After citizenship....

So pretty soon we'll be ready to file the ILR(M) which we plan to wait for a priority slot for, and once that comes back shortly thereafter we'll Go straight into the citizenship process. Once the citizenship process is over and I've had my ceremony, I'll apply for my UK passport.

My question is this: once that's received, is there any length of time I must remain in the UK? And is there any limitation on how long I can be out of the country? Like let's say I get my citizenship and left for America for 10 years. Would I be able to return at any time without question? Just so I'm clear on my freedom to come and go in the future. Thanks!

Once you have UK citizenship, you can come and go as you please without worrying about time limits spent outside the UK. You won't lose your right to return after a certain amount of time spent outside the UK (unlike ILR).

In the spirit of applying though, it is expected that if you are interested in obtaining UK citizenship, you will be continuing to live in the UK.

You must also:

- be over 18
- prove you were in the UK exactly 5 years before the day the Home Office receives your application
- prove your knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic
- have passed the life in the UK test
- intend to continue living in the UK
- be of good character - read the naturalisation guidance

https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain

Personally, IMO, I don't think you have to overly worry about spending too much time out of the UK once you get citizenship. Of course people travel and have friends/family around the world - and of course unexpected life events happen.

and of course unexpected life events happen.

Yes, that's what I'm kind of hinting at. If down the road we decided we wanted to relocate back to America at some point after my citizenship comes back, I just want to make sure that wouldn't impact my coming back to the UK at some point in the future.

Yes, that's what I'm kind of hinting at. If down the road we decided we wanted to relocate back to America at some point after my citizenship comes back, I just want to make sure that wouldn't impact my coming back to the UK at some point in the future.

It would not affect your ability to come back to the UK.

Plans change. That's not illegal. 

It would not affect your ability to come back to the UK.

Plans change. That's not illegal. 

Exactly. No worries.