How long can I be naturalized after obtaining permanent residency in the UK?

Obtaining permanent residency means that you can stay in the UK indefinitely, with no restrictions on work and medical care. However, it should be noted that permanent residence and naturalization are different. Under some special circumstances, the right of permanent residence can be terminated or revoked.

For example, it is found that the application is fraudulent, has lived outside the UK for more than 2 years, or has been ordered to be repatriated for illegal and criminal acts. So your return to China for half a year will not affect your permanent residence.

You can apply for naturalization after obtaining permanent residency for one year. However, there are a series of residence requirements for applying for naturalization. At the time of application, you must have lived in the UK for five consecutive years (three years if you live as the spouse of a British citizen); During this five-year period, you can't leave Britain for more than 450 days; And you can't leave the UK for more than 90 days in the latest year at the time of application. If you have lived in China for half a year, which has exceeded the 90-day limit, you cannot apply for naturalization within this year. Of course, this does not affect your right to apply for naturalization in the future.

In fact, you can apply for naturalization at any time as long as you meet the conditions of residence, good personality and proficiency in English. (The information was compiled by the Guardian immigration staff)