British naturalisation

What is British naturalisation?

British naturalisation is the application process that foreign nationals undertake to become citizens of Great Britain and the United Kingdom. All applications for naturalisation made to the government are considered on a discretionary basis. This means that although the requirements to be met for naturalisation are written into law, no applicant is considered to have a ‘right’ to citizenship under meeting those requirements. The requirements for naturalisation are clearly defined, but each case will be considered individually.

I received Indefinite Leave to Remain. When can I apply for British citizenship?

Unless you are married to a British citizen, you will need to wait 12 months from the date your ILR was granted to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen.

Those married to UK citizens can apply for naturalisation as soon as they obtain ILR status, however, applicants must also have lived in the UK for 3 years before the date of application to be eligible to apply.

Qualifying requirements for naturalisation to British citizenship

You must meet the following criteria:

• Live legally in the UK for at least five years.

Have Indefinite Leave to Remain indefinite (ILR) for at least 12 months:

• Meet the residency requirements;
• Have proof of language proficiency, have successfully passed an accredited English language Test level B1
• Pass the ‘Life in the UK’ test;
• Have a good character;
• 2 reference
• Plan to live permanently in the UK.

For details about these requirements, our immigration law experts will be happy to help you. Please contact us for more information.

What are the fees for British citizenship?

The Home Office fee for naturalisation is £1,330 (including the citizenship fee of £80). The biometric application fee is £19.20.

What is the “90 days rule” of British citizenship?

As a qualifying condition for naturalisation as a British citizen, you cannot have been absent from the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months prior to your application for naturalisation.

How our immigration Adviser can help

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