Applying for British Passport after 10 years Long Residency

[Pari_in_kwest]

Hi there,

I recieved my ILR on the basis of 10 years long residency on 31 Jan 2013. I had to travel back to India for a month and a half straight after that due to an unfortunate situation. I have now been offered to work abroad, which allows me to travel to England every 2.5 months for about 2 weeks. I will be in this job for a year. I would like to know when can I apply for my British Passport and what are the rules. The information on Home Office website is unclear and fragmentary. Also, I dont know what the difference is between obtaining British passport, British Citizenship and Naturalisation. I would really appreciate if you could please respond to my query.

Thanks
Ritu

[vinny]

Naturalisation is a legal process by which someone with no automatic claim to British citizenship can become a British citizen and obtain the same rights and privileges as someone who was born a British citizen. You can normally apply for naturalisation as a British citizen if you have lived in the United Kingdom for 5 years or more, or are married to a British citizen and have lived in the United Kingdom for 3 years or more. See eligibility for naturalisation for full details of who can apply

Only British citizens may apply for British passports.

[Pari_in_kwest]

I already have Indefinate Leave to Remain on the basis of 10 years Long Residency. What should be the next step? How do I apply for it? and What are the rules? Do I have to wait for another 3 years to apply for Naturalisation/British Citizenship? Please could you explain? Can I travel outside the country for a year? How would that affect my case?

Thanks
Pari

[vinny]

ILR holders are subject to the Returning residents provisions.

If you wish to naturalise, then

See eligibility for naturalisation for full details of who can apply