Study this Important Information on What to Do Next After Passing the Test

Congratulations, now you have passed the Life in The UK test. What do you do now? Now you need to start with your process for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settling in the UK.

Keep in mind

Once you have completed the test, you will be issued a letter. This tells you whether have passed (pass certificate) or failed the test.

It is very necessary that you do not lose or misplace your pass certificate. Keep in mind that the Home Office will not replace or issue a duplicate certificate in lieu of the lost one. You will have to take the Life in the UK test again.

The pass certificate is important as you have to attach these with your form for indefinite leave to remain. It is a good idea to keep a copy of the certificate for your own reference after you have submitted your form.

Fill up the form

Now you need to get the form for indefinite leave to remain in the UK or for naturalization as a British citizen, whichever you are looking for. The forms can be found on the UKBA website. There is more than one kind of form and the website will tell you which one you must apply for. The form is in PDF format and can be downloaded and printed out.

The type of form also depends on the type of category you fall in. For instance, civil partners, spouse, unmarried or same sex partner seeking ILR of a person settled in the UK need to fill up form SET(M).

The UKBA website also has guidance links to each form. It is imperative that you read up the guide before filling up the form. It not only provides you with general guidance, it also gives you some of the common answers to the questions listed so you have a fair idea of how to answer.

Get it right

Going through the guide will help you avoid mistakes when you fill up your own form. A number of applications are rejected every year due to careless or incomplete answers. This is an easily avoidable mistake. A good tip is to get a copy of the form. Fill up the copy as a rough draft so that you can avoid all mistakes. Keep all necessary documents ready. Always keep a copy of the form and the accompanying documents with yourself before you submit the form.

Send your application

Once you have your application form ready, you can send it. You can post it to the Home Office or use the National Checking Service or the Settlement Checking Service to submit it. The latter two agencies will not only check all your documents, but also return all important documents after getting them photocopied.

Be a British citizen

Once your application is accepted, you are required to attend a short ceremony at a specified place. This must be done within 90 days of receiving your letter of acceptance.

Congratulations! Now you are a British citizen!