Married to a British Citizenship & applying for citizenship straight after ILR?

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.  You will need to satisfy all of the other requirements for British Citizenship by Naturalisation outlined above.  If you are not married to a British citizen, you will need to have been free of immigration time restrictions for at least 12 months immediately preceding the date of your application.  This means that you will be eligible to apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation 12 months after being granted ILR.

 

How many days can I stay outside the UK before being refused Citizenship?

To qualify for UK Citizenship, you will need to have spent no more than 90 days outside the UK during the last 12-month period immediately before your application submission date for British Citizenship by Naturalisation.  If you are not married to a British citizen, you can not been outside the UK for more than 450 days during your 5-year qualifying period.  If you are married to a British citizen, you will need to have not spent more than 270 days outside the UK in the previous 3 years from your submission date.

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Meeting the good character requirement for British 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 that the good character requirements are given careful consideration as any application for Citizenship by Naturalisation 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 good character issues are identified and properly addressed as part of your Naturalisation application.

 

SELT English Test 

If English is not your native language you will need to sit an SELT English language test there are 3 different language levels required on this occasion you will need to demonstrate you meet the highest level.

 

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

2. SELT level A2 Test applies for Further leave to remain (UK Spouse visa)

3. SELT level B1 Test applies for Indefinite Leave to remain 

 

For an in-depth look at obtaining an appropriate SELT language certificate check out:

 

What SELT English Test do I need to sit:

 

Life in the UK Test

Before you can submit your application you will have to completed the "Life in the UK Test" and achieve a pass.

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Other eligible nationals: 

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EU Nationals and their family members applying for Naturalisation?

EEA nationals and their family members can also apply to naturalise. EU citizens need to hold Settled Status or have previously been given permanent residence, and held either for 12 months prior to the date of application. They will not need a document to show they held the right of permanent residence but will need to provide relevant evidence.

 

EEA nationals and their family members can also apply for naturalisation if they have been granted indefinite leave to remain under the UKVI Immigration Rules on another basis for 12 months prior to the date of application, are entitled by virtue of diplomatic status to exemption from UK immigration control or benefit as an Irish national.

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Choosing referees for a British Citizenship by Naturalisation application?

You will need to provide two referees when you apply for British Citizenship.  One referee can be a person of any nationality who has professional standing, such as a minister of religion, civil servant, or a member of a professional body such as an accountant, solicitor or barrister (as long as they are not representing on your application). The other referee must be a British citizen passport holder and either be a professional person or over the age of 25.

 

Cost to apply for Naturalisation as a British Citizen?

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

 

How long does it take to get British Citizenship?

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 Citizenship application is under consideration?

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 ILR, 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 Naturalisation ceremony as a British Citizen?

If your application for naturalisation 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?

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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Marc Gibson our immigration adviser specialises in assisting foreign nationals settle and Naturalise in the UK. Marc has supported hundreds of UK and other settled nationals sponsor their foreign partners to prepare and successfully apply for British passports after receiving indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Whether you require a consultation to understand the Nationality Rules for naturalisation, or have your British Citizen Application professional checked by Marc before you submit or use his representation service to prepare and submit your own naturalisation 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 immigration adviser specialises in British Citizenship applicants and can assist in acquiring your own citizenship 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 immigration advice to his clients when representing on Naturalisation applications.