Complete an online application form, submit the form and pay the relevant government fee.
Becoming a British citizen can be achieved by birth or through the naturalisation process if you are 18 years or older. To be eligible for British nationality, you generally need to demonstrate that you have been residing in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU Settled Status for a specified period.
Additionally, you must not have a criminal record or have violated immigration laws.
Once your application for permanent residence is approved, you can live, work, and study in the UK without any immigration restrictions. You will also be free to travel and spend time abroad without jeopardising your status.
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You must check with your country of origin to see if you can hold dual nationality, as some countries do not allow this. The UK will enable you to have multiple nationalities.
The UK nationality regulations vary and are not strictly connected to the UK immigration rules. Consequently, depending on whether you are married to a British national, you must fulfil two distinct sets of criteria when submitting a British naturalisation application. We explore both below.
Naturalisation is the process for those not born in the UK to apply for British Citizenship. Eligibility requirements include:
Suppose you are married to a British or Settled person when you apply for UK Citizenship. In that case, you are usually permitted to apply for British Citizenship immediately after being granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Settled Status or Permanent Residency.
The essential eligibility requirements to apply for Naturalisation as a British Citizen if married to a British national or Settled person are:
*If the number of days absent from the UK exceeds the requirements, there is potential for submission of a discretionary application whereby we submit comprehensive representations to the Home Office requesting that your application is approved. These applications are more complex, and the viability will vary depending on individual circumstances. Please get in touch to arrange a call with one of our nationality experts who will assess your circumstances and likelihood of success if you apply for UK Citizenship.
If you are not married to a British national or Settled person at the time you apply for British citizenship, the following requirements must be met:
*If the number of days absent from the UK exceeds the requirements, there is potential for submission of a discretionary application whereby we submit comprehensive representations to the Home Office requesting that your application is approved. These applications are more complex, and the viability will vary depending on individual circumstances. Please contact one of our nationality experts, who will assess the years before you submit your British Citizenship, your circumstances, and the likelihood of success if you apply for British Citizenship.
The application process typically takes up tp six months. You will be invited to a Citizenship ceremony to receive your Certificate of Naturalisation upon approval.
Will the Home Office exercise discretion if you don’t meet the above requirements? Discover more HERE.
To qualify for British citizenship, you must demonstrate “good character,” meaning you should not have a serious or recent criminal record. The Home Office will also review any overseas criminal offences and UK immigration-related issues.
Application procedures can be complicated, but at Immtell, we simplify the process. This section breaks down the steps to becoming a British citizen, including the citizenship test and the application process’s costs.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to apply for British Citizenship. The application process is typically as follows:
Complete an online application form, submit the form and pay the relevant government fee.
You'll need to book an appointment to attend an application centre to provide your biometrics (photograph and finger scans).
Upload your supporting documents to the government’s system.
At the allotted time, attend an appointment at an application centre in the UK.
The Home Office should process the application within six months.
If approved, you receive approval notification and an invitation to attend a British Citizenship ceremony, usually at a local authority office close to where you live. During the citizenship ceremony, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalisation as a British Citizen.
You are free to apply for your first British passport if you wish to.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows you to live permanently in the UK without immigration controls, access public funds, and leave and re-enter the country without a visa. However, you can lose ILR status if you live outside the UK for more than two years.
British Citizenship grants full rights and responsibilities, including voting in elections and obtaining a British passport. It also allows for unlimited time outside the UK without losing status.
You can apply for British citizenship via Naturalisation once you have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Indefinite Leave to Enter, or EU Settled Status for a specified time, usually 12 months.
If married to a British citizen, you can apply immediately after obtaining ILR. .
Complete the application form provided by UKVI and submit it with your supporting documentation. Your biometric details must be collected at your nearest UKVCAS centre.
The Home Office may contact you to provide information at a local post office. You can submit your forms and documents from abroad or within the UK.
Submit Form AN, Application for Naturalisation as a British Citizen, with detailed information about your eligibility, biographical data, residency proof, employment status, and dependants. Include details of two referees who have known you for at least three years and meet specific criteria.
Your application needs two referees who have known you for at least three years. One must be a person of professional standing, and the other a UK national with a British passport. They must not be related to you or each other and must not have criminal convictions within the last ten years.
The Home Office typically processes applications within six months. Complex cases may take longer, but comprehensive documentation can expedite the process. Fees are non-refundable even if the application is refused. Upon approval, you will be invited to a Citizenship Ceremony to receive your Naturalisation certificate.
Talk to Immtell Today and Take the First Step Towards Securing Your British Passport
The Life in the UK Test consists of 24 questions about British culture, history, and customs. A minimum score of 75% is required to pass. You can book the test online, and it must be taken at one of the five centres closest to you. Bring the ID used for booking and proof of address on the test day.
You must have a recognised English test qualification at B1 level from an approved test centre. Exemptions apply if you are over 65, have a long-term condition, hold a degree taught in English, or are a national of an English speaking country (as per the Home Office’s list).
All applicants over 18 must participate in a Citizenship Ceremony, usually attended by the Mayor or Deputy Mayor of your local council. You will take an Oath of Allegiance and receive your nationality certificate. Ceremonies must be booked within three months of receiving an invitation from the Home Office.
Applications are processed within three to six months, but this may vary. You can travel abroad while your case is processed. Contact UKVI by email or phone to enquire about your application status.
There are several pathways to register as a British citizen, depending on your circumstances:
Prepare a comprehensive portfolio of documents to demonstrate your eligibility:
You can renounce British citizenship to become a citizen of another country. You will receive a “declaration of renunciation” and must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.
You can apply to resume British citizenship if renunciation was necessary for acquiring another nationality. You must demonstrate strong connections to the UK and meet the good character requirement.
Dual citizenship is allowed in the UK, permitting you to hold British nationality and citizenship of another country. Each country has its own rules, so check with the relevant consulate or embassy.
If your application is refused, you may have the right to appeal. Seek expert legal advice to determine the best course of action. A Request for Reconsideration can be submitted if the Home Office made an error in assessing your application.
Navigating the path to British citizenship can be complex, and we’re here to simplify it for you. Immtell offers two specialised service packages to suit your unique needs when applying for British citizenship via naturalisation. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive, end-to-end support or need expert feedback on your application, we’ve got you covered.
🔍 Full End-to-End Support: Our comprehensive service package provides extensive support and advice throughout the citizenship application process. From initial consultation to final submission, we’re with you every step of the way, ensuring your application is accurate, complete, and ready for approval.
📝 Application Review and Feedback: Our review service is ideal if you’re confident in handling your application but seek professional assurance. We’ll thoroughly assess your completed application, offer detailed feedback, and guide you on any necessary improvements to enhance your chances of success.
💡 Transparent and Tailored Pricing: We believe in clear and upfront pricing. Our two packages are designed to meet different needs and budgets, allowing you to choose the best service. Our prices below are typical; however, they may vary depending on the complexity of your application.
📞 Take the Next Step Towards Citizenship: Ready to start your journey to British citizenship? Contact us to discuss which service best aligns with your needs, and let us guide you towards a successful application.
Immtell is your trusted ally on the journey to British citizenship. With a seasoned team of regulated immigration professionals, we offer guidance and support tailored to your unique circumstances. Navigating the labyrinth of the application process can be daunting, but our expertise simplifies this challenge.
From understanding the requirements of naturalisation to managing application intricacies, we are committed to illuminating the path to British citizenship. We are well-versed in overcoming the hurdles applicants may face, and our mission is to ensure your application’s success.
If you’re considering naturalising as a British citizen, you should be able to fulfil your aspirations with the experts at Immtell. Don’t leave your future to chance – let us guide you towards achieving your dream of becoming a British citizen. Contact Us or call +44 (0) 20 3910 6641 today to start this life-changing journey.
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