full five years of residence in the UK before applying.

After receiving my ILR in February 2025, I travelled to Pakistan for a holiday in August. I want to confirm whether this trip will affect my qualifying period or delay the earliest date I can apply for a UK passport.

Could you please advise on the correct waiting period and confirm when I will be eligible to apply?

Thanks in advance for your guidance.

Kind regards,
Adeel

[adeelrafiq]

For context, my previous immigration status was under the Global Talent Visa.

[CR001]

Unless you are married to a British citizen, you have to wait till you have 5 years residence from the date you arrived in the uk.

Also note that a passport is onlyy issued to British citizens, you are not British.

You have to apply for citizenship first, get approved, attend a ceremony and only then can you apply for a passport. Two separate processes.

Your visa route is completely irrelevant for citizenship.

[contorted_svy]

Dear fellows,

I hope you’re well. I’m reaching out for clarification on my eligibility to apply for a UK passport.

I first arrived in the UK in the first week of March 2022, and that was my very first entry into the country. I was granted ILR in the 3rd week of February 2025. Based on this timeline, I’m unsure whether I can submit my passport application in February 2026 or if I must wait until I have completed a full five years of residence in the UK before applying.

After receiving my ILR in February 2025, I travelled to Pakistan for a holiday in August. I want to confirm whether this trip will affect my qualifying period or delay the earliest date I can apply for a UK passport.

Could you please advise on the correct waiting period and confirm when I will be eligible to apply?

Thanks in advance for your guidance.

Kind regards,
Adeel Rafiq

You will need to wait until March 2027 to apply for citizenship. There is a limit for absences but travel doesn't reset the clock, so to speak, if under those limits.

[adeelrafiq]

Dear Fellows,

Thank you for the clear explanation. It really helps.

I appreciate you clarifying the distinction between ILR, citizenship, and the passport application process. Based on what you’ve outlined, it’s now clear that I’ll need to complete the full five years of residence before applying for citizenship, and only after gaining citizenship can I apply for a UK passport.

It’s also reassuring to know that my short holiday to Pakistan won’t reset the qualifying period, as my absences remain within the permitted limits.

Thanks again for taking the time to explain this so clearly. It’s much appreciated.

Kind regards,
Adeel