Who can apply to a British Citizenship by Naturalisation?
If you are aged 18 or above and hold indefinite leave to remain or have obtained the right of permanent residence in the UK, you may qualify to apply for British Citizenship through Naturalisation.
Additionally, you need to meet certain criteria such as; your immigration status, length of residence in the UK, future intentions, knowledge of the English language and life in the UK, and good character.
If you are not married to or the civil partner of a British Citizen:
You were in the UK on the day 5 years before the date of your application.
You have not been absent from the UK for more than 450 days during the 5-year period.
You have not been absent from the UK for more than 90 days during the 12-month period.
You have not been in the UK in breach of the immigration laws at any time during that 5-year period.
You must have sufficient knowledge about life in the UK.
You should intend to continue to live in the UK.
You have sufficient knowledge of the English language.
If you are married to or civil partner of a British Citizen:
You were in the UK on the day 3-years before the date of your application.
You have not been absent from the UK for more than 270 days during the 3 years period.
You have not been in the UK in breach of the immigration laws at any time during that 3-year period.
You have not been absent from the UK for more than 90 days during the 12-month period the date of application.
You should intend to continue to live in the UK.
You have sufficient knowledge of the English language.
If you are married to a British citizen, you can apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation as soon as you have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain. If you are not married to a British Citizen, you will be eligible to apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation 12 months after being granted ILR.
Flexibility in British Citizenship Criteria by Naturalisation?
The Secretary of State holds the discretion to waive the language and life in the UK requirements based on the applicant’s age, physical health, or mental condition.
How EEA/EU Nationals and their family members apply for a Naturalisation?
EEA nationals and their family members need to hold Settled Status at the date of application since 30 June 2021. Also, they need to show that they have either held Settled Status or a right of permanent residence for 12 months prior to the date of application.
Who can be a Referee for a Naturalisation?
You will need to provide two referees when you apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation. One referee should be a person of any nationality who has professional standing, such as minister of religion, civil servant, or a member of a professional body such as an accountant, solicitor, or barrister. The other referee must normally be the holder of a British citizen passport and either a professional person or over 25 years of age.
How much does it cost?
The application fee for Naturalisation as a British Citizen through to the Home Office is £1630.00
Is it possible to travel outside the UK while awaiting a decision on an application?
After submitting your application for British Citizenship, you're allowed to travel outside the UK while it's under review. You can provide a full certified copy of your passport with your application, retaining the original for travel purposes. This enables you to use your valid passport for overseas travel.
Conclusion
Upon a successful application for naturalisation as a British citizen, attendance at a citizenship ceremony is required. At the conclusion of the ceremony, you will receive your certificate of naturalisation as a British citizen. Subsequently, you'll be eligible to apply for a British passport.
Our team of immigration advisors specializes in handling various nationality matters with extensive experience. Whether you're seeking naturalisation independently or through marriage to a British citizen, our professionals can expertly navigate you through the intricate processes of UK Citizenship and British nationality law.