Acquiring British Citizenship by Naturalisation is a significant step for many living in the UK who wish to become fully integrated into British society. This process allows individuals who meet specific criteria to gain citizenship and enjoy the rights and responsibilities of being a British national. It’s an exciting and final step in your immigration journey, but there is a lot to consider.
So in this up-to-date 2024 guide I’m going to break down everything you need to know about the process. Let’s get started:
Can I apply for British citizenship?
If you are 18 years old or above and hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or permanent residence in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation. To be naturalised, you must satisfy specific criteria related to your immigration status, length of UK residency, future intentions, knowledge of British life and the English language, and also demonstrate good character.
There are specific routes for those who are married to a British national and those who are not. We will look at this in more detail later in the article. Meanwhile, for EEA nationals and their family members it’s possible to apply for UK citizenship if they hold Settled Status or had a right of permanent residence for 12 months prior to application. They can also apply if they have held ILR for 12 months, are exempt due to diplomatic status, or are Irish nationals.
In addition, British Overseas Territories Citizens, British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas citizens, British subjects, and British protected persons are not British citizens but may have alternative routes to citizenship through registration. For full details of every potential route, you can visit the dedicated page on the Home Office website.)
What happens if I’m married to a British citizen?
- If you’re married to a British citizen, the Home Office requires confirmation that:
- You were physically present in the UK three years prior to your application date.
- You have not been outside the UK for more than 270 days in the past three years.
- You have adhered to UK immigration laws during this period.
- You have not been outside the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months before your application.
- You are not subject to any time restrictions on your stay in the UK at the time of application.
- You possess good character (defined here by the Home Office).
- You have adequate proficiency in English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic.
- You have passed the Life in the UK test.
What happens if I’m not married to a British citizen?
- If you are not married to a British citizen or choose not to use your marriage for your application, the Home Office must be satisfied that:
- You were present in the UK exactly five years before your application date.
- You have not been outside the UK for more than 450 days in the past five years.
- You have not violated UK immigration laws during those five years.
- You have not been outside the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months before your application.
- You are not subject to any restrictions on the length of your stay in the UK and have not been under such restrictions in the 12 months before applying.
- You possess good character (defined here by the Home Office).
- You have adequate proficiency in English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic.
- You have passed the Life in the UK test.
- You intend to make the UK your home or principal residence if your application is approved.
When can I apply for British citizenship?
If you are married to a British citizen, you can apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation as soon as you receive ILR. If you are not married to a British citizen, you can apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation 12 months after being granted ILR.
How much does it cost to apply for British citizenship?
As of July 2024, applying for adult citizenship costs £1,630 (this includes £130 for the naturalisation ceremony), while the fee for children is £1,214. Additionally, adults must pay £50 for the Life in the UK Test and around £150 for an English test (if required). Most fees are non-refundable if your application is denied due to ineligibility or incorrect documentation. For detailed breakdowns of the fees, you can visit the dedicated Home Office page.
How long does it take to receive British citizenship?
Naturalisation applications can take up to 6 months to process. However, decisions are sometimes processed faster.
Can I travel while my application for British citizenship is being processed?
You can travel abroad while your British citizenship application is being processed. It’s important to ensure you can receive emails or other notifications regarding your application during your time away. If your application is approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony within 90 days.
What if I don’t meet the criteria for British Citizenship by Naturalisation?
There are some measures in place which do allow for mitigating circumstances. In this case, it’s vital to speak to an immigration lawyer to understand where you stand and whether you can still be eligible. Read more about the benefits of working with an immigration expert.
Who should I use for a referee?
Two referees are required: One should be a person of any nationality with professional standing (professions include civil servant, accountant, solicitor, minister of religion, etc, but they must not be someone involved in your application). The other referee must usually be a British citizen passport holder and either a professional person or over the age of 25.
What happens once I have applied for Naturalisation as a British Citizen?
If your Naturalisation application is successful, you will need to attend a citizenship ceremony. At the ceremony, you will receive your certificate of Naturalisation as a British citizen. You can then apply for a British passport.
Why work with Your Immigration Solutions
It is important to work with a professional immigration advisor who can help you navigate and interpret the ever-changing regulations to ensure your application has the highest chance of success. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with both individuals and businesses to ensure they are able to complete their immigration applications successfully. Contact us for a free consultation and let us assist you on your British Citizenship by Naturalisation journey.
