Naturalisation as a British Citizen requirements.

British Citizenship by Marriage to UK National & Applying Straight After ILR?

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If you are married to a UK National, you can apply as soon as you have been granted ILR.  You will need to satisfy all of the other criteria as outlined above.  If you are not married to a UK national, you will need to have been free of immigration control restrictions for at least 12 months immediately preceding your submission.  This means that you will be eligible 12 months after being granted Indefinite Leave to Remain to apply.

 

​Absence & Travel Considerations

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What are the residence requirements for UK Citizenship and how many days can I be outside the UK when applying for citizenship?

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You must not exceed:

• 90 days outside the UK in the 12 months before your application

• 270 days over 3 years (spouse route)

• 450 days over 5 years (Indefinite Leave to Remain route)

 

Travel during the application is permitted, but you must:

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• Submit a certified passport copy

• Retain your original passport 

• Ensure valid re-entry rights (Indefinite Leave to Remain/e-visa)

• Attend biometric appointment within 45 days of submission

 

What is the good character requirement for British Citizenship?

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Naturalisation applications include good character assessment for UK citizenship. The British Nationality Act 1981 requires any person who wishes to naturalise as a British Citizen to be of ‘good character’. ‘Good character’ is not defined in the Act, but Home Office nationality policy guidance explains how ‘good character’ requirement is assessed.  This contains a non-exhaustive list of conduct that will mean that an applicant is not of ‘good character’ including criminality, terrorism, financial soundness, notoriety, deception and dishonesty and immigration rule breaches.

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It is important the requirements are given careful consideration as any application for British Citizenship where there is any possible or apparent doubt (harmless or not) can lead to refusal.  Advice from an immigration adviser is recommended to ensure any potential issues are identified and properly addressed as part of your submission needs.

 

SELT English Language Test for British Citizenship

 

If English is not your native tongue you will need to meet language test criteria there are 3 different levels you need to pass to become eligible and you will need to pass the B1 language test.

 

1. SELT level A1 applies for Entry clearance (UK Spouse visa)

2. SELT level A2 applies for FLR (UK Spouse visa)

3. SELT level B1 applies for Indefinite Leave to Remain 

 

For an in-depth look at obtaining an appropriate SELT B1 Test for Naturalisation check out our post:  

 

What is the English Language test for British Citizenship?

 

Life in the UK Test Requirement

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Were often asked "Do I need to take the life in the UK test for citizenship?" Before you can submit your application you will have to completed the "Life in the UK Test" and achieve a pass, Life in the UK test certificates doesn't have an expiration date. For more information about "Test for UK Citizenship" checkout our post.​​​​

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Referees for British citizenship applications?

 

​Referees: Who Can Vouch for You?

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Two referees are required:

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• One must be a British citizen aged over 25 or a person of professional standing

• The second can be of any nationality but must hold professional status and must not be involved in your application

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Examples include doctors, lawyers, ministers, teachers, or civil servants.

 

Cost?

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The Home Office application fee for an application to become a British National is £1,330.  You will need to spend a further £80 to attend your British citizenship ceremony.  

 

How long does it take?

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Applications for Naturalisation as a British Citizen normally take up to 6 months to process by the Home Office.  But the application process can be streamlined submitting through an immigration adviser who understands the nuances that can delay an application decision.    

 

Leaving the UK while your application is under consideration?

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You can apply for British Citizenship and travel outside the UK while your application is being considered.  When you apply for British Citizenship, you can submit a full certified copy of your passport and keep your original passport with you.  You can then use your original valid passport to travel overseas, however you should only do so if you have evidence of your Indefinite Leave to Remain, or other valid immigration status to re-enter the UK again. But bare in mind you will need to enrol your biometric information within 45 days of submitting your British citizenship application. Failure to provide biometric information when required will invalidate your application.

 

Attending your ceremony?

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If your application is successful, you will have to attend a citizenship ceremony where you will give your oath of allegiance to the king. At the end of the ceremony you will receive your certificate of naturalisation as a British citizen.  You can then use it to apply for  your 1st British passport.

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BOTC’s, BNO’s, BOC’s & BPC's?

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If you are a British Overseas Territories Citizen, a British National (Overseas), a British Overseas citizen, a British subject, or a British protected person you are not a British citizen yet; you will likely have to apply for British citizenship through registration instead.

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How our Immigration adviser can help you

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We recommend using a British citizenship lawyer to process your application our Immigration adviser Marc specialises in assisting foreign nationals settle and become British Citizens. Marc has supported hundreds of UK and other settled nationals sponsor their foreign partners to prepare and become UK subjects. Whether you require a consultation to understand the UK Nationality Rules or have your application professional checked by a UK Citizenship lawyer before you submit or use Marc's representation service to prepare and submit your own application for you, he can help.

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Nationality requirements can be particularly complex and include mandatory requirements in terms of the documentary evidence needed to demonstrate you have meet the requirements to Naturalise. Our UK citizenship lawyer specialises in Citizenship applications and can support in acquiring your own status here in the UK for you. Marc prides himself on being friendly, approachable and professional in meeting his clients’ needs, he is dedicated to providing clear and reliable advice to his clients when representing on applications.